I need help with making a commemerative bow

[wyatts daddy]

I was asked from a 20 year USMC Sgt stationed in Irag if I could make a bow that commemerates his 20 years in the Marines. Of course I said yes and I have until November/December 2007 to get the bow completed. I was hoping that some of you could give me your ideas on how this bow should look. It will be a longbow, I'm shooting for specs of 66" 55# 28". I'm looking forward to your ideas and Thank you in advance.
Bill

[Golden Hawk]

You could always get a Marine uniform button and inlay it in the riser.

[sleepyhollow]

Bloodwood riser and yellowheart limb veneers for the marine colors of red and gold, with matching riser and limb tip overlays?

[Bodork]

Bill, I had an American flag and an eagle lasered into some bamboo and put it under the limb glass that looked real cool on the bow I made to be sent to the troops in Iraq. Also inlaid a yellow ribbon. Have you seen the bow that had some red white and blue fabric under clear glass as an overlay on the riser?  It was really neat looking.

[Shawn Leonard]

I like Sleepy's idea. Nice color combo! Shawn

[Snakeeater]

I like the idea of red and gold for the limb colors.

Maybe a leather grip to commemorate the leatherneck era.

If you could find out what his campaign ribbons were you could add the fabric or paint them on before you put the last lam of clear glass on. That way it would really reflect what he has been through in his 20 years.

I like the idea of the dress or duty uniform button (depending on if you want flash or subdued colors)inlaid in the riser too. It should definitely have the eagle/globe/anchor on it somewhere.

[M60gunner]

I would want an Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem on my bow. I would try one of the tie clasp size ones. I would also want my Combat Action Ribbon and Viet Nam service ribbons worked into the bow also. Some guys might like to have a unit logo also. Do a search for Sgt. Grit. He has tons of Marine stuff to give you ideas.Oh yes, leave it shinny. It will be outstanding!!

[wyatts daddy]

Thx for all the help so far. Anybody know where I can get my hands on some of this stuff?
Thx Bill

[702plmo]

For the grip I would use the same color of leather that the K-Bar sheath has and stitch it like the sheaths are stitched.???      You might be able to get an old eagle, globe and anchor and heat it up and brand the handle.