Lilly Broadcasting and Erie News Now will continue to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families through out 2022.

John Larese spent 26 years in the U.S. Navy.

His tour of duty came with great sacrifice and lost time with his children.

When he retired, he decided to connect with his three children in a unique way.

He did so, by putting pen to paper.

Larese wrote a letter to his children, describing what he went through.

He served nine months in Vietnam and his ship the USS Blandy was a constant target.

He told Erie News Now, "The ship was hit exactly where I was suppose to be and five people were killed. It was tough, really tough."

In the early 1990's, John was diagnosed with Agent Orange.

He currently gives his time to to Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Erie V.A.