Sandy Pietrzak will never forget November 17, 1965.

It was the day her older brother, Ronald R. Martin was killed in Vietnam.

Martin was the first person from Erie killed in action.

Trying to deal with the death of her brother, took Sandy down a very dark road.

She told Erie News Now, "I didn't cope well, I am a recovering alcoholic."

Now she relies on positive memories of her brother.

"I taught him how to dance and he came to my prom in his uniform. What an incredible night that was."

Over 55 years after her brother died and the heartache is still overwhelming.

"My Dad tried to tell me Martin's don't cry, you are not allowed to cry. I told him, Martin's do cry and I cried a lot."