It's been over 50 year's since Stephen Carroll's tour of duty ended in Vietnam, but  he hasn't stopped giving  back to local veterans.

This Crawford County native and U.S. Army veteran saw plenty of life-threatening situations during his tour of duty in the late 60s.

And Stephen Carroll remembers all the close calls like it was yesterday.

"When we were there, we were just so numb that it didn't take an effect. And the response, to your question later on when we got home and started to adapt, then it hit home," said Stephen. 

His passion for his country and the people he served with has never ended.

"People become an extension of your soul, and they are more important than I am," said Stephen. "And to a man, that's the way it was."

Carroll still serves as the accredited post service officer for the VFW2006 in Meadville. Getting people enrolled into the VA medical system to working with benefits.

We've been very active. Our generation is a stubborn bunch," said Stephen. "I don't take nobody from nothing. I ain't on welfare and I don't take handouts. It was surprising how many of the Vietnam era never took advantage of the VA system."

Stephen thank you for your continuous support.