U.S. Navy veteran Dave Garren actually started his tour of duty before he completed his senior year at Tech Memorial High School in 1987. His incredible journey is the focus of this week's Remembering Our Veterans story. 

Garren went into the Navy Boot Camp in the Great Lakes between the summer of his junior and senior year. 

"As long as you graduated, you are allowed to return to the military on active duty," said Garren. He was just 16 years old.

Garren ended up serving in the military for 28 years. 

Dave currently works with the Erie Blue Coats. 

"Our mission is to encourage Erie parents to protect minors and the youth while understanding that gun violence is a real problem," said Garren.