
Captain Reese spent more than 25 years with state police. Before he patrolled Erie county, he was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corp.

Two of her children followed her military path; her daughter served in the Air Force, and her son is still serving.

Now, he will have more time to visit family and friends in Erie County and take in one of his favorite events, the North East Cherry Festival.

She was inspired by her mother's dedication to service.

The 40th Annual National Disabled Sports Clinic will take place on April 4-11 of 2026. Ray says he wouldn't mind making a return trip to Colorado.

His dogs, Wolf and Rex, were life savers.

Garren ended up serving in the military for 28 years.

David served in the United States Marine Corp and was in Vietnam from 1968-1969. He signed up for duty instead of being drafted.

This U.S. Air Force combat veteran, spent 23 years serving his country. His tour of duty took him across the globe and in many dangerous situations.

Tom's greatest honor was serving his country. He was also inspired by his father, a WWII and Korea War vet.

Meyer spent 20-years in the U.S. Army.

His interesting story starts across the pond before he arrived in the U.S.

Saeger was in the U.S. Army from 1996-2004. He was still a high school student when he signed up to join the military.

In Vietnam, he served as a crew chief on a fixed-wing aircraft.

As he flew on his missions, he would even write in the Bible if on his way to where they were going or on their way back, and he said his faith really helped him get through all those missions.

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.

Instead of being 20 miles away from the action, Crabb was right in the middle of it as a 50 caliber gunner, delivering and protecting troops.

Scott Kessler, 44, from Conneaut, Ohio, enlisted in the Army in 1999 and served for three years.

Rob Eliason, who was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School, spent the first four years of serving his country in his favorite branch.

He has been a VFW Life Member since 2000, and has achieved Gold Legacy Life Status.

Brennan graduated from McDowell High School in 2014. Joining the Marine Corps was a mission he had in mind for years.

Jeremy Sidun’s tour of duty started in Parris Island, South Carolina, not long after receiving his high school diploma. And two of his sons followed in his military footsteps.

Among the medals he was awarded were the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.

Why did Frank Hall select the Coast Guard? He wanted to join a branch of the military that makes a difference every day. He did that for 14 years in the Coast Guard.

Kevin Gilbert, 61, a 1981 Union City High School graduate, served four years in the U.S. Navy.

Nine months after graduating from Tech Memorial H.S., he was off to boot camp, and his journey of becoming a proud veteran was underway.

Since 2016, Charles has worked at the Erie VA, helping others avoid rock bottom.

He served during the Vietnam Era from 1969 until 1973.

In 1945, the U.S. Army veteran was in the Coal Mar region and was shot, becoming 100% disabled.

When he retired from the military in 1981, he started a second career in Germany, one that last 50 years.