Prior to the Wall That Heals in Erie, Erie News Now is honoring local Vietnam Veterans and their families.

Skip Zeiber is now 71-years old and he served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971.

Over 50 years later, the memories are fresh and emotions continue to run high. 

He told Erie News Now, "we weren't treated very well when we got home. 10 years ago, I was in Giant Eagle and a young worker said, welcome home. I said wow, 

that was amazing and probably the first time anyone said anything to me." 

He uses much of his free time these days helping out Veterans. "Why do I do it? Because we had no one helping us when we got home." 

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is honoring those who served with a new program.

It's called the "In Memory" program and it recognizes Veterans who returned home and later died.

For an application, email, [email protected] 

You will need to supply a copy of Military documents, a copy of the death certificate and two clear photographs of the honoree.