It's been over 50 years since John Williams served in Vietnam, but he is still asking why?

Why did so many have to make the ultimate sacrifice?

He told Erie News Now, "I have a lot to live for and I have a responsibility to those who didn't make it back, to live a good life, to make it better for someone else."

His unit played a support role and for the most part, remained in one location. He saw plenty upon arriving in Vietnam. "They came in and killed half of our guys. Headquarters said, "we will pull you guys out of there," but we didn't want to leave and continued to fight. That was pretty cool."

When he returned home, Williams continued to serve, helping with the Vets Center Program.

He also became the Erie County Director of Veterans Affairs.