For the last three years, Erie News Now has honored veterans and their families every Thursday night.

It's stories of service and sacrifice. And tonight, we feature the journey of Jon Pagels, an Air Force veteran who relished his time serving our country.

His tour of duty lasted four years, from 1978 to 1982. And what sticks with Jon Pagels, 42 years after serving, are the people he served with.

Now 65, after graduating from high school in Tonawanda, New York, he went from the classroom to basic training. And there was a big reason for joining right away.

Jon Pagels, thank you for your service.