Tonight on Remembering Our Veterans, a story of service, sacrifice, and survival. Erie native Charles Harkins spent four years in the U.S. Air Force, then demons surfaced, and he hit, in his words, "rock bottom."

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

Started off at Collegiate Academy and finished at East High School. Two months after graduation in 2001, he signed up for a tour of duty. Then two months later, the 9/11 attacks took place.

Both of his grandfathers served during WWII. His older brother was a load master in the Air Force, and he was inspired to follow in his brother’s footsteps.