The third family is Matthew Strickland and Veronica Strickland Brown, brother and sister to Thomas Neil Strickland, pictured above Matthew. He was drafted March 19, 1969 and died May 2, 1969 in South Vietnam, Phuoc Long Providence, Vietnam.

Courtesy Photos

It’s tough to lose a loved one under normal circumstances, but nothing like one being killed in the line of duty. The duty, “fighting for our freedom.”

The loved ones left behind are termed “Gold Star Families.” Montmorency County has three such families. On Feb. 21, the VFW Post and Auxiliary 2356 in Hillman honored these families with a luncheon and presented them with a Gold Star Family pins.

The first picture, below, is of Nancy Craft Saddler and Susan Craft Edgar, sisters to James Adolph Craft — they are holding his picture. James enlisted Jan. 27, 1969 and died March 1, 1969 in the Hills above Song Verizon River, South Vietnam.

The second picture, at right, is of Brian and Patricia Klein. Patricia is the sister to Darryl Francisco — her brother is pictured in photo above Brian. Darryl enlisted May 1, 1969 and Died June 13, 1969 in South Vietnam, Bihn Duong Providence, Vietnam.

The second picture is of Brian and Patricia Klein. Patricia is the sister to Darryl Francisco — her brother is pictured in photo above Brian. Darryl enlisted May 1, 1969 and Died June 13, 1969 in South Vietnam, Bihn Duong Providence, Vietnam.

The third family, below right, is Matthew Strickland and Veronica Strickland Brown, brother and sister to Thomas Neil Strickland, pictured above Matthew. He was drafted March 19, 1969 and died May 2, 1969 in South Vietnam, Phuoc Long Providence, Vietnam.

The first picture is of Nancy Craft Saddler and Susan Craft Edgar, sisters to James Adolph Craft — they are holding his picture. James enlisted Jan. 27, 1969 and died March 1, 1969 in the Hills above Song Verizon River, South Vietnam.