Above is a high school graduation photo, sent by Ray & Evelyn Long via e-mail on Aug. 19, 2009. Below is a tribute; source unknown.

"We salute "America's bravest", our servicemen who are helping keep America strong. We need to remember the "forgotten heroes", those who served their country during the Vietnam War. They did not come home to such a welcome, but now, I Salute Them.

I went to Jerry's funeral today. He was in Vietnam when Agent Orange was sprayed by airplanes. Little did he know when he came home and married "the love of his life", Mary Gail, that Agent Orange was going to change his life forever. Always a strong young man who could do most anything. He was a master carpenter craftsman, much in demand for those who wanted near perfection.

Jerry, his wife and two sons, went through many trials because of the effects of Agent Orange. The cancer, surgeries and remissions were continuous for 25 years. More than once he was told that he only had a short time to live, but continued working on days that he was feeling better and for years, he beat the odds. In the end, his strength and courage were unbelievable. When told he would not last through the night, two days later, he wanted to sit on the porch. He worried about leaving his Daddy, who had already lost three of his four sons and Jerry was the last son living.

At his funeral, his wife told of his love for his country and the American Flag that was draped over his coffin. She said she would never see an American Flag and not think of Jerry. She said that he instilled a love of America in their two sons who are both in law enforcement.

Just as surely as "killed in the line of duty", Jerry and those other brave young men who have died from the effects of Agent Orange, gave their lives for this country.

I SALUTE THIS AMERICAN SOLDIER AND HIS WIFE AND SONS."