Gold Star Families Speak

Vietnam Marine Corps veteran and author Ron Farina's new book, "Sacrifice: The Final Chapter," tells the stories of American Service Members who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the enduring effects on their loved ones.

We talk with Ron about the book and also with three family members profiled in it.

We hear from Helen Keiser-Pederson whose son Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel was killed in Afghanistan in 2013, Michael and Pat Parry whose son Brian Bill, Navy SEAL, was killed in Afghanistan in 2011, and Rob Kugler, a Marine himself, whose brother and idol, Mike, was killed in Iraq in 2007.

Ron Farina’s storytelling provides an emotional look into the specific acts of sacrifice, using each person’s unique perspective to tell their stories. His Vietnam War experience enables him to capture the essence of military service and sacrifice, not only by these inspirational men and women warriors but also by the remarkable people left behind. The book is a testament to the resilience and strength of these families, highlighting how they navigate their grief and find ways to honor their loved ones’ memories.

Like the book, this program is a call to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of Service Members and their families long after the news stories fade.

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war, urging readers to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by Service Members and their families. Through vivid and haunting narratives, Farina ensures that the stories of these heroes and their families are not forgotten, but rather honored and remembered.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!