Forty-four years ago Thursday, a Lackawanna County native was one of the first women killed in the Vietnam War. Now people in her hometown of Dunmore are planning a lasting tribute to the Army lieutenant.
"A lot of people didn't make it back from Vietnam and there are a lot of stories to be told. Carol Drazba's is one of them and we thought hopefully we could tell it and bring her a little honor," said Donald Knight of Friends of the Forgotten.
The group makes sure military members are remembered on the home front and while serving overseas.
Knight's non-profit organization is joining forces with Hometown Heroes Bar & Eatery in Dunmore to start the long process of collecting cash that will be used to build a monument to honor LT. Carol Ann Drazba.
The Army nurse and Dunmore native was one of the first women killed in Vietnam on February 18, 1966.
"Carol was a nurse at the old state hospital. My mother worked there as well and Carol used to chase me around in the hall when I would run around. She was a wonderful girl, absolutely wonderful woman," said Cathy Ruhle of Dunmore.
The cause is close to the hearts of many, including musicians who are volunteering to perform.
It's a benefit that Drew Fisher said he wishes his sister, Marianne, could have been here to see. She died from breast cancer two years ago. She was childhood friends with the fallen Army nurse. The pair even served together in Vietnam.
"They were together through all of their training. They grew up together. They were like sisters," Fisher said. "When we got the word that Carol had passed away I just lost it. I'm still losing it now."
The benefit for Carol Drazba gets underway at 4 p.m. Thursday at Hometown Heroes at 109 East Drinker Street in Dunmore.
For those who can't make benefit, donations can be sent to the Carol Ann Drazba Memorial Fund, First National Community Bank at 102 East Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA 18512.
"A lot of people didn't make it back from Vietnam and there are a lot of stories to be told. Carol Drazba's is one of them and we thought hopefully we could tell it and bring her a little honor," said Donald Knight of Friends of the Forgotten.
The group makes sure military members are remembered on the home front and while serving overseas.
Knight's non-profit organization is joining forces with Hometown Heroes Bar & Eatery in Dunmore to start the long process of collecting cash that will be used to build a monument to honor LT. Carol Ann Drazba.
The Army nurse and Dunmore native was one of the first women killed in Vietnam on February 18, 1966.
"Carol was a nurse at the old state hospital. My mother worked there as well and Carol used to chase me around in the hall when I would run around. She was a wonderful girl, absolutely wonderful woman," said Cathy Ruhle of Dunmore.
The cause is close to the hearts of many, including musicians who are volunteering to perform.
It's a benefit that Drew Fisher said he wishes his sister, Marianne, could have been here to see. She died from breast cancer two years ago. She was childhood friends with the fallen Army nurse. The pair even served together in Vietnam.
"They were together through all of their training. They grew up together. They were like sisters," Fisher said. "When we got the word that Carol had passed away I just lost it. I'm still losing it now."
The benefit for Carol Drazba gets underway at 4 p.m. Thursday at Hometown Heroes at 109 East Drinker Street in Dunmore.
For those who can't make benefit, donations can be sent to the Carol Ann Drazba Memorial Fund, First National Community Bank at 102 East Drinker Street, Dunmore, PA 18512.
