Governor Pat Quinn honors a Central Illinois family for their sacrifice.

It's a special honor for the Hiatt family of Norwood. They traveled to Springfield for the 47th annual Governor's Prayer Breakfast.
Governor Pat Quinn invited them because they are a Gold Star Family.

"It's a great honor to be here with the governor," said Rick Hiatt Sr.

The title of Gold Star Family is something no family seeks. It means a loved one made the ultimate sacrifice serving his or her country.
The Hiatt's became a Gold Star Family when they lost Rick Hiatt Junior in October 2007.

"He went to Iraq and when he came back, he was different. He did come back... we were fortunate there. It was just more than he could handle, unfortunately he's not here now. He always wanted to help his soldiers," said Debbie Hiatt.

Hiatt, a Sergeant with Bartonville's 724th reserve unit, was injured in Iraq and suffered from post–traumatic stress disorder. While undergoing treatment, he took his own life.

PTSD is a growing problem among veterans returning home from war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Their unit was hit. And one of the soldiers, which was under my son's command, Matt Maupin, was taken. And for the longest time, my son blamed himself, being the sergeant saying it was his fault. I knew he did everything he could, but emotionally that changed him for life," said Rick Hiatt Sr.

"There are no words in the English Language or any language to relieve the pain of losing someone. I can tell you from my personal experience at these funerals of the All American Heroes who answered the call to duty, to protect our freedom we thank their parents. We thank their families for such wonderful men and women and we acknowledge our permanent debt of gratitude to these young men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion to our country and our democracy," said Gov. Pat Quinn.

This isn't the first time the Hiatt's have met with the governor. He spoke at Hiatt's Funeral and they hope he continues to bring more awareness to help veterans.

"I think we need more awareness for families to recognize the signs, more commitment from our country to provide services for the soldiers when they come home to help with that transition," said Debbie Hiatt.

The Hiatt's hope that by sharing their son's story other families won't experience the pain of losing a soldier and loved one to the effects of war.