According to an E-Mail received from a Hackensack staff member on April 10, 2009:

Frank Kirkella left Hackensack High School during his junior year in 1966.

He was in the Army from 1967 to 1970 and went to Vietnam right out of Basic Training.

Frank Kirkella rose to the rank of E5
and received the Purple Heart and Medal of Valor. 

His brother, Nick Kirkella, also served in Vietnam.   

Recorded by:
Bob Meli
August 31, 2013