Saluting Our Veterans

Every November 11th our nation commemorates Veterans Day, honoring those have served in our country's armed forces. This is especially meaningful to the ALS community, as those who've worn a military uniform are twice more likely to develop ALS than civilians.While the exact cause remains unknown, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers an array of benefits those living with ALS who've fought for our country.

To honor those veterans with ALS, living and departed, The ALS Association created the Wall of Honor as a tribute. If you are a veteran, please join other area veterans and tell your story.

If you are a loved one of a veteran, please share their story on the Wall of Honor. Here are just some of the outstanding veterans of New York and New Jersey on the Wall of Honor:

Carol Costanza-Edwards -- Teaneck, NJ
Women's Army Corp (WAC), 1959-1961

Served at Fort Carson, just outside Colorado Springs, Colorado. She died of ALS just this past July, survived by four children and several grandchildren.

Leonard Gagliardi -- Brooklyn,
NY Navy, 1942-1945

Served as a Naval Medic during World War II in North Africa. After returning stateside he got married, moved to Freeport, NY and raised six children. He worked at the Daily News. His brother also died of ALS.

Luis Journett -- Union City, NJ
Army, 1963-1965

Stationed in Vietnam, he was a decorated sharpshooter in the Airbourne Division. After his tour of duty he returned to New Jersey and was married for 43 years, raising five children and having 16 grandchildren. He died in the Fall of 2011 after a brief battle with ALS.

Fred Ruprecht -- Wantagh, NY
Navy, 1951-1955

Served as an Engineman on the USS Purdy during the Korean War. Upon returning to civilian life he became a New York City Fire Fighter and raised four children with his childhood sweetheart. He was diagnosed with ALS just before Christmas 2006 at the age of 74, but continued to care for his wife who was suffering with Alzheimers. He died less than a year following diagnosis.

Andre Williams -- Far Rockaway, NY
Army, 1980-1986

Enlisted and was subsequently deployed to a field artillery unit in Germany testing tanks and cannons. Following his service, he worked for over 20 years as a plumber and plumbing instructor. Andre is an ALS Advocate, particularly on issues related to veterans.

To learn more about Veterans' benefits for those living with ALS or to tell your ALS story as a veteran (or posthumously by a loved one) on the Wall of Honor, please visit www.alsa.org/veterans.

The Greater New York Chapter salutes our troops and thanks them for their service to our country.