Today is Veterans Day, and today it resonates with me more than ever. Through this process, we’ve been confronted with an extremely unfortunate fact.

Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS than civilians, and no one knows why.

After graduating from the Air Force Academy, my dad served with the Air Force for 11 years. He flew in Desert Storm, the first Gulf War, and in a Special Operations mission. He came out of service with 11 medals, including the Aerial Achievement Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medals, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and something he either made up or stole from somebody else, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

It’s a tragedy that after our soldiers leave the battlefield, they must still fight for their lives. The ALS Association is paying tribute to these heroes through a Wall of Honor. Please take a moment to read the stories of brave veterans who served then suffered from ALS, just like my dad. It’s incredibly powerful to hear how some of the bravest, strongest people in America succumb to such a disgusting disease, and that’s why we’re doing our best to combat it in every way possible. http://www.alsa.org/advocacy/veterans/

Happy Veterans Day, and thank you to all my family and friends that have served.