I was drafted after graduating from college & took basic training at Ft Lewis, WA. I was given orders to go to Viet Nam at the same time I found out my wife was pregnant with our first born. My first Sgt told me that if I went to Drill Sgt school I could avoid going to Viet Nam. I spent the remainder of my service at Ft Lewis as a Drill Sgt. I was diagnosed with ALS in May 2009. I feel cheated out of my retirement years & the plans I had with my wife of 44 years and my family and grandchildren. I made the decision to fight this disease by not thinking about. I get up everyday and do everything I am capable of doing by myself and not dwell on what I have lost. I have had great support from my family and friends as I live through this journey.