I joined the Navy as an 18 yr old kid out of high school. Stationed in Long Beach, CA, on the USS Hollister DD788, and Norfolk, VA, on the USS Hawkins DD873, I finished up my service in Phila, PA, when the Hawkins was moved to the Reserves. I was a Machinist Mate and after the Navy worked for the power company in Delaware. I was diagnosed with ALS in 2003. With the care I have received through the ALS Association and VA in Wilmington, DE, I have focused on living with ALS! I have two children and am about to become a grandfather in early 2012.