Medical Condition
Michael Whittaker Michael Whittaker, a U.S. Navy Electronics Technician, has spent his life seeking adventure, pushing boundaries, and serving others. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1982, setting out on a path that would take him worldwide. He often parachuted as a radio communicator to establish secure communications. Ensuring his team could…
Petty Officer First Class Karl Olson, US Navy Karl grew up amazed at the submarines he saw on PBS on Saturday morning’s military hour, and at age 19 he was walking onto his first submarine as a member of the United States Navy. He remembers thinking, “Two years ago I was on a tractor in Minnesota, now I get…
Former Corporal Jason Kelley, USMC credits an ultimatum from his grandfather as the motivation to get after his life. He told Jason “Get a job, go to college, or join the military!”. At the time the high school graduate wasn’t too interested in sitting in a classroom, jobs were scarce, so he went to sign up…
Retired Technical Sgt. Matt McCollor, US Air Force “I was diagnosed with MS in the year 2000, in my 14th year of service in the Air Force. I was medically retired in 2004, after 18 years, 2 months and 17 days of military service. When I was diagnosed, I wasn’t sure what that meant…
Brian “Pat” Kipf It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the passing of 2018 recipient Brian “Pat” Kipf. We met him in 2017 when he applied to the foundation. Pat and his wife Shelia were selling their business and planning to move to Florida so Pat could be near his beloved…
Bob and Eulene Wagner were high school sweethearts, following each other to the University of Northern Colorado and through their 30-year teaching careers; Eulene taught elementary and Bob was a high school band director. Now enjoying retirement, they share something else, both have multiple sclerosis (MS). Eulene, diagnosed in 1996, continues to work through pain and…
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John Kennedy Retired US Army Specialist, John Kennedy, proudly served in the United States Army. In 2004, doctors diagnosed him with multiple sclerosis. He works very hard to keep his mobility, using a walker or cane when possible, and a power chair to reserve strength on outings. John’s wife Bridgett is training to be John’s…
Vincent Litwinowicz Vincent Litwinowicz, diagnosed with MS eight years ago, now depends on his wheelchair as the major source of mobility. He looks forward to diving with his best friend since Kindergarten. They never thought they could enjoy a sport like Scuba together.