My father served in the Viet Nam war. He was diagnosed about 2 years ago with ALS. He died September 14, 2011 with some of his family next to him. He was a strong, positive influence on all he came in contact with. It is unknown if his military background is to blame as his brother died last year of ALS. They were from Pittsburgh, PA area. He left behind a wife of 53 years, 6 children, 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is so terribly missed daily.