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Grisanti nominates Matthew Mondeoux to Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame

by jmaloni
Mon, May 21st 2012 03:55 pm

State Sen. Mark Grisanti has announced his nomination of Niagara Falls resident Matthew Mondeoux to the New York Senate's Veterans' Hall of Fame. The hall was created in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from across the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. The Hall of Fame provides an expression of gratitude and admiration for their meritorious service to this nation.

Mondeoux was in the Army National Guard for more than 10 years, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He received numerous awards for his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

When he was honorably discharged in May of 2011, he began to serve his country and community in a new way. He picked up the fight against a A.L.S, or Lou Gehrig's disease. In the summer of 2011, he walked from Grand Island to New York City wearing a Yankee uniform with Lou Gehrig's No. 4, covering almost 400 miles in 13 days. His website,www.walkingforlou.com, was viewed by more than 3,000 people who wanted to learn about the disease and contribute. Mondeoux donated all the funds raised to Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center at Columbia University. The culmination of his efforts was signified by a proclamation and a Tiffany glass apple presented to him by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at Yankee Stadium.

"Matthew Mondeoux is a unique, big-hearted individual who considers his service to country and community to be just ordinary. The New York State Senate, through the Veterans' Hall of Fame, has created a way to say 'Thank you' and honor people like Matthew who give freely of themselves in an effort to make the world a better place," Grisanti said. "For all his sacrifices, whether on the battle field or in raising awareness for incurable diseases, I salute Matthew Mondeoux as an extraordinary human being with incredible drive, compassion and determination. He is, in my book, anything but ordinary."

The New York State Senate will honor Mondeoux in a ceremony at the State Capitol on May 22. Grisanti will spend time with the veteran and his family on this day.

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