Senator Grisanti nominates Matthew Mondeoux to Veterans’ Hall Of Fame

Senator Mark Grisanti (R-60) today announced  that he is nominating Matthew Mondeoux of the City of Niagara Falls to the New York Senate's Veterans' Hall of Fame. 

The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame 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 our gratitude and admiration for their meritorious service to our nation.

Matthew Mondeoux was in the Army National Guard for over 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 number 4 covering almost 400 miles in 13 days.

His website (www.walkingforlou.com) was viewed by over 3,000 people who wanted to learn about the disease and contribute.  Matthew 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," said Senator Mark Grisanti (R-60). "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 Matthew Mondeoux in a ceremony at the State Capitol on May 22nd.  The Senator will spend time with the veteran and his family on this day.  It will be an opportunity for the whole state to learn of Matthew's great deeds and for him to be added to the wall of fame.

The Hall of Fame in the Capitol will showcase his information this year.