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Welcome Hudson Valley! This is Conor Walsh, host of In Touch, Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley’s Award-Winning Public Affairs and Issues program. (I know we were promoting Warwick Cares for this week, but we had to reschedule that episode because of sickness. We will return to focus on Warwick Cares soon!) This week, we get to speak with Alissa Coschigano Mosca about Rocky’s Ruck for Johnny Cake. In her father’s honor, she and her family have partnered with Guardian Revival to raise funds to help sponsor service animals for veterans. We talk about the impact the Ruck has had on the Wappingers community along with the Hudson Valley military community at large, and how folks can contribute. We invite you to listen to a previously recorded conversation between Alissa and myself here on In Touch About "Johnny Cake" John "Johnny Cake" Coschigano Jr was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corp, joining the service when he was 17 years old. He served in the Vietnam War. He was married to Ann Coschigano for 53 years and had two children, Daniel and Alissa. John resided in Wappingers Falls with his wife Ann for 31 years. He had an Emotional Support Dog named Rocky, who was his best friend and never left his side. When he was 34, he developed an interest in Woodturning, teaching himself different styles, fascinated by wood and the things he could make out of it. He began to do art shows all over the county to sell his wood pieces, where they would become great decor for someone's home. He was a man of few words, but he was full of passion and heart. Rocky's Ruck for Johnny Cake Rocky's Ruck for Johnny Cake Later in life, John suffered through some major injuries and illnesses, resulting in several operations internally, as well as to his back and foot, which should have left him in a wheelchair. He refused to ever be pushed around (literally) and fought through all of his pain, nerve damage and issues in an effort to continue living his life as uninterrupted as possible. Though, as he aged, this became more difficult for him to overcome. As he started to spend more time at home and on the couch, he was faced with memories that he didn't want to relive. As John got older, he found himself affected by PTSD more and more. When he turned 70, nights were no longer pleasant as his dreams were often haunted by memories of War. He continued his battle with PTSD, silently fighting off thoughts that caused pain and heartache. At the age of 73, John lost his battle with PTSD on September 6th 2022. Rocky's Ruck For Johnny Cake To commemorate her dad, Alissa Coschigano Mosca and her family started "Rocky's Ruck for Johnny Cake" on his anniversary, it is about a 5-mile ruck march starting at the cemetery where he lays to rest, Wappingers Rural Cemetery to the War Memorial on All Angels Hills Road, right down the road from where her parents lived. This ruck was started last year, as a way to honor Johnny Cake, for being the man that he was and to bring more attention to the many who battle with PTSD. Alissa says, He is someone that I have always looked up to, someone who supported me and was my best friend. By rucking in his honor, we hope to raise money and support for a charity that provides a K9 for every veteran battling with PTSD. Rocky brought our dad happiness and light when things seemed sad and dark, and we are hoping to help provide that for all others in need of happiness, joy and support that a service animal can bring. Through partnering with Guardian Revival, Alissa and her family hope to support those who may not be in a place to ask for help, those who dedicated their life to serving our country and returned with scars that we will never be able to see. A dog is so much more than a pet. They provide unconditional love, support, happiness and smiles, all while focusing their attention on the one that stands beside them. A dog can save a life in ways that some may never understand. Alissa says, "W ...