Efforts to develop a comprehensive descriptive epidemiology of cases among Gulf war veterans, with particular attention to whether there is a higher than expected occurrence of ALS among deployed veterans of the Gulf war as compared to either non-deployed Gulf war veterans or contemporary non-veteran populations.

Exploration of possible or probable causes factors, with particular focus on the roles of chemical or biologic factors in the Persian Gulf area of deployment. The primary outcome of interest in the preliminary investigations is the incidence of ALS among deployed and non-deployed Gulf war veterans.

The first phase of the study will involve complete identification with a comprehensive evaluation, of patients who may have ALS, among the deployed and non-deployed Gulf war veterans. To identify cases of ALS among veterans, there needs to be:

1. A nationwide search involving screening of the VA and DoD data bases.
2. Solicitation of cases from VA and DoD neurology services, non-federal neurologists through their professional societies, the ALS Association and similar organizations.
3. Public announcements in newspapers and or relevant Internet sites.

The diagnosis of ALS will be verified through medical record review and, if necessary, by clinical examination. A detailed clinical examination will be conducted to fully document characteristics and status of the disease. The examinations will be conducted by neurologists with expertise in ALS at VA or private sector centers of excellence in neurology, or if necessary, in the patient's homes. A blood sample for genetic markers of ALS susceptibility will also be requests from the study volunteers.

An in-home interview will be conducted with each patient to identify possible unique exposures. The in-home interview will also include a home environmental survey.

This is a two-phase study. The first phase was to identify and count the number of veterans with ALS. This phase has been completed and the VA released a statement in December announcing that there was a demonstrable increase in the incidence of ALS in this population. Benefits are now being received by Gulf War vets known to have ALS. The VA is still taking names of veterans through the Durham, NC site.

The manuscript for the phase one results is still in review; there has been no release of data as yet. They hope that there will be some release in the near future so that the data can be peer-reviewed. The phase two portion of this study will be to examine all the data gathered in phase one and, rather than merely counting cases, to compare the data with troop deployment and environmental exposures to see what those who developed ALS have in common.

Kelly Air Force Base Study

This is also a two-part effort. The first part, now completed, was to determine whether there was an increased incidence of mortality from ALS in Kelly Air Base workers. An interim report is due to be released in the next few weeks on this. This portion of the study was framed out to an independent contractor, rather than being done by the Defense Department. Hopefully we will have a yes or no idea of mortality soon.

The second phase of this is more of a case series, descriptive effort and is ongoing. All those workers identified as having, or having had ALS were asked to fill out a lengthy questionnaire. This questionnaire looked at environmental issues, emotional trauma, and toxic exposures form childhood through adulthood; in other words, they tried to ask everything possible and will, then review the data to find commonalties. This is being done by the Air Force and is due to be completed in this calendar year.

Everything we can do to assist the medical researches inures to our betterment. You can be sure that we're all behind them.

ONE MORE HERO

Sidney Siller, Department Adjutant

The New York Post has completed a survey of heroes, which included goodness and energy of everyday New Yorkers who have given unselfishly of themselves. The categories included separate and distinct Medal awards for "Ambassador "; "Finest"; "New York's Bravest"; "Community"; "Leadership"; "Courage"; "Freedom"; "Educator "; "Young Heart"; and "Lifetime Achievement".

I am happy to report to you that a Disabled American Veteran, named Harold Bill de Long a member of Chapter #126 Department of New York was awarded the "Ambassador " medal.

The first ever awards were presented on Friday, September 28, 2002 at Gracie Mansion.

Comrade Harold Bill de Long has spent in the past his time as a restauranteur, now retired he currently spends six months a year working as a waiter in the Diamond Club at Shea Stadium. However, all of his other time has been utilized by preparing and serving food to the NYPD, Fire Fighters, and other relief workers following 9/11/01; in addition to providing food and clothing to children all over the world for many years.

Bill de Long, is a man for all seasons. I met Bill before he was awarded the "Ambassador medal" and he truly impressed me with his vitality and dedication. Before we parted Bill de Long gave me his "Ode to World Peace," which he copyrighted in 1 995, which I want to share with you.

ODE TO WORLD PEACE
Power, Leadership and Humility
All goes hand in hand
Without leadership, you are
Half a man
Power can destroy you time
And again
Without humility, Where is the man
Power, Leadership and humility

Gains great respect
Without it, what good is life,
it can lead only, to heartaches
And strife
As we grow older we must be just
And fair, for one and all and
Continue to give our best,
For the freedom call.

I am sure that the "Ode" will give you a great insight into this man.