For the past 45 years, I've devoted myself to working out. When I returned from Vietnam, I battled with alcoholism for 8 long years. Then, I made a life-changing decision to go cold turkey, giving up alcohol and smoking. I turned to the gym for solace; since then, fitness has been my rock for four and a half decades.

Now, at 78 years old, having faced 3 Agent Orange Cancers in the last 12 years, I continued to push forward. Throughout treatments, I never halted my workouts. I intensified my exercises, believing I could conquer these cancers and safeguard my life. Even after chemotherapy and radiation, I persisted, using my workouts as a form of medicine, replacing alcohol with the healing power of exercise. Every day, I commit to this regimen, knowing it's a key to my well-being.

To my fellow veterans, I urge you to adopt exercise as your ally despite the challenges. Its benefits are not just physical but mental and emotional.