Community of Wappinger Gather Together to Honor Fallen Marine

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.

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, "We are thankful for Rocky to be that for my dad and look to continue to provide that support for any veteran that needs it."

How You Can Support

Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental Health & well-being of Military & first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them. They serve our guardians are Military & first responders — a far broader group than most people assume or imagine, who are exposed to mental & physical trauma & stress.

Who Guardian Revival Serves:

• Active Military,
• Veterans, Reserves,
• National Guard,
• Law Enforcement,
• Fire & Rescue,
• Emergency Medical Services,
• Dispatchers,
• Corrections,
• and Federal Agents.

The Homefront program focuses on the family and provides experiences, education, and support for the spouses, partners, and children of military and first responders. You can donate to Rocky's Ruck for Johnny Cake by visiting the site here.

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This has been this week’s edition of IN TOUCH, the award-winning public affairs and issues program that runs across Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley radio stations. We want to thank Alissa Coschigano Mosca. For more information, please visit https://give.guardianrevival.org/campaign/604576/donate 

Of course, all links and information will be in the description of this episode. 

In Touch Receives 2 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards for 2024  

I am so proud to announce that In Touch has received another two Excellence in Broadcasting Awards from the New York State Broadcasting Association for 2024. In Touch received the award for “Outstanding Public Affairs Program or Series” for the second year in a row. Not just that, but In Touch also received the award for “Outstanding Editorial/Commentary.” This recognition would not be possible without all our phenomenal guests that we learn from and grow with every single week, and of course you, the listener! Whether you’ve been listening for a while, or you just found us, thank you for taking part in the conversation and staying In Touch with what’s going on in the Hudson Valley.   

Townsquare Spotlight 

Because of the awesome success of In Touch over the last year, we are expanding! We are launching a new spin-off series under the In Touch umbrella called Townsquare Spotlights. These Spotlights focus on amazing celebrities and leaders passing through the Hudson Valley who are making an impact in pop culture. You can check out our latest spotlights wherever you listen to In Touch.

MORE OF IN TOUCH 

Whether you’ve been listening for a while or you have just joined us, thank you! You can find In Touch episodes new and old on your favorite streaming services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and more! That, and listen On Demand with your Townsquare Radio Station Mobile App. Of course, you can still find all articles and audio under the In Touch Tab on this radio station’s app and website. And don’t forget, we are also on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram @intouch_hv.  

I’ve been your host, Conor Walsh. Until next time, stay curious, keep an open mind, and as always, I’m glad we get to Spend Some Time.