Spotlight on… Moose Armistead, Veteran and Person Living with ALS

Raised in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay of Virginia, Michael “Moose” Armistead grew up with many aspirations, including a drive to serve. After graduating high school in 1970, he joined the Navy and became a young sailor at the age of 19. During his first duty station in Guam in 1971 where he served as an E5 Engineman, Moose met the love of his life, Ginger. The two have been partners in travel and life for over 53 years, building a beautiful family together.

Following 28 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Navy, Moose retired to Hawaii and began a new chapter at Kalaeloa Partners as a plant operator, where his leadership and work ethic led him to become the Environmental Health and Safety Manager.

In 2016, after undergoing neck surgery, Moose began to notice pain and muscle weakness in his left arm, often losing his grip strength from his left hand. After three years, five neurologists, and multiple electromyography (EMG) tests, Moose was diagnosed with ALS in June 2019. With support from the VA and the ALS Network, Moose and his family continue to fight each day with courage, determination, and hope.

Since his diagnosis, Moose and Ginger have become deeply involved with the ALS community in Hawaii. They regularly attend the ALS Network’s connection groups, participate in ALS Awareness Month proclamations, and take part in both the Hawaii Walk & Roll to Cure ALS and Big Island Walk & Roll to Cure ALS. 

At the 2024 Hawaii Walk, Moose was recognized with the ALS Hero Award, presented by Kalaeloa Partners in honor of his unwavering commitment and leadership within the ALS community — all to cure ALS together.

“I’ve been doing this Walk since 2019, when I was diagnosed. Everyone out here supports one way or another — those are the people that really help the community and guys like me. This Walk is something special to me — being with my friends, the people I care about — that makes me a happy man.”

– Moose Armistead

Now in a wheelchair, Moose refuses to let ALS take control of his life. He continues to live with joy, gratitude, and curiosity — traveling to Japan earlier this year and making inter-island trips to support the Big Island Walks and reconnect with friends across Hawaii. Whether attending community events, spending time with his loved ones, or exploring new places, Moose embodies perseverance and optimism, serving as a source of inspiration for others affected by ALS.

“I’m gonna live forever, and I’m not quitting. We are not giving up, we are going to make this thing work. There are obstacles you have to get over, but I’m happy to get up in the morning and see some light.”

– Moose Armistead