‘TOUCHING’:The Powerful And Inspiring Collaboration Between Alex Vasselo And His Grandson, Ryan Malone…Read more
“The Power of Family and Legacy: 91-Year-Old Korean War Veteran Alex Vasselo Joins Forces with Grandson and Former NHL Player Ryan Malone to Advocate for Veteran Mental Health”
At 91, Korean War veteran Alex Vasselo assists his grandson, former Pittsburgh Penguin Ryan Malone, in raising mental health awareness for veterans. Vasselo, who served in the 2nd Infantry at the 38th Parallel from 1953-54, shared a poignant memory of his time in Korea, including a tragic incident involving a fellow soldier’s suicide.
Vasselo dropped the opening puck at the second annual Black and Gold Breaking the Mold Hero and Celebrity Hockey Game, organized by the Malone Family Foundation to support mental health for veterans and first responders. The event highlighted the therapeutic benefits of hockey, emphasizing camaraderie and accountability.
The 2012 Department of Veterans Affairs report revealed a troubling statistic: 22 veteran suicides daily in 2010, a figure that has become a rallying point for better veteran care. Reflecting on these challenges, Malone’s foundation underscores the importance of support systems for veterans and first responders.
Vasselo’s recollections include both hardships and uplifting moments, such as seeing Marilyn Monroe perform for troops. His service memories are a testament to the enduring impact of military life on mental health, an issue his grandson’s foundation aims to address.
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