Pensacola Navy vet with ALS urges Congress to extend military kids' health coverage

July 15, 2026 - 20:13

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- ALS has stolen nearly everything from him. His ability to walk, to hug his kids, to speak out loud and kiss his wife. But Navy veteran Christopher still has his voice, even if it now comes through a computer screen that tracks his eye movements. And he is using that voice to fight for something bigger than himself.

Christopher, a former aviation ordnanceman who served for nearly a decade, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2022. The progressive neurodegenerative disease has left him paralyzed and reliant on a ventilator. Yet from his home in Pensacola, he is leading a push to extend health coverage for military dependents under the age of 26.

Current law allows children of active-duty service members to stay on TRICARE until they turn 26, matching the age limit for private insurance under the Affordable Care Act. But that same protection does not apply to the children of veterans who separate from service. Once a parent leaves the military, those children often lose coverage immediately or face steep premiums.

Christopher told lawmakers this week that his own children, ages 14 and 17, would be left without affordable options if his condition worsens or if he is forced to leave the military healthcare system. He asked Congress to close the gap, saying military families already sacrifice enough without worrying about their kids' access to doctors.

The proposal, known as the Kids to 26 Act, has bipartisan support but has stalled in committee. Advocates argue it would cost relatively little compared to the burden it would lift from thousands of families. For Christopher, the issue is personal. He cannot walk or speak, but he can still fight for his children's future.