Moynihan proudly served the country for over two decades. However, he felt that the magnitude of his sacrifice fell by the wayside following the 9-11 terrorist attacks. He felt abandoned in his time of need, and discouraged by the excessive government bureaucracy. The benefits he earned and the care he was promised took over a decade to be delivered.

Moynihan lobbied for 13 years to have the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH, a federal agency responsible for conducting research into occupational safety and health matters, approve payments for his 9-11-related health conditions. Over the past 11 years, he spent thousands of dollars on co-pays, medications and doctor visits.  

A NIOSH panel approved Moynihan’s case in January, but came back with a coordination of benefits in June, which means that he was still paying co-pays for medications and doctor visits after his case was approved.

After years of fighting to receive his due benefits following 9-11, Moynihan has not lost faith in humanity. He is especially thankful for people like Hoffmann, Brandsdorfer, Sapodin and Chambers, who recognized his service, and offered him their assistance.

“The people that are supposed to be taking care of us don’t, but there are regular people that step up and say this isn’t right, and they do,” said Moynihan.

Moynihan also believes that he received some heavenly help from his late friend Richard Muldowney, a former Freeport firefighter who died while working at the WTC sites on 9-11. He’s convinced that Muldowney orchestrated his receipt of the Widex hearing aid device through Chambers. “Richie is still taking care of us,” said Moynihan. “He put Karen in our lives.”