At 96 years old, Navy veteran Al Cirulli is still teaching others how to serve - both on the court and in life.

Each week, Cirulli joins fellow veterans at the Greenburgh Indoor Tennis Center in White Plains for the Tennis Serving Vets program, organized by the U.S. Tennis Association.

Cirulli, who served aboard the USS Cronin during the Korean War, brings the same focus and determination he had at sea to every rally.

“Make believe you got a toy hat,” he jokes while demonstrating his classic serve.

His enthusiasm inspires others, like Air Force veteran Max Makarczuk, who says, “If Al can play, I better be able to.”

For these veterans, tennis is more than a game — it’s a source of camaraderie, connection, and healing.

As Cirulli puts it, “Sometimes you make a lucky good shot, and it lifts you way up.”