The Alzheimer's Association is Seeking Signatures

The Alzheimer's Association, one of many worthy causes Smith Barid has supported over the years, is seeking signatures on a petition to President Obama asking that he take action to fulfil the promise of the National Alzheimer's Project Act, passed unanimously by Congress more than a year ago.

Review the petition here and, if you agree, sign your name in support.

Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride 2012

Soldier Ride is a Wounded Warrior Project initiative that provides adaptive cycling opportunities across the country to help wounded warriors restore their physical and emotional well-being. It is a unique adaptive cycling experience that honors our military men and women as they courageously battle the physical and psychological damages of war. Through the exhilaration of cycling, warriors embrace possibilities for the future in a supportive environment with fellow injured service members.

While Soldier Ride has inspired spectators for years, the experience is now open to everyone, allowing the public the opportunity to ride alongside our warriors as they convey a positive message of recovery.

The Wounded Warrior Project provides equipment and support to participating injured service members at no cost to the warrior. Soldier Ride raises funds for Wounded Warrior Project programs and initiatives to ensure this generation is the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in our nation's history.

A favorite stop in their ride is the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys, where soldiers enjoyed a dolphin encounter, thanks to the generosity of the Charles Evans Foundation.

Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride here.

Operation Gratitude

Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000 care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions, to their children left behind and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in Transition Units.

On Saturday, December 17, 2011 the 750,000th Operation Gratitude Care Package rolls off the assembly line at the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California. Up to 1,000 volunteers and supporters are expected to join the Operation Gratitude Assembly Day for this milestone celebration.

These packages are an important way of showing appreciation to our troops. In the words of one soldier in Afghanistan, "Being over here fighting with soldiers from around the world is quite an honor. But we couldn't do it without the support we get from people like you. Whether it is care packages or letters, big or small, the difference it makes in our life is HUGE. It keeps us going, and helps remind us why all of this is so important."

Every tax deductible donation of $15 sends one care package, personally addressed to an American hero, and filled with 50+ assorted snack, entertainment and personal care items valued at $100 or more.

Let's ensure that every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine and every recuperating Wounded Warrior feels loved and appreciated this holiday season. Go to Operation Gratitude to make your donation and show your appreciation.