Support Those Who Serve

November is special. It just feels good—especially here in California. We get to enjoy a bit of the vibrant colors and crisp morning air that announce the change in seasons, but avoid the ice and frigid temperatures our eastern friends contend with. Where else but in California do you have clear blue skies and seventy degree weather in November?

It’s also special because it includes holidays that have somehow avoided commercialization. On Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, it’s all about reflection and expressing gratitude. It’s a time to consider the many sacrifices others have made, and continue to make, for us.

In this month’s issue of ALIVE you’ll find two very special articles that remind us of the people who serve—in the military and as first responders—who make sacrifices every day so that we might enjoy life as we know it, here in the United States.

In the first article (page 14) by Anita Venezia, you’ll learn about Fallen Heroes, an incredible organization that works to provide comprehensive support and care for the families of fallen police officers and firefighters. Then, on page 18 you’ll find The Front Lines of Caring, an article about TroopsDirect.org, an organization that collects and delivers much-needed supplies to our front line soldiers in Afghanistan.

In both stories we are reminded that while we have much to be thankful for, we all have the responsibility to do what we can to support those who serve us. In the case of these two extraordinary organizations, it was one, Tom Gallinatti (Fallen Heroes) and Aaron Negherbon (TroopsDirect.org) who chose to “walk the walk” and put real action into helping those who serve, by founding these fine support organizations.

On behalf of the writers and production staff at ALIVE we dedicate this month’s issue to our men and women in uniform, and their families—the soldiers, police officers and firefighters, who, in one way or another, serve all of us by insuring the freedoms, safety and security that we enjoy. We are blessed to live here, in this unique country, only because of the sacrifice of these special people.

Truly, November is special.