Dear Family and Friends.

My wife of 56 years, Teri, and I enjoyed over 26 years of service in the U.S.Navy. She was my teammate in many ways through this wonderful journey. Teri was a volunteer at every duty station to which we were assigned. 

But in 2018, Teri was diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia and has now resided in a memory care facility for over 4 years. She joins the nearly 6 million Americans afflicted with this disease and related dementias.  

The monoclonal antibody drug, Leqembi (lecanemab) is now being used in early ALZ dementia for those qualifying for its use. The research pipeline continues to grow and a wide variety of approaches to this disease are being undertaken worldwide. In addition, biomarkers are begin developed that may aid in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease many years before manifestations of the disease are apparent. 

I have made it my life commitment to working on behalf of families dealing with this condition through involvement with the ALZ Association. I volunteer as a facilitator for a caregiver's support group in Rockwall, TX,  and am also a volunteer community educator. I serve on the Dallas and Northeast Texas chapter board of directors in a volunteer capacity as well.

Through your donations to the Alzheimer's Association, the organization has been able to provide nearly $100M yearly toward this necessary research! Even more is needed and increased NIH funding for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is urgently needed. Please note that only 4% or funds raised through the Alzheimer's Association are used for paid salaries! It is truly a volunteer-led organization.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is a great opportunity to become involved. Many of you have joined my teams in past years and I again sincerely thank you!  I hope you will join my team at Team Navy 2024 this year.  In Dallas, the annual walk will be held on November 2, 2024, and some 600 walks around the country will generally be held during the fall.  If more convenient for you, please choose a walk near your home should you wish to support this cause.  If you are in the Dallas area, of course I would be grateful and honored if you could walk with me and others on our team on that date.

Again, thank you for joining me at Team Navy 2024!!