Laredo, TX – On the evening of November 24, 2009, Farouk Systems partnered with the city of Laredo and brought 96 soldiers from the 72nd Battalion Combat team based at Fort Bliss, in El Paso County, home for Thanksgiving.

Founder and Chairman of Farouk Systems, Inc., Farouk Shami stated, "I am delighted that we could be a blessing and help our troops reunite with their families. These brave men and women woke up one day and made the courageous decision to sacrifice their precious lives to protect us and to protect our freedom. Douglas MacArthur once said, 'Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.' These brave soldiers are our American heroes! As a company and as a leader, this is the least I could do for our honorable American soldiers before they deploy to Iraq. May God continue to bless America and may God continue to bless Texas."

Due to the economic downturn, 96 soldiers from San Antonio, Rio Grande Valley and Laredo could not afford to go home for Thanksgiving. On November 28th, these soldiers will be deployed to Iraq where they will be serving a minimum of ten months. Being that Laredo is a central location to their homes, Farouk Systems partnered up with the city of Laredo and donated money for the soldiers’ airline tickets along with turkeys and care packs to the families. Farouk Shami and team welcomed the soldiers with Mayor Raul Salinas and First Lady of Laredo at KLRD Airport. The soldiers were excited with glowing smiles and Private Flores praised Farouk, "Thank you sir! It is because of you that I will get to see my family.”

At Casa Blanca Ballroom, emotions filled the room as families and soldiers reunited for an unforgettable Thanksgiving. Farouk Systems' Robyn Miller sang the heart-felt National Anthem. "Giving is what Farouk Systems does” stated Director of PR Jessica Gutierrez. "Every year our company gives generously, not just occasionally, but everyday. In the past Farouk Systems responded to major catastrophes, like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and Rita by donating millions of dollars. Last year when Hurricane Ike hit home, Farouk Systems first took care of its employees by giving each person a care pack. Then, we worked with the city of Galveston, which was in desperate need for hygiene products. Farouk Systems was ready with more than 10 pallets of products. It was so much, the city was forced to reject some of it due to lack of space in their warehouse."

Farouk Systems, Inc. is a Houston based privately held company that manufactures the world renowned high quality professional hair care brands CHI, BioSilk, SunGlitz and CHI Nails. The company began in 1986, during the 80’s recession, when Farouk Shami invented the first ammonia-free hair lightener and color system. Then, Shami introduced the use of natural silk molecules in hair care products called BioSilk®. Additionally, Farouk Systems pioneered thermal tool technology when it created the CHI® Iron becoming the first company to incorporate ceramic, ionic and far infrared into hair tools. Utilizing advanced American Technology, the company created hair dryers with low Electromagnetic Fields and hair tools with Nano Silver, which kills up to 650 forms of bacteria. Farouk Systems also introduced the first nail lacquer that eliminated harmful ingredients. CHI Nails is formulated with ceramic for durability, silk for a high-gloss finish and Nano Silver for the ultimate protection against bacteria. Farouk Systems’ commitment to high quality and innovation was exemplified by the hiring of former NASA Senior Scientist, Dr. Dennis Morrison, as its Senior Vice President of Technology. This year, the company also brought its manufacturing back from China and South Korea and within one year is employing 1,277 people. Mr. Shami also owns three ranches in Texas and planted 10,000 olive trees, which the company uses in the CHI Organics line.