The Boot Campaign is a grassroots initiative started by five women from Texas known as the Boot Girls. The campaign encourages everyone to “get their boots on,” providing an easy and tangible way for Americans to show appreciation for troops, cultivate awareness of the challenges they face upon return and raise funds for Military programs meeting the physical and emotional needs of our heroes.
Nearly 50,000 US troops have been injured since 2001 and over 16,000 of those injuries are catastrophic leaving these Military heroes with enormous hurdles to overcome when they return home. The average age of an injured soldier is 23. Almost 8,000 troops have been killed in action since 2001. If the average Military family size is 4 people, then over 230,000 direct family members are affected by current-day Military casualties and loss.
The Boot Girls believe the first step in making a difference is to understand the need and to make people aware of that need. The Boot Campaign was developed to bridge the gap between American society and the warriors that protect her. The contrast of wearing combat boots with everyday clothes starts a conversation. When you put your boots on, people want to know what you’re up to! More often than not they also decide to join you. Before you know it, your act of wearing boots influences those around you to do the same. Their goal is to see 1.4 million Americans with their boots on thanking 1.4 million active duty Military serving in 150 countries globally and stateside.
The Boot Girls believe that no single organization has ability to solve the diverse and complex issues that surround our returning heroes. It’s their mission to provide the funding needed for best programs available today for relevant issues. Some of those programs are through the Boot Campaign’s internal initiatives, and other charity initiatives that work hand in hand with the Boot Campaign. Proceeds from our boot sales combined with donations and corporate sponsorships help us to assist wounded Military and their families with job placement, mortgage free homes, PTSD counseling, adaptive clothing and so much more.
