2019: A Year in Review

2019 was one for the record books for Boot Campaign as we celebrated our 10-Year-Anniversary of serving veterans and their families. Over the course of the last decade, Boot Campaign has remained adaptable, identified the most pressing needs of the military community and molded our programs to address those needs head on with customized care.

In 2019, we had an impact and want to celebrate the difference we’ve made as an army of Americans dedicated to giving back when veterans come back.

• More than 120 individual veterans were served through our health and wellness pipeline. Veterans like Johnny and his wife, Michelle who said, “We really cannot thank y’all enough for everything that you have done for our family. There are honestly no words that could express to you the graciousness in our hearts. Thank you for being willing to help Johnny and our family. We now found a renewed sense of hope because of everything that the Boot Campaign has done for us.” 
• More than 400 deserving military family members in 25 states were surprised with specially curated Christmas gifts through our Santa Boots program. One that especially touched me was the hand delivery I made to the Alvarado family in southern California. Marine Corps veteran Brian, his wife Rocio and their daughter Rhianna are facing numerous challenges, including Brian’s fragile health status as a result of burn pit exposure during his overseas deployment. However, their family continues to volunteer and give back to other veterans, military families and the homeless population in Los Angeles. Being able to serve them — and the hundreds of other military family members made my December one to remember. 
• Our #LaceUpAmerica movement to show our troops and veterans that we stand with them with our boots on in gratitude garnered the support of celebrity influencers including Elisabeth Hasselbeck, RaeLynn, Rascal Flatts, Jordan Spieth, Shark Tank stars Mark Cuban and Daymond John and NFL running back Benjamin Watson.
• Ricky Raley completed his second #RaleyRoadTrip, raising more than $50,000 by handcycling from Dallas, TX to the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, FL.
• We added two new team members – Dr. Jenny Howland and Lindsey Lott – to further deliver personalized programs and expand our reach. And our board of directors has grown, too, adding several veterans and military family members.

We are grateful for patriotic supporters who have stood by us over the years and the new recruits that have joined our cause, lacing up their boots to serve those who served us first. Because of you, Boot Campaign has made a difference; because of you, more veterans have reclaimed their health and wellness; more military families have been reunited, and together, we have reduced suicide in the military community. There is more work to be done and we need your help to do it. 

Looking forward to taking boot-clad steps with you by Boot Campaign’s side in 2020!

Laced up and ready,

Shelly