Veteran Stories

June 22, 2022 by Shelly Kirkland 2021 ANNUAL REPORT: A LETTER FROM OUR CEO

2021 was a year like no other for our veteran and military community. Continued isolation, stress and job loss caused by COVID-19, the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and the formal […]

 June 22 2022
March 9, 2022 by Shelly Kirkland Root to Rise

“Root to rise” is common phrase in yoga and one that I have been hearing more frequently as I practice the craft. The visual and physical concept in yoga encourages […]

 March 09 2022
December 26, 2021 by Boot Campaign SANTA BOOTS 2021 IMPACT REPORT

For the seventh consecutive year, Boot Campaign spread extra holiday cheer to veteran and active duty military families nationwide through our Santa Boots program, and we are pleased to share […]

 December 26 2021

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U.S. Army Veteran Mike Botehlo tried everything to fix what he described as “soul-crushing pain” as a result of compounded mental and physical injuries he endured while in service. His chronic pain led to enhanced emotions, from anger to anxiety, that made all aspects of his life and relationships with his loved ones strained. Our holistic approach allowed Mike to get not only the answers and insight he needed to better understand his brain and his body, but also the tools and resources to heal and move forward to live his best life today. With your support, more Veterans like Mike will get the treatment they need and so deserve. Please consider a one-time donation or join our nationwide network of recurring donors making a difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans and military families by visiting donate.bootcampaign.org.
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Sharing Veteran Stories: Mike Botelho

Boot Campaign 06/27/25 2:04 pm

Following his father’s example of service, when Mark decided to lace up his boots and join the military to focus on combat medicine. His time serving in Afghanistan exposed him to the realities of combat, leading him into a pattern of internalizing his emotions, strained relationships, burnout and, ultimately, an attempt to take his own life. At his lowest point, Mark knew he needed to seek professional help. A friend made the introduction to Boot Campaign and his healing journey began. Mark shares that his experience through the Health & Wellness Program “set the tone for the rest of my life.” The individualized approach to understanding and treating his mental, physical and emotional wounds is why he is living a full, happy and healthy life today. With your support, more Veterans like Mark will get the tools and treatment they need and so deserve. Please consider a one-time donation or join our nationwide network of recurring donors making a difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans and military families by visiting donate.bootcampaign.org.
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Sharing Veteran Stories: Mark Endy

Boot Campaign 05/13/25 3:31 pm

As a medevac helicopter pilot, Bill’s job in the U.S. Army felt like a “double-edged sword.” Each rescue mission meant someone else was suffering, leading to an imbalance of emotions - from highly gratifying to extremely stressful, especially when lives were lost. Bill retired following a helicopter crash that injured both his brain and body. With more time on his hands in retirement, Bill experienced intrusive thoughts and began struggling with chronic pain in a way that affected his life and relationships. Our Boot Campaign Health & Wellness team created a holistic care plan just for him. With your support, more Veterans like Bill will get the tools and treatment they need and so deserve. Please consider a one-time donation or join our nationwide network of recurring donors making a difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans and military families by visiting donate.bootcampaign.org.
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Sharing Veteran Stories: Bill Cochiolo

Boot Campaign 04/02/25 1:26 pm

Ben signed up for service to become the man he knew he needed to be for his son. While on a reconnaissance mission, he and his team were in an accident that severely injured both his brain and his body. The mental and physical damage took a toll on Ben and, later, led to symptoms he’d never experienced before such as headaches, anger and memory loss. Boot Campaign’s customized-care methodology through its Health & Wellness Program fosters a culture of healing and lifelong habits that support whole person mental wellness, cognitive health and physical fitness - just like what Ben needed to heal. With your support, more Veterans like Ben will get the tools and treatment they need and so deserve. Please consider a one-time donation or join our nationwide network of recurring donors making a difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans and military families by visiting donate.bootcampaign.org.
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Sharing Veteran Stories: Ben Peterson

Boot Campaign 03/19/25 10:00 am

When Bobby was first introduced to demolitions in the U.S. Army, he and his teammates thought the blast waves felt “cool.” Even when he started noticing mental and physical effects that the explosive charges had made on his body - from headaches to unexplained anger and irritability - he would put on his “clown face” to hide from his symptoms. Bobby’s individualized care plan through Boot Campaign’s Health & Wellness Program was tailored to his needs and symptoms, and it's why he shares that he is still here today. With your support, more Veterans like Bobby will get the tools and treatment they need and so deserve. Please consider a one-time donation or join our nationwide network of recurring donors making a difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans and military families by visiting donate.bootcampaign.org.
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Sharing Veteran Stories: Bobby Klepper

Boot Campaign 02/11/25 1:08 pm

Steve needed purpose and structure, and he found them both in his 30-year career with the U.S. Marine Corps. He deployed many times as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, but when Steve retired and his life slowed down, he began to feel the weight of his experiences. From grief over lost teammates to unprocessed trauma, that load became too much to carry on his own. Steve reached out to Boot Campaign, worked through his individualized care plan and now shares how he is able to see a clear future ahead of him. With your support, more Veterans like Steve will get the tools and treatment they need and so deserve. Please consider a one-time donation or join our nationwide network of recurring donors making a difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans and military families by visiting donate.bootcampaign.org.
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Sharing Veteran Stories: Steve Lucas

Boot Campaign 12/09/24 11:54 am

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