82R5327 MGR-D
By: Hilderbran H.R. No. 175
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Boot Campaign has made a positive difference in
the lives of numerous United States active duty service members and
veterans; and
WHEREAS, This charitable initiative was founded by Texas
residents Ginger Giles, Leigh Ann Ranslem, Sherri Reuland, Mariae
Bui, and Heather Fordham, who wanted to provide their fellow
citizens with a means to show support for the military; the five
women, who call themselves the "Boot Girls," were inspired to
undertake the project after reading Lone Survivor, the nonfiction
account of courageous Navy SEAL and Navy Cross honoree Marcus
Luttrell; and
WHEREAS, The campaign originated as a promotion for a country
music concert to benefit the Military Warriors Support Foundation,
which offers employment, education, housing, and financial
assistance to veterans; the musicians posed for photographs wearing
combat boots to symbolize their solidarity with the troops, and the
resulting images were recognized for their powerful message; and
WHEREAS, Adopting a national focus, the Boot Campaign soon
partnered with a leading military boot manufacturer to sell combat
boots to civilians, donating the proceeds to foundations that aid
returning service members and their families; many politicians and
celebrities have posed for photographs to promote the project,
including Governor Rick Perry and members of the Houston Astros and
Dallas Cowboys; and
WHEREAS, The Boot Campaign works with the Lone Survivor
Foundation, helping to fund the construction of a veterans ranch
that will feature rehabilitation and wellness facilities as well as
programs for children and surviving families; money raised by the
Boot Campaign also helps those suffering from post-traumatic stress
disorder; and
WHEREAS, All American citizens owe a profound debt of
gratitude to the present and former members of the United States
armed forces, and the Boot Campaign is helping these brave men and
women to receive the assistance and appreciation they so richly
deserve; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby honor the Boot Campaign and its worthy efforts
to encourage support for our active duty and returning service
members; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.