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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Boot Campaign has made a positive difference in |
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the lives of numerous United States active duty service members and |
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veterans; and |
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WHEREAS, This charitable initiative was founded by Texas |
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residents Ginger Giles, Leigh Ann Ranslem, Sherri Reuland, Mariae |
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Bui, and Heather Fordham, who wanted to provide their fellow |
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citizens with a means to show support for the military; the five |
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women, who call themselves the "Boot Girls," were inspired to |
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undertake the project after reading Lone Survivor, the nonfiction |
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account of courageous Navy SEAL and Navy Cross honoree Marcus |
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Luttrell; and |
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WHEREAS, The campaign originated as a promotion for a country |
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music concert to benefit the Military Warriors Support Foundation, |
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which offers employment, education, housing, and financial |
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assistance to veterans; the musicians posed for photographs wearing |
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combat boots to symbolize their solidarity with the troops, and the |
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resulting images were recognized for their powerful message; and |
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WHEREAS, Adopting a national focus, the Boot Campaign soon |
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partnered with a leading military boot manufacturer to sell combat |
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boots to civilians, donating the proceeds to foundations that aid |
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returning service members and their families; many politicians and |
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celebrities have posed for photographs to promote the project, |
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including Governor Rick Perry and members of the Houston Astros and |
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Dallas Cowboys; and |
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WHEREAS, The Boot Campaign works with the Lone Survivor |
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Foundation, helping to fund the construction of a veterans ranch |
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that will feature rehabilitation and wellness facilities as well as |
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programs for children and surviving families; money raised by the |
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Boot Campaign also helps those suffering from post-traumatic stress |
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disorder; and |
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WHEREAS, All American citizens owe a profound debt of |
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gratitude to the present and former members of the United States |
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armed forces, and the Boot Campaign is helping these brave men and |
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women to receive the assistance and appreciation they so richly |
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deserve; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor the Boot Campaign and its worthy efforts |
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to encourage support for our active duty and returning service |
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members; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |