About Walk A Mile In Their Boots

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A fully loaded soldier must sometimes carry more than 120 lbs of gear in unbearable conditions.  They do this each and every day for each and every one of us!  It's time to pay it forward!  Put on some boots and support our troops!!

     Walk A Mile In Their Boots is a fully registered non profit organization that was established with the sole intent to raise awareness and support for other Military Organizations. It was started by two women Kelly Merchant and Amy Boynton, who believed in reinvigorating and recognizing other organizations that directly support our Active Military Service Men and Women, as well as our Nations Veterans from previous wars from every Military Branch.
     The soles of a friends boots and also a Wounded Combat Veteran Army Specialist William Kohler, inspired a vision of compassion that led to this organization. The broken down and worn out soles of a Soldiers boots was the proof of the selfless sacrifice that all our Service Men and Women endure for our freedom. Within seeing the soles of these boots, it was an eye opening sight and it simply reiterated what Kelly already knew. Which is that we have the ability to be with our families, celebrate the Holidays etc while a Soldier works at times 6-7 days a week so we can continue to live comfortably.
     Kelly and Amy teamed up together with a passion that is derived of the same vision. They both felt the miles that a Soldiers boots travel so selflessly for all of us who are strangers, needs to be seen by others who are civilians. While Kelly and Amy believe that yes, there are a lot of great Organizations out there already that exist for our Service Men and Women and our Veterans, the compassion towards them receiving assistance is lacking. Through the years since the attacks on our homeland on September 11, 2001, Kelly and Amy have decided to be part of the solution in re-raising the compassion they see that is lost.
     Have you ever thought about how easily the simple words…"Thank You," being said to a Vietnam Veteran who has felt forgotten, can speak volumes to their heart. It's the belief of this Organization that it should be said more often. Recognizing not just the soles of a Veteran of this war now in the sands of Iraq and Afghanistan; but also the soles of a Veteran that stood before our generation. They too deserve as much appreciation as those that are fighting for our freedom at this moment. This Organization is about paying it forward to all our Veterans.
     William Kohler donated his boots to this Organization and these are the boots that have carried him through the desert sands during Operation Iraqi Freedom and into being awarded The Purple Heart, an Army Commendation Medal, A Marine Commendation Certificate, an Air Force Commendation and a Combat Medic Award. Another friend, MSG Larry Gray from the 94th Military Police CO has also donated his boots to this Organization. With much gratitude Kelly and Amy thank both Specialist Kohler, and MSG Gray for allowing us to continue to show civilians the weight every Service Man and Woman carry within the soles of your boots. Both sets of boots will be displayed during fundraising events, to continue to show that every Service Men and Women's boots may be different, though the sacrifice is just the same. It is selfless…And we thank you.