Boots For Troops to Celebrate 10 Years of Service and Patriotism at Annual Gala in The Woodlands
In the summer of 2015, while serving aboard a Navy ship in Norfolk, Virginia, Jimmy Rogers found himself reflecting on the disparity between those who received care packages from home and those who didn’t. Some sailors tore into boxes with excitement, while others stood by with empty hands. The packages that did arrive often contained generic, mass-produced items that lacked any personal touch. It was in that moment Rogers, a Tomball native and Tomball High School graduate, saw a need for something different—something more heartfelt.
That realization led to the founding of Boots For Troops, an organization dedicated to uplifting the morale and mental well-being of deployed service members, veterans, and military spouses. Rogers envisioned a care package program that went beyond the basics. Each package would be built specifically for the individual recipient, filled with their favorite snacks, items related to their hobbies or sports teams, and a brand-new pair of boots of their choosing—a nod to Rogers' own love for cowboy boots.
Working alongside his wife Lindsey, Rogers launched the nonprofit while still on deployment, using limited shipboard resources and frequent email exchanges. By June 3, 2015, Boots For Troops was officially incorporated in the state of Texas and shortly after secured its 501(c)(3) status as a tax-exempt organization. That same year, the couple raised over $100,000 to support their care package mission. The concept, driven by personal experience and passion, quickly gained traction.
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Marking a Milestone: The 10th Annual Gala
This year, Boots For Troops is inviting the community to join them in celebrating a decade of heartfelt service and military support at the 10th Annual Boots & Suits Gala. Set for Saturday, June 28 at The Woodlands Resort, the event—presented by Axis HOA Maintenance & Development LLC—promises an unforgettable evening where patriotism meets elegance.
Guests will enjoy a full lineup of entertainment, including a roulette table, live and silent auctions, and a festive balloon drop. The program will also feature powerful live testimonials from service members and veterans whose lives have been directly touched by the organization’s work. The evening’s keynote speaker is Robert O’Neill, the former Navy SEAL credited with eliminating Osama bin Laden, bringing a powerful voice to a night focused on courage, sacrifice, and service.
Programs That Make a Difference
At the heart of Boots For Troops is its flagship initiative: the World’s Greatest Care Package program. This personalized approach ensures that every deployed service member receives a package curated just for them, including a pair of boots they select themselves. These packages are designed not only to meet practical needs but also to remind recipients that they are seen, valued, and supported.
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In addition to its care package program, Boots For Troops runs three major initiatives that extend its support across the military community. Through the Honor Our Heroes program, the organization provides emergency financial assistance to veterans and funds one service dog each year for a veteran in need. Building on that commitment to family and stability, the Travel Assistance Program covers full airfare for junior enlisted service members facing holiday or emergency travel, while the Jimmy Rogers Military Spouse Scholarship empowers spouses to pursue higher education and strengthen their families’ futures.
Looking Ahead
Now in its tenth year, Boots For Troops continues to grow in scope and impact, delivering more than 5,600 custom care packages and expanding its reach through year-round fundraising and community support. The annual gala plays a vital role in sustaining these efforts, ensuring the organization can continue to serve those who serve the nation.
Tickets for the gala are on sale through June 12 and can be purchased at suiteseatstx.com. For those in the Greater Houston area and beyond, the event offers a unique opportunity to honor America’s heroes and support the organization’s deeply personal mission. Learn more about Boots For Troops and how you can get involved at boots4troops.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.