Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Kirkland.
Hi Shelly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I come from a military family; my dad was a physician for 11 years in the Air Force. My grandfather served in the Army and my cousin was a Marine during Desert Storm. However, more than a decade ago, I met several veterans who changed the course of my career, and frankly, my life. Those who were on the front lines, protecting my freedoms in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and other key locations around the world. Some returned home with marked differences than how they left. Some scarred physically; some scarred morally; some scarred mentally. All were certainly changed. And my encounters with them, in turn, changed me. These were folks who were my age who were quite literally putting their life on the line for me. And doing it selflessly. Courageously. Without question. It was humbling. It made me proud and it made me more committed than ever to make sure that Veterans and military families know and never forget that their service, their sacrifices and their lives matter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Recent research shows that only 35% of civilians know a Veteran and only 13% know someone currently in the military. Similarly, a recent survey revealed another significant disconnect: approximately 71% of Americans state they have little understanding of the issues facing post-9/11 Veterans.
I often say that freedom is not a concept; it’s a commitment. And the dedicated men and women who lace(d) up their boots in our Armed Forces demonstrate(d) their commitment to us each and every day. But how do we as Americans show our commitment to them?
Boot Campaign began with a simple premise: Give back to those who serve(d). That mission has grown, fueled by patriotic supporters nationwide who remain committed to standing in support and solidarity for Veterans and military families so they know and never forget their lives, sacrifices and service matters. Our programs extend nationwide to all generations of Veterans who endure significant physical, emotional and circumstantial hardships resulting from their service and sacrifice.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Over the last 17 years, Boot Campaign has continued to adapt to the most pressing needs of the Veteran and military community, and has been honored to support more than 13,000 Veterans and family members through our programmatic efforts. There are more than 45,000 Veteran service organizations across the country. What sets Boot Campaign apart is the individualized nature of what we do.
We provide individualized care to Veterans struggling with brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, self-medication and insomnia. We also support Veteran and military family members who are facing hardships including military transition, medical challenges, the loss of loved ones and financial burdens. We treat every Veteran and military family we serve with personalized care that is unique to them, the challenges they face and their goals for the future to remind them above all – YOU MATTER.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller and love writing; even at a young age, I was writing short stories, authoring poetry and taking pictures to capture beauty in the world around me. I was a producer early in my career for America’s Most Wanted, telling the stories of fugitives eluding justice, the law enforcement officials tracking them down and the survivors who courageously shared their experience with me. Now, through Boot Campaign, I have the opportunity to share the stories of those who raise(d) their right hand to protect and defend our freedoms in various locations around the world.
I want all Americans to know that for the less than 1% of our population who serve in our Armed Forces annually and the estimated 250,000 that separate from military service each year that the cost of service is great, and at times it costs the most precious thing of all: the lives of those who help keep us free.
The men and women who serve in our military do not swear loyalty to a political party, an ideology, or a single leader. The oath they take is for you and for me; they fight for Democrats and Republicans and everyone in between. The colors they wear are red, white and blue. America’s troops have answered the selfless call to serve something far greater than themselves and for that we owe them our gratitude – always.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bootcampaign.org
- Instagram: @bootcampaign
- Facebook: @bootcampaign
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/boot-campaign/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BootCampaign
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BootCampaign
