Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh, is joined by guest Jimmy Rogers – Co-Founder, President and Executive Director of Boots for Troops. Together they touch on the history of the relationship between the U.S. military and the railroad industry, and they discuss the role Boots for Troops plays in boosting the morale of those deployed, as well as showing appreciation for our veterans. They also discuss a drawing the American Railroading Podcast and Boots for Troops are partnering on to recognize a veteran in the railroad industry. Tune in to this episode now to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . So come aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• Don shares his family’s history in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Per the Association of American Railroads (AAR), railroads have been a vital partner in U.S. military operations for nearly 200 years.
• According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, about 926,000 veterans were in occupations directly involving transportation in 2019.
• Jimmy created Boots for Troops as a Go Fund Me page in 2015 while still deployed and serving in the Navy on an aircraft carrier (the USS Theodore Roosevelt).
• The mission statement of Boots for Troops is “The mission of Boots for Troops is to uplift and empower the overall morale and mental well-being of deployed service members defending our freedom”.
• Boots for Troops sends an average of 100 personalized care packages a month to those who are deployed, which include a new pair of boots.
• Jimmy shares his personal experience having received a care package from home while deployed, as well as testimonials of others, and the impact it made.
• Boots for Troops offers veterans programs as well, and they have partnered with the American Railroading Podcast to offer a drawing to recognize a veteran in the railroad industry.
• Of all the fundraising events that Boots for Troops holds, the Boots and Suits Gala in June and Concert in the Country in October held near Houston, TX are the biggest.
• The American Railroading Podcast has merch coming soon! Including their own Challenge Coin.

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net/ 

https://therevolutionrailgroup.com/

https://boots4troops.org/