Connecting Americans to Our Veterans and Armed Forces,
One Pushup at a Time
By Leigh Ann Ranslem, Boot Campaign Board of Directors
Patriotism. What comes to your mind when you hear the word? You probably see the American flag, maybe envision a soldier in uniform, or perhaps you hear the Star Spangled Banner floating through a sports stadium. Do you think of pushups? If not, you should and here is why.
The Boot Campaign’s Pushups For Charity initiative is a way to show your patriotism and raise funds for our military community. I’ll explain. Several years ago, four of my friends and I were inspired by Marcus Luttrell’s story in the book “Lone Survivor.” Each of us had a unique reaction. I realized how relieved and grateful I was knowing that there are folks like Marcus who answer the call of duty.
I was not raised in a military family, and perhaps that is why I am so grateful to the ones who are willing to serve. Their devotion and dedication to our country allows the civilian population to freely choose our own passions and careers.
After reading this book, I was awakened to this realization of how others sacrifice for me and my family and I was compelled to do something more.
I needed to help others see and appreciate these heroes that allow me to do what I do 24 hours a day. My friends felt the same way and we decided that we have a duty to thank the patriots who protect us on our own soil and abroad. We need to show the family members of these soldiers how much we appreciate their sacrifices. So how do we do that and where do we start?
We began by photographing various celebrities in combat boots hoping to bring attention to our military. This was a simple visual of civilians putting themselves in the shoes of our servicemen and women for a brief moment. The idea was for the 99 percent of the population to take time out of their day to be grateful to the one percent who protect our freedoms.
The effort gained immediate traction and, as a result, Boot Campaign was born. With a mission of awakening the patriot in every American and providing assistance to our military community in their time of need, Boot Campaign has grown into a formidable national nonprofit that promotes Patriotism among all of us. To date, we have raised more than $12 million in support of our mission.
So now back to ‘why pushups.’ Physical activity has always been important to me and my friends who started Boot Campaign. Connecting our minds, body and spirit has empowered us to start this challenge. Pushups For Charity is our version of a walk-a-thon. By donning our boots, you get to walk in their shoes. Now, by doing 90 seconds of pushups, you get to workout as they do and help raise funds to give back. This year, the Pushups for Charity theme is “What do YOU push for,” since I love to travel, I am pushing for “the freedom to travel safely.” Some of our participants push for their families or someone deployed and others decide to push for something as simple as a nice glass of wine.
Are you ready to let us know what YOU push for? If so, here is how it works: Get some friends, family or colleagues to participate with you in a group pushups event. Make it a party! Select a date for your Pushups For Charity challenge and register on our website. You could host a picnic, a block party or you can hold the challenge at your office.
Prior to the 90-second challenge, ask people you know to pledge $1 per pushup (or any amount). Get someone to help you count and go for it. Remember to time yourself. Don’t worry, 90 seconds gives you ample time to exhaust yourself, rest and begin pushing again. Collect the money your supporters donated and send it to Boot Campaign. It’s that simple. People of all ages do as many pushups as possible in a minute and a half and raise funds in the process. Kids can do it. People who don’t usually exercise can do a few pushups. In fact, I’ve seen people in their 70s and 80s give it a go.
This year we hope to raise more than $1 million, equating to more than 500 individual grants that will support veterans, service members, and their families before Veteran’s Day. Boot Campaign assistance grants are available to military families of all generations and help with housing, career and education expenses, and PTSD/TBI treatment.
Please join me and help awaken the patriots in all Americans. For more information go to http://www.bootcampaign.org/pushupsforcharity/ How many pushups can you do?
Go ahead, drop and give me 90 seconds!
