The Tomball, TX-Based nonprofit brought supporters together at Hotel ZaZa in Houston, Texas for an evening centered on military morale, personal impact and the people who keep the mission moving.
A full gala can still feel personal. That was the atmosphere July 11, 2026, as Boots for Troops hosted its 10th Annual Boots & Suits Gala at Hotel ZaZa in Houston’s Museum District. From cocktail hour through dinner, live music, casino-style roulette tables, a silent auction and the live auction, the evening carried a polished but energetic feel. Guests had room to socialize, meet new people and connect over a shared belief in the Boots for Troops mission.
A JROTC color guard and the national anthem brought a deeper sense of purpose to the celebration, grounding the night in service and gratitude. The venue was full, the schedule was lively and there was plenty happening throughout the evening, yet the event still felt intimate and connected.
Lifting Morale Is at the Center of the Boots for Troops Mission
Boots for Troops is known for lifting the morale and mental well-being of active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses. Its personalized care packages are a major part of that work, but the gala made it clear that the mission reaches much further. Throughout the evening, people directly impacted by the organization shared their experiences, giving the room a closer look at what support can mean during deployment, after military service or while navigating life as a military spouse.
Those stories also revealed the heart behind the work of co-founders Jimmy and Lindsey Rogers. A care package may look simple from the outside, filled with practical items, favorite snacks and a new pair of boots. For someone serving far from home, it can mean much more. It can be a reminder that someone knows their name, understands what they need and took the time to make them feel remembered.
That same personal care carries into Boots for Troops’ travel assistance, Honor Our Heroes program and Jimmy Rogers Military Spouse Scholarship. By the time the stories were shared from the stage, the mission no longer felt like a list of programs. It felt personal.
Community Recognition, Military Spouse Scholarships and Boots for Troops Honorees
Two military spouses were honored during the gala as recipients of the Jimmy Rogers Military Spouse Scholarship, bringing attention to a side of military service that can be easy to overlook. Spouses often navigate relocations, career interruptions, family responsibilities and long stretches apart while supporting a loved one’s service. By investing in their education, Boots for Troops is recognizing the sacrifices they make and supporting the goals they continue to pursue.
The organization also presented the 2026 Lynne C. Whitener Golden Heart Award to Carl Kleinmann for his meaningful support of Boots for Troops and its mission. Together, the scholarship presentation and the Golden Heart Award highlighted two important parts of the organization’s work: caring for military families and recognizing the community members who help make that care possible.
These moments serve as a reminder that the impact of a nonprofit does not come from one person or one event. It grows through military families, volunteers, donors and supporters who continue showing up for the mission long after the gala ends.
Honoring the Impact & Life of Shane George
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came from Jimmy honoring the life of Shane George, a pivotal member of the Boots for Troops family who passed away shortly before the gala. Rogers reflected on the impact George made through his support of the organization and the lasting place he will hold within the Boots for Troops community.
The tribute felt especially fitting because thankfulness was at the center of Rogers’ message that night. While the gala celebrated the organization’s accomplishments and the people it continues to serve, it also created space to express gratitude for someone who gave so much to the mission and helped carry it forward.
Rocky Bleier, Veteran and NFL-Champ, Takes the Stage at the Boots for Troops Gala
Boots for Troops has made its keynote speaker a meaningful part of the Boots & Suits Gala, inviting recognizable figures whose personal stories align with the heart of the organization. Their accomplishments may be what first catches the crowd’s attention, but their experiences, sacrifice, resilience and leadership are what connect them to the mission. Previous gala speakers have included Taya Kyle and decorated Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill, both of whom brought a firsthand perspective on service to the event.
This year’s featured keynote speaker, Rocky Bleier, continued that tradition. Bleier is a Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back who became a four-time Super Bowl champion. After being wounded in combat and facing a difficult rehabilitation, he fought his way back to professional football and became part of one of the NFL’s most celebrated teams.
Bleier’s story reaches far beyond football. His journey reflects the challenges service members can carry home, the determination required to rebuild and the importance of having people in your corner along the way. That made him a natural fit for an evening centered on lifting morale and supporting those who serve.
The Impact Beyond One Evening for Boots for Troops
But the personal stories made the larger point. Everyone in attendance walked away with a deeper appreciation for the work Boots for Troops does to lift the morale of active-duty service members and their families. The gala showed that the mission is not only about delivering programs. It is about helping people feel remembered, supported and valued.
For those interested in helping, Boots for Troops offers several ways to take the next step. Community members can donate, volunteer, sponsor or adopt a care package, organize a package drive or join the organization’s recurring donor program.
