BOOT BRACELET LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO RE-INTEGRATE INJURED TROOPS

Project Boot Revives POW/MIA Bracelet to Call Attention to Sacrifices of Middle East War Casualties

LaJolla, CA , August 8, 2007
Project Boot, a non-partisan group formed to raise awareness and funds for soldiers and military personnel who have been injured in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, announced today the release of the Boot Bracelet, available on its web site at www.projectboot.com. A non-political show of support for men and women who have answered the call to serve, net profits from the sale of the Boot Bracelet will benefit injured military in their struggle to rehabilitate into society.

The Boot Bracelet, which revives the POW/MIA bracelet worn to remember missing and captured soldiers of the Vietnam War, was designed to reflect actual numbers of deployed, deceased and injured troops and the infinite effects of war. Now, as then, the bracelet supports the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military whose lives are forever altered by their injuries and experiences.

Project Boot was founded by two California businesswomen, Judith Peters and Kamie Cicinelli, to raise awareness and financial help for troops returning from the Middle East. The women were inspired by the many military families based in the San Diego area, the center of West Coast military bases, training facilities and medical care centers.

"There are thousand of casualties of war whose sacrifices did not end with their tour of duty or when they returned home because of injuries. We’re talking about men and women who have lost limbs, suffered severe head injuries or are living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,"said Kamie Cicinelli, Project Boot co-founder. "There is also a chain of people as well – loved ones, parents, spouses, partners, children, etc. – who are feeling the devastating effects of the war. It points to the fact that their sacrifice is infinite and it cries out to be recognized,"she added.

Beyond initial medical care, returning troops are fighting another war, the battle to re-integrate into normal society, pay their bills, continue with rehabilitative care and assimilate back into relationships, families and work. The struggles faced by returning and injured troops can no longer be buried behind the tragic losses and widely publicized numbers of killed-in-action, but must be recognized and remembered, while providing a mechanism of support to adequately develop and maintain productive lives, while dealing with long-term injuries.

Project Boot is committed to raising awareness of the sacrifices of these men and women and their daily struggles. Net profits from the bracelets will go directly into a fund to be distributed quarterly. A dedicated advisory committee will be responsible for reviewing potential candidates and organizations to receive grants directly from Project Boot.

"It is only after visiting military hospitals and speaking with healthcare providers that I can understand how devastating, traumatic and life changing this situation is for all of the people affected,"said Judith Peters, Project Boot co-founder. "The Boot Bracelet represents a collective and unified show of support to military personnel in need of assistance, their families, and the healthcare professionals who are currently caring for these patients with the highest degree of empathy and dedication."

Support returning troops by purchasing The Boot Bracelet, Boot t-shirts and hats at www.projectboot.com. For more information visit www.projectboot.com.