Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Heavyweight to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award, Thanks Veterans for the Freedom to Pursue his Dreams
Boot Campaign announced today that legendary singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson joined the esteemed list of more than 400 celebrities getting their "boots on" to support the 1.4 million men and women serving in our armed forces today. In his official "boot shoot," Robinson donned a pair of Boot Campaign signature combat boots and flashed his iconic smile for the camera. As he prepares to be honored for his prolific music career at this year's BET Awards, Robinson is sharing his appreciation for the sacrifices service members make to keep himself and all of us free to achieve our dreams.
"I'm wearing my boots today for all our troops around the world, and especially those who have given their lives and their limbs," Robinson said. "I feel really good about wearing my boots to give thanks to those who are protecting our nation. I'm honored."
Boot Campaign Chief Operating Officer Joey Jones (USMC Ret.) had this to say about Robinson joining the Boot Campaign movement: "Our country has very few living legends in culture, as well as music, such as Smokey. Having him take hours of his day to come to us and put these boots on to show his personal support for our military and veteran communities was really an amazing show of patriotism and embodies what we are attempting to do at Boot Campaign."
The BET network will present the legendary artist with a lifetime achievement award at the 15th Annual BET Awards airing June 28 at 8 p.m. P/C. With a music career spanning 50 years, Robinson is one of the most celebrated artists in music history, credited with largely influencing the development of Motown Records and penning more than 4,000 songs. His list of professional accolades is long, including Kennedy Center Honors, the Grammy Living Legend Award, NARAS Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts Award 2002 presented by President George W. Bush and has been inducted into both the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame. Even with the distinctions and decades of adoration from fans around the world, Robinson expressed his own admiration for the men and women of our armed forces who pave the way for our pursuit of happiness.
With Robinson's support, the Boot Campaign mission to promote patriotism, raise awareness of veterans' issues and provide assistance for military families of all generations will reach an even greater audience and help even more deserving heroes. The music mogul's bold display of gratitude for service members is deeply appreciated by both Boot Campaign and the military community, and is just another reason he's one of America's favorite icons.
About Boot Campaign
Established in 2009, Boot Campaign is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to promoting patriotism for America and our military community; raising awareness of the unique challenges service members face during and post-service; and providing assistance to military personnel, past and present, and their families. Retail sales of combat boots, apparel and mission-focused merchandise, general public donations and corporate sponsorships fund programs that support military families. These efforts extend to all generations of military personnel who endure significant physical, emotional and circumstantial hardships resulting from their service and sacrifice. Visit www.bootcampaign.org to learn more and give back.
