News

In the heart of Louisiana, a young family's journey from military life back to their roots shines as a beacon of hope for transitioning service members. Blake and Meghan Sellers, who met while studying at LSU, have found their way back home with the help of The Boot, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting military members as they build new lives in the Pelican State.

Blake's story began in 2019 when he decided to join the Army, leaving behind the familiar comforts of Louisiana. As an E-5 68W, Blake served his country proudly for four years at Fort Hood/Cavazos. However, the arrival of their son in 2024 sparked a desire for change. Blake yearned for a career that would allow him to be more present for his growing family.

The decision to leave the military, while exciting, came with its own set of challenges. "Getting out of the Army was incredibly stressful," Blake recalls. "I felt overwhelmed by the prospect of re-entering civilian life. There were so many unknowns."

Enter The Boot, a startup nonprofit that would prove instrumental in the Sellers' transition. Ben Armstrong, the organization's CEO, took a personal interest in Blake's journey. Armstrong's goal was clear: to help Blake, like all transitioning service members, thrive in Louisiana.

Armstrong connected Blake with various technical colleges, recognizing the potential for a career change. "We didn't just hand them a list of resources," Armstrong explains. "Our mission is to personally connect service members with opportunities that secure their futures in Louisiana."

With The Boot's guidance, Blake enrolled in Northshore Technical Community College in Lacombe, LA, where he's currently pursuing welding. The couple, along with their young son, have settled near the Northshore, reveling in the proximity to family and the familiarity of their home state.

"We're thrilled to be back in Louisiana," Blake says with a smile. "The Boot helped us see that my military experience could be an asset here, not a hurdle. They've shown us how to leverage my service into a promising civilian career."

The Sellers' story exemplifies The Boot's mission: to help military members transition and thrive in Louisiana after their service concludes. By working one-on-one with service members and their families, The Boot creates a bridge between military service and civilian success, ensuring that valuable talents and experiences enrich local communities.

As Blake looks forward to completing his welding program and starting a new career, he and Meghan are excited about their future in The Boot State. Their journey from college sweethearts to military family and now back to civilian life in Louisiana serves as an inspiration to other transitioning service members, proving that with the right support, the path from military to civilian life can lead right back home, where all that Louisiana has to offer awaits.