Corporal Boote, known as Steven or Booty to his family, friends and colleagues, was 22, when he was killed in action whilst carrying out his duties at Blue 25, an ANP checkpoint in the Nad-e'Ali District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan on 3 November 2009.
Corporal Boote was a soldier in the Territorial Army and a member of the Manchester Detachment of 116 Provost Company, Royal Military Police (Volunteers). He was attached to 160 Provost Company for his deployment on Operation HERRICK 11.
Steven was born on the 4 December 1986 in Birkenhead, Liverpool. He joined the Territorial Army in early 2006, joining 107 Field Squadron Royal Engineers (Volunteers) in his local town of Birkenhead. Shortly afterwards he transferred to the Royal Military Police and on completion of his basic training joined 116 Provost Company. He completed his police training and was promoted to Lance Corporal in 2007.
In late September 2008 Corporal Boote volunteered to deploy on Operation HERRICK 11 with 160 Provost Company and took part in many exercises during the pre-deployment training, performing to a very high standard throughout. Corporal Boote was exceptionally proud to be a soldier in the Territorial Army, and always went that little bit further to prove this - it didn't go unnoticed.
A Security Team Leader at a local Tesco store, Corporal Boote had aspirations to join the Civilian Police.
Corporal Boote had a long-term girlfriend Emma, who was constantly in his topic of conversation and who we all know he loved very much, along with his mum Margaret and dad Anthony whom he was very attached to.
One of his main passions in life was motorbikes, which he and his dad spent many hours restoring and building, as well as riding them together. Steven was a strong character with a good sense of humour and enjoyed being round his friends, colleagues and always up for a laugh.
His final request was for his family and friends to be brave as he was and remember Help for Heroes.
Corporal Boote's family paid the following tribute:
"Our son Steven was a wonderful, genuine young man. He would light up a room with a single smile and left a lasting impression on all he met. A son and friend who can never be replaced, but never be removed from our hearts. An only child but never alone, who through family and friends led a full and happy life.
"Emma, his partner, was the love of his life and his soul mate. We couldn't stop him doing what he believed in, and he did believe he was doing his bit for his country. Steven, we are all so proud of you and you will always be our hero. Look after Nan and Granddad. Goodnight our son, our friend, our life."
