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Dedicated to helping active duty and veteran military/first responders and their families/Gold Star Families through Retreats, Remembrance Tags, Outdoor Outreach, Reflective Art, The Body Shop, Inspiration, Motivation, and more.
#whatsSTRONGwithYOU is our motto for healing and forging forward in life.
The Bobby Henline Foundation, Inc. doing business as Forging Forward, is an IRS registered and approved 501(c)3 non-profit, public charity organization, EIN 83-4615262.
The Foundation consists of a group of people who believe it is in everyone’s best interest to honor and empower Military and First Responder Veterans and their families,
The Bobby Henline Foundation, Inc. doing business as Forging Forward, is an IRS registered and approved 501(c)3 non-profit, public charity organization, EIN 83-4615262.
The Foundation consists of a group of people who believe it is in everyone’s best interest to honor and empower Military and First Responder Veterans and their families, and Gold Star Families. By joining like-minded individuals and organizations together, we can fulfill the vision of creating everyday lives filled with quality, friendship, motivation, flexibility, and individual pride. We do this through sharing to inspire learning, advance knowledge and strengthen our local and global communities.
Within this duty is the underlying social responsibility of assisting the target populations to re-secure their humanity through the provision of and funding for opportunities to increase social connectivity, gain new skills, increase knowledge and treatment of physical and mental health conditions related to stress and trauma, and provide supports that allow an individual to live a collective, fulfilling and dignified life.
In April 2007 Bobby Henline came home from his 4th deployment to a war zone barely holding on to his life in a medically induced coma.
Doctors said there was no medical explanation why he was alive.
He feels he should have died with the other four men in the vehicle but didn’t.
Bobby has learned over the years how to battle the demons of PT
In April 2007 Bobby Henline came home from his 4th deployment to a war zone barely holding on to his life in a medically induced coma.
Doctors said there was no medical explanation why he was alive.
He feels he should have died with the other four men in the vehicle but didn’t.
Bobby has learned over the years how to battle the demons of PTSD, Survivors Guilt, Emptiness and Isolation. He knows the darkness of feeling lost and detached from friends and family. Many nights he prayed to God to let him die in his sleep.
For over 10 yrs, Bobby has traveled the world sharing his story inspiring others and being inspired by others.
With supportive friends, Bobby started the Bobby Henline Foundation dba
“Forging Forward” to help others like him, Military and First Responder Veterans and their families and Gold Star Families.
Forging Forward's goal is to help them find their outlet, show them how to use the tools and weapons Bobby has been using for years to battle and live with his "new" normal to help them find their "new" normal, and to help them look deep inside and ask
not "What’s wrong with me?", but to ask “What is Strong with Me?"
Bobby says "A good leader has been through hell and understands
what it takes to get through.
Then reaches back and helps the next persons through. I hope to be a good leader to as many as I can. I feel it is my mission on earth to help others through hell and continue Forging Forward into the light."
#whatsSTRONGwithYOU
For Military and First Responder Veterans and their families, Gold Star Families
For Military and First Responder Veterans and their families, Gold Star Families
Click the button to see what Forging Forward is doing next!
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — Bobby Henline never truly saw a life serving in the military. Like so many, he served for three years and took the chance at free secondary school education.
It was his uncle who motivated him to join the U.S. Army at 17 to fight in Desert Storm. After that, he returned home to pick up where he left off and started a family.
“I got married, three kids, ten years later 9/11 happens," Henline said. "And I’m 30 years old now, I’ve been out ten years, but I knew I couldn’t let something like that happen to my country and not do anything about it.”
Forging Forward: The Healing Power of Camaraderie
In the quiet moments, between the laughter, the stories, and the shared silences on the golf course, I experienced something truly transformative this past weekend at the Forging Forward Golf Retreat, sponsored by the Bobby Henline Foundation. I left with a renewed sense of gratitude, understanding, and responsibility. But to explain why this retreat is so profoundly impactful, let me begin with the story of the man behind it—Bobby Henline.
Bobby’s Story: A Survivor, a Warrior, an Inspiration
In 2007, while serving his fourth tour in Iraq, Bobby Henline’s life changed forever. His Humvee was hit by an IED explosion, tragically killing the four other soldiers in his vehicle. Bobby was the sole survivor. He suffered burns on 38% of his body, endured over 40 surgeries, and faced an unfathomable journey of recovery. But rather than succumbing to bitterness, Bobby chose to rise. He turned his pain into purpose, becoming a motivational speaker and stand-up comedian. Through humor and vulnerability, Bobby now uses his platform to remind veterans and first responders that they are not alone, and that healing—though difficult—is possible.
Bobby and his wife Jamie co-founded the Bobby Henline Foundation, which seeks to support veterans and first responders through initiatives like the Forging Forward Retreat. This foundation has become a beacon of hope, offering not just resources, but a community of healing and belonging.
My Experience: A Brotherhood Beyond Words
As a disabled veteran myself, I thought I understood the depth of what many of my brothers and sisters face. I was wrong. This retreat taught me something I hadn’t fully grasped: just because someone appears to be “fine” doesn’t mean they’re not carrying unimaginable pain.
Through the camaraderie we shared, the stories we told, and the safe space we created for one another, I came to realize how vital it is for veterans and first responders to have spaces like this. The golf retreat wasn’t just about playing a sport—it was about connection, vulnerability, and healing. It was about breaking down walls and showing that, even in our darkest moments, we’re not alone.
In my naivety, I thought I had a clear picture of what it meant to support our veteran community. But hearing the stories of my fellow attendees opened my eyes to the reality that you can never fully understand someone’s pain unless they share it with you. And that’s the beauty of this retreat—people do open up because they’re surrounded by those who’ve walked similar paths.
A Wake-Up Call
One story in particular, shared by Bobby, shook me to my core. It made me realize how critical it is to be mindful of how we interact with others. You never know if the person standing next to you is a suffering veteran who’s barely holding on. What you say or do in that moment could either push them over the edge or pull them back to safety. That realization will stay with me forever.
Veterans don’t want pity. We don’t want people to feel sorry for us. What we need is understanding, connection, and help. It’s not enough to thank someone for their service if we’re not willing to show up when they need us most.
The Bobby Henline Foundation: Saving Lives
The Bobby Henline Foundation does exactly that—it saves lives. Through retreats, events, and outreach efforts, it creates spaces where veterans and first responders can heal together. The foundation reminds us that healing is not a solitary journey, but a collective one. It reminds us that laughter, camaraderie, and shared vulnerability can mend even the deepest wounds.
But the foundation can’t do it alone. It needs support—whether through donations, volunteer work, or simply spreading the word about its mission. Every dollar, every moment of your time, and every conversation about this cause matters. You never know whose life you might be saving by supporting organizations like this.
A Final Thought
As I reflect on this weekend, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for Bobby, Jamie, and everyone who participated in the retreat. You have all forever changed my life and my perspective. To my fellow attendees—you are my battles for life.
To everyone reading this: please, be mindful. Be kind. Listen. You never know what someone is going through, and your words could make all the difference. Support the Bobby Henline Foundation, and support the veterans and first responders who have given so much for all of us.
This experience has reshaped my mindset, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Let’s come together to ensure no one who has served feels alone in their journey.
Because together, we forge forward.
If this story resonates with you, please consider supporting the Bobby Henline Foundation at ForgingForward.org. Together, we WILL make a difference!
~Scott V. Valenti, 2025 Tee-Off Triumph Retreat
Bravo748 Speaker and Comedian Bobby Henline speaks to the EHOVE Drug Free Program students at the EHOVE Career Center in Milan, OH. Henline is known as the "Well Done Comedian" and his focus was suicide awareness and prevention, and forging forward through life with hope.
FOOTAGE COURTESY OF BCSNE and BUCKEYE BROADBAND
Bobby Henline talks about Suicide Prevention, the Forging Forward Remembrance Tags; and why we do what we do.
Bobby Henline shares his story of his creation of the "Some Gave All" design, in honor of all the beautiful men and women, military and first responder, lost to serving in the line of duty.
Check out this video describing how "You Are Beautiful" came to be.
Check out Chad, a military veteran, telling the story of the creation of the "You Are Beautiful" image.
A military veteran, Chad, who follows Bobby Henline’s TikTok account, but did not know him, sent a video to Bobby. The story was amazing and is the impetus behind the Forging Forward “You Are Beautiful” shirts.
Chad shared: “My eight-year-old got bit by a dog and he had to have stitches on his lip. He was feeling self-conscious about it, he didn’t want to go in the restaurant, he didn’t want to take his mask off and eat. So, I told him a little bit about you, your story, what happened to you. And my six-year-old apparently was listening more than I thought, and came to me this morning. He said ‘Hey Daddy, remember your soldier friend that got hurt? Well, I drew a picture of him.’”
We loved the story and the picture and began brainstorming ideas of ways to use it – we came up with the “You Are Beautiful” project. Bobby wanted Chad’s son to know that regardless of how he looked on the outside, he was beautiful.
Bobby contacted Chad and asked him if he could use the drawing to raise funds for the Bobby Henline Foundation, doing business as Forging Forward, to help fellow active duty and veteran military, first responders, and Gold Star Families. Forging Forward is invested in activities that promote suicide prevention, camaraderie, skill-building, and socialization.
Without hesitation Chad said “yes” and the words “You Are Beautiful” were added. We are honored that Chad’s sons, Chaztin and Chandler, will always be a part of the Forging Forward journey.
Forging Forward is humbled by the love and support we have received, as the shirts have been purchased across the globe. The ultimate message and reminder is that All People Are Beautiful. Show respect, honor, and love towards each other. That is our reason for being.
Purchase a “You Are Beautiful” shirt in the SHOP.
PUBLIC CHARITY STATUS
The Internal Revenue Service has determined the following for The Bobby Henline Foundation doing business as Forging Forward Foundation or simply Forging Forward:
EIN: 83-4615262
Public Charity Status: 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
Exemption: IRS Code 501(c)(3)
Classification: Public Charity
Contributions from Donors: Donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 170. Forging Forward is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.
Mail to:
FORGING FORWARD
ATTN: Jamie Henline
875 dEACON rOAD
Greensburg, KY 42743
EMAIL: INFO@FORGINGFORWARD.ORG
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