Overview
Our History
Our History
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.
Our History
Our History
Our History
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
Major Goals
Our History
Major Goals
For Military and First Responder Veterans and their families, Gold Star Families
- Connectivity with each other and their communities through varied forms of art such as speaking, photography, forging, comedy, acting, music, poetry, book writing, songwriting, storytelling, fishing, axe throwing, running, and more.
- Positive, collaborative soci
For Military and First Responder Veterans and their families, Gold Star Families
- Connectivity with each other and their communities through varied forms of art such as speaking, photography, forging, comedy, acting, music, poetry, book writing, songwriting, storytelling, fishing, axe throwing, running, and more.
- Positive, collaborative social interaction through the varied forms of art.
- Access to existing organizations offering activities to promote physical and mental health, socializaton, activities.
- Forging Forward encourages active duty and Veteran Military and First Responders to reach out to a buddy, administrator, professional, or family when the load feels too heavy to carry alone, with a focus on getting professional assistance to work through stress related to war wounds, job, relationships, substance use, physical health, money, legal, or housing stress.
- Forging Forward's ultimate goal is the elimination of suicide among Military and First Responder populations.
FORE LOVE CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Join Harrington for Hope and Forging Forward, The Bobby Henline Foundation as they host the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament and Fundraiser!
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Location: White Plains Golf Course, 400 Plantation Drive, Cookeville, TN
From Tragedy to Triumph
The Life-Changing Impact of the Forging Forward Retreat
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
