American entertainer Jessica Lynn is incredibly proud to partner with British Army veteran, musician, writer and psychotherapist Liam Wakefield from Sussex, England on her new single "You Save Me." A song that describes the power music and the arts can have on mental health, the duo hopes to raise awareness around this important issue.
After being diagnosed with an incurable and rare genetic condition, Liam was medically retired from the military with his mental health rapidly declining. In an alcohol-fueled suicide attempt, Liam tried to close the curtain on what appeared to be an inescapable depression. This unsuccessful attempt proved to be the catalyst for change, and with rallying support from so many, Liam was able to find away back from the consuming darkness. It was during his recovery that Liam reconnected with music––a lifelong passion that he neglected whilst in the army––and he decided to channel the raw emotion and passion from the daily pain and found a new purpose in life. It was music and the love of writing that gave him a sense of self-belief, and he has since devoted his life to suicide prevention and mental health care, especially within the military community, where so many harbor a deep pain from a daily battle with mental health.
After meeting Liam and hearing his incredible story, Jessica was inspired to write this song and use it to make a difference. In addition to her success as an award-winning international performer, Jessica’s star has shined brightly not only on the musical stage, but also on the world stage, helping to illuminate many humanitarian causes as an advocate for our military, the arts, animals, and as a mentor for young women, children, and performing artists worldwide. Her touring and unique prior experience as a certified teacher also led to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs inviting her to become an elite member of American Music Abroad. This prestigious honor currently has Jessica traveling to countries across the globe bringing American music, culture, and mentorship as an ambassador for the USA.
A charity that Liam feels strongly about is "Forging Forward." Forging Forward is a non-profit organization focused on healing visible and invisible wounds of Veterans, First Responders and their families.
ALL proceeds from the "You Save Me" single and "Music Saves" merchandise line go to this incredible cause.
Forging Forward is humbled that Jessica and Liam chose our organization to benefit from their talent! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Ken McLean, with Forging Forward Big Sky Smoke’N BBQ, spent 9/24/2022 cooking and serving up food for the 2nd Annual Heroes Tailgate BBQ. Located at the Carroll College PE Center, Helena, MT. The food was served to active duty and veteran military and first responders. All others were asked to give a donation for their BBQ plate.
The Heroes Tailgate raised funds for two non-profits, Heroes and Helpers (Helena, MT) and Forging Forward (Greensburg, KY)
Within 1.5 hours, Big Sky Smoke’N BBQ ran out of brisket (50 lbs), baby back ribs (25 lbs), 56 burgers, 42 brats, 30 lbs taters, 60 lbs mac n’cheese, 10 lbs chicken wings. The jalapeno mac n’cheese was a huge hit!
Interested in hiring Ken to come to your event? Contact Jamie@ForgingForward.org.
The 2nd Annual Sweat Raiser was a great success! Chris Bruneau and Jeremy Tenney put together a great event to raise funds for Forging Forward Foundation in remembrance of those men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in support of our great nation. The proceeds will help save future lives of military veterans suffering from PTSD and bring awareness to veteran suicide. 100% of donations go to Forging Forward.
Forging Forward would like to thank EVERYONE who participated, donated, and volunteered! We had a great time! Thank you so much for the donation!
DONATIONS: Make a donation here.
SPONSORS
BeardVet and BeardVet Coffee presents BOBBY HENLINE, better known as the Well Done Comedian, as he performs his inspirational comedy at Brimstone Restaurant & Tavern during a fundraiser to benefit American Warrior Garage and Forging Forward.
Henline is a 4-tour Iraq veteran. His Humvee was hit by an IED on his last tour, burning his head to the skull and suffering burns on almost 40% of his body. Having lost the four troops with him in the Humvee, Henline experienced survivor's guilt, depression, and suicidal thoughts. His willpower to survive and his determination to let his family know he was the same person after the blast as before, Henline turned his tragedy into comedy.
Today, Henline continues his quest to make people laugh in a variety of venues. He has performed professionally at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club (Las Vegas, NV), Laugh Factory (Chicago, IL), and Hollywood Improv (Los Angeles, CA) to name a few.
As a Motivational Speaker/Comedian, Henline collaborates with various military and military-related organizations to inspire soldiers, veterans, and their families, spreading his message of life, love, and joy. He visits high schools across the country; speaks at mental health and other healthcare organizations, military and veteran associations, for profit and not-for-profit organizations, as well as a host of other venues, sharing his story of resiliency, hope, and healing.
EACH TICKET GETS THE HOLDER A MEAL AND ENTRANCE INTO THE INSPIRATIONAL COMEDY EVENT WITH BOBBY HENLINE STARTING AT 6:00 PM.
Additional events starting at 3:00 PM are being planned and will be added as confirmed.
Event begins at 3:00 PM with lots of activities. Click below to get tickets for meal and Inspirational Comedy with Bobby Henline, starting at 6:00 PM
Thank you, US Logoworks, Louis Feraca, and 2.2 for 22 participants for the donation to Forging Forward!
We are so honored to be the non-profit recipient this year! As you can tell, I had fun going into the office to share our thanks, and they were kind enough to let me share the great things Forging Forward has been doing for our military and first responder communities. We kicked around some ideas for next year’s event, too!
We cannot thank everyone that participated enough. Know that you are moving mountains! With your every step, you inspired others, spread the message about suicide awareness and suicide prevention, and walked the walk of your strength helping others become strong. You showed yourself and us you are a success, your family you are a doer and a helper, your community that you get things done! We are so thankful for all of you!
Collectively, 2437.6 miles traveled – way to go!
Jamie Burton, President, Forging Forward
#forgingforward #whatsstrongwithyou #youarebeautiful #military #activeduty #veteran #nonprofit #foundation #community #strongertogether #firstresponders #leo #ems #911 #corrections #firefighters #searchandrescue #giveback #because22istoomany #suicideprevention #suicideawareness
Mail to:
FORGING FORWARD
ATTN: Jamie Henline
875 dEACON rOAD
Greensburg, KY 42743
EMAIL: INFO@FORGINGFORWARD.ORG
@FORGING FORWARD-All Rights Reserved-2019
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