FORGING FORWARD EVENT PHOTOS

Mess Night, dressing up, toasts and grog. What more could a hard-working military battalion want? Oh yeah, comedy!

Thanks so much to SFC Emery, commanders, colleagues, family, friends, and especially the troops that made our night!

Hooah!

What a great night at VFW 4600! 

The VFW hosted a comedy show fundraiser for Forging Forward to honor Ben Keefe, former Commander and great friend. The fundraiser was to raise funds to give to Ben's wife and three daughters. 

We want to thank comedian Will Krolowitz for coming out, supporting the laughter and camaraderie!

Thank you to everyone who came out, contributing to the fundraiser and showing support for the Keefe family.

What a great night at VFW 7119! 

The VFW hosted a comedy show fundraiser for Forging Forward. 

We thank comedians Chris Cline and Terry Shepard for coming out, supporting the laughter and camaraderie!

Thank you to everyone who came out, contributing to the fundraiser for active duty and veteran military and first responders and their families to be served through Forging Forward services.

Bobby and I went to visit with a group of great folks at The Day Reporting Center at Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency in Cookeville, TN, yesterday. Bobby shared his story and some laughs, and we also got to hear from our great friend, Mitch Harrington. Both men shared their stories of #beyondtheburns - taking a tragedy and turning it to light. We can ALL do that - we just have to have THE WANT TO, A DESIRE TO CHANGE, A STRENGTH SKILL EACH IS GOOD AT, A BURNING HEART TO HELP OTHERS IN OUR OWN SPECIAL WAY, COMMITMENT, and BUILD A TRIBE THAT SUPPORTS US. 

We talked about building our tribes, our friends know what that means, the importance of a higher power in our lives, and letting go of friends or things that don’t keep us on the path of mercy and grace.  It’s hard, we get it, but we also have hope all of our friends can find that path and tribe to help them enjoy life and share their beauty with others. We also talked about the bad days, and the prayer to start our day to lift us up. Forgiveness of self is important. We shared our stories in the hopes we helped you. Now it’s your turn to share your story to help someone in need. Plant those seeds and watch them grow!  Miss Daisy shared her doggy love around the room too!

Thank you for the love you shared in the room, we were honored to spend time with you.

We love you all, and hope we see you again!  Bobby and Jamie Henline

Brimstone Restaurant and Tavern hosted a fundraiser for Forging Forward, The Bobby Henline Foundation. Bobby Henline did a comedy show and it was sold out! 

Thanks to all the donors and the people in the audience who made our night a funtastic one, raising money to serve active duty and veteran military and first responders and their families with Forging Forward services.

October 2024

A great big THANK YOU to the communities of Greensburg and Campbellsville, KY, Allen Gaddis, and other supporters for helping Forging Forward purchase, collect and deliver donations to Asheville, NC.

In 2 trips, we delivered the love and compassion you shared in the form of 15 250-gallon water totes, 16 water pumps, boxes of mud boots, work boots, masks, nitrile gloves, work gloves, warm clothes, and Benadryl. 

Thank you Brian and Marcia Pennick, for your donation of the water totes.

Thank you for donations so we could purchase new items and pay for our gas. 

Thank you to Shane Fish, our contact in Asheville, WNC Spa Solutions, and Flush AVL. Shane also worked with a local church to disburse items. 

Alabama Veteran and Forging Forward co-hosted a military veteran/first responder Retreat at Soggy Bottom Lodge, Linden, AL. Fishing, grounds tour, skeet golf, cornhole, Remembrance Tags, face painting, good food, and camaraderie at the Lodge.

Bobby Henline and Joey Leonard put on a great comedy show at The Stardome to raise funds for Alabama Veteran.

Forging Forward sponsored 6 fishing spots for the Walleyes for Wounded Heroes event in Port Clinton, OH. About 50 total military veterans and first responders got to spend two days fishing on Lake Erie, with a few who added trout fishing and catfishing.

All told, 1,362 lbs of walleye, 189 lbs of catfish, and 75 trout were caught, filleted, and sent home with the participants. We had one blow day, so extra activities were added - touring a Coast Guard boat, air rifle shooting, range shooting, and more.

Bobby Henline did a comedy show, and Forging Forward provided the face mask painting activity and handed out Remembance Tags during the event.

We can't wait to partner up with Walleyes for Wounded Heroes for another round of walleye fishing!

Forging Forward, Harrington For Hope, and Heroes on a Mission (non-profit organizations) co-hosted the Fore Love Charity Golf Tournament at White Plains Golf Course, Cookeville, TN. The field of 17 teams competed for prizes and funds raised were split between the three non-profits to further each organization's mission. 

Congratulations to all the winners!

1st Place, 54: Lynn Jared, David Prowse, Will Brooks, Benton Williams

2nd Place, 55:Doug Jones, Wes Griggs, Dave Moody, Bryan Moody

3rd Place, 55: Larry Key, Kevin Sheldon, John Parker, Ricky Vandy

TruFit Fayetteville, Trufit Hope Mills, and The Holiday Highlander hosted a fundraiser for the Bobby Henline Foundation at The All American Tattoo Convention (host) in Fayetteville, NC.

Men Top Weight Deadlift: 

Brad Guffie: 710 lbs

Women Top Weight Deadlift:

Jennifer Lyle: 550 lbs

Men Top Weight Benchpress: 

Tim Cunningham 495 lbs

Women Top Weight BenchPress:

Kira Wrixon and Ally Abbs: 265 lbs

Thanks to everyone who came out, donated, lifted, laughed and had a good time!

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 71 invited Bobby Henline to speak at their Veterans Day Parade. What an honor it was to meet the community and be part of the parade honoring those who served.

Forging Forward was in Roseville, OH, with American Legion Auxiliary Unit 71. They brought Bobby Henline out to do a comedy show for their community, and they surprised us by turning the show into a fundraiser for Forging Forward!

Forging Forward was in Silver Point, TN, at Camping at Defenders Retreat, hositing the last Retreat of 2023. Day 3, 6.3 mile kayak trip on Caney Fork - thanks so much to Caney Fork Outdoor Rentals! The veterans shared their face masks, with lots of hugs and support. Dinner donated by Defenders Motorycycle Club. 

A special treat was J Edwards Music came out and played his guitar and sang around the firepit for about 2 hours - check him out!

Forging Forward was in Silver Point, TN, at Camping at Defenders Retreat, hositing the last Retreat of 2023. Day 2, up at 4:30 am for breakfast, getting ready to go to Center Hill Lake for bass fishing with some great bass fisherman volunteers! Dinner was at The Rose Garden Retaurant, a wonderful place down the road from the Retreat location.

Forging Forward was in Silver Point, TN, at Camping at Defenders Retreat, hositing the last Retreat of 2023. Day 1, getting to know each other, painting face masks, finding our glamping tents in the beautiful outdoors, and a delicious shrimp boil! Dinner donated by Harrington for Hope, a group that raises funds for a burn camp for kids in Tennessee, camaraderie, fun!

Very honored for Bobby Henline to be the Keynote Speaker at the 2023 Gala, a pleasure meeting the Murphy family, the Museum Board Members, friends of LT Murphy, and Patriots.

If you are near West Sayville, New York, check the Museum out.

The Bobby Henline Foundation visited Camp Hope, a camp for children with burns. The Camp is in Columbia, TN and is designed for children across the country to attend.

Bobby Henline shared his comedy, talked to the kids about their shared injuries, listened to their stories, and most of all, shared hugs and hope.

Thank you to Mitch and Kim Harrington of Harrington for Hope, for inviting us!

Acme Bar & Grill, Myrtle Beach, SC, hosted a Fundraiser  for The Bobby Henline Foundation!

Acme was packed, the comedians kept everyone laughing, everyone had a great time! Thanks to everyone who made the Fundraiser a success!

Thanks Gator 107.9 for allowing us to be part of your day!

The fundraiser was in honor of our beautiful friend, Frank Heidel.

Thank you Acme Bar & Grill!

Forging Forward was in Helena, MT at Canyon Ridge Ranch hosting a military and first responder retreat. Bowling, a comedy show, spa day, face mask, and camaraderie with many stories shared.

Navy Veteran Chris Bruneau organized a Memorial Day Sweat-Raiser to raise funds for Forging Forward. This event was their biggest turnout and most money raised.

Forging Forward is humbled and thankful for the sponsors, participants, and donors in helping meet our mission of military veteran and first responder camaraderie, connectivity, and suicide prevention.

TruFit Fayetteville, Trufit Hope Mills, and The Holiday Highlander hosted a fundraiser for the Bobby Henline Foundation at The All American Tattoo Convention (host) in Fayetteville, NC.

Top weight deadlift: 700 lbs

Top weight bench press: 455 lbs

Thanks to everyone who came out, donated, lifted, laughed and had a good time!

Photo credit: Mike Anthony

Thank you Elite Events of Music City, AJ Presents, Accidental Discharge Comedy with Bobby Henline and RJ Ryan, and Zanies Nashville for hosting a fundraiser for Forging Forward!

Thanks to everyone who came out, donated, laughed and had a good time!

Forging Forward hosted a Top Golf event in Myrtle Beach, SC for Veterans and First Responders. Community, connection, camaraderie - we had a great time!

Bobby Henline was the Emcee at the Racing For Heroes Gala!

We rode in a high-powered BMW around the track for 6 laps, and I wish I had pics but I was holding on! 

The Gala was well-attended and Daniel Gade shared his story and Virginia's programs to address veteran issues, music by Brandon Mills (Marine) and Scotty Hastings (Army), and Bobby shared his story and comedy.

Mike Evoc, President of RFH, thank you for the invitation!

Bobby Henline and Forging Forward were two of over 150 guests at the UAW 3520 Veterans Committe Christmas Party.

What a wonderful time all the kids, moms, dads, and Veterans had! Gambol the Clown entertained, and Bobby shared his story and comedy.

Santa and his elf Dizzy took pictures with everyone, Trees of Valor were on display, and the food was fantastic!

Bobby Henline and Forging Forward were so honored to be invited to golf at this tournament! Bobby was the Keynote Speaker, sharing his story and comedy.

We had the privilege of meeting Gold Star Mother, Rhonda. Rhonda is the mother of Rodney McCandless, one of the four troops killed in the same IED explosion as Bobby. 

Our great friend, County Music Star Aaron Tippin showed some love to Forging Forward by wearing the "You Are Beautiful" shirt onstage at Renfro Valley! Thank you Aaron!

Click the image to hear his the song he wrote and sings "You Make Me Beautiful." We love it!

If you ever get a chance to see Tippin, don't pass the opportunity, his energy is contagious!

Aaron is one of he most patriotic people in the USA and we thank him for all the songs he has written and sings to celebrate life in the USA!

The Republican Women of Forsyth County, Cumming, GA invited Bobby Henline to their monthly meeting to tell his story and share his comedy. They also did a fundraiser for Forging Forward. We had a great time with all the good folks in the organization. Forging Forward passed out Remembrance Tags to veteran volunteers in the crowd.

Forging Forward partnered up with Warriors Mountain River Adventures to host a retreat for military veterans in Pagosa Springs, CO. The group did 4x4 in the mountains, private tour of Chimney Rock, hiking, Hot Springs Spa, fishing, and so much more. What a great group!

Henline was invitied to be the Keynote at the NGAKY Annual Meeting in Louisville,KY. Forging Forward participated in a scholoraship golf tournatment and Bobby presented along with his comedy to the active duty and retiree National Guard of Kentucky.

Colorado American Legion Riders invited Bobby Henline to do his comedy and Forging Forward to be the beneficiary of their 2022 ROMP. A great group of folks and so much fun!

Bobby Henline and Forging Forward visited Rapid City, SD with Casting Vets to do a Comedy Show Fundraiser for this great veteran-run organization. 

Alabama Veteran and Forging Forward co-hosted a military veteran Retreat at Soggy Bottom Lodge, Linden, AL. What a great way to end the Retreat! Healing and Letting Go with skeet, water, friends at the Lodge dock.

Alabama Veteran and Forging Forward co-hosted a military veteran Retreat at Soggy Bottom Lodge, Linden, AL. Fishing, grounds tour, more good food, and camaraderie at the Lodge.

Alabama Veteran and Forging Forward co-hosted a military veteran Retreat at Soggy Bottom Lodge, Linden, AL. Shotgun golf, good food, and camaraderie at the Lodge.

Alabama Veteran and Forging Forward co-hosted a military veteran Retreat at Soggy Bottom Lodge in Linden, AL. We ate at Ezell's Fish Camp and toured the Lodge. It is beautiful!  We had 15 military veterans participating in the Retreat and 5 volunteers.

BeardVet presented Bobby Henline Comedy in Alpharetta, GA, to raise funds for Forging Forward and American Warrior Garage.

A great beach event in Virginia Beach, VA, coordinated by Chris Bruneau and Jeremy Tenney to raise funds for Forging Forward.

Bobby Henline was a guest speaker at the 20th Anniversary of Ride of Pride, North Carolina.

Joe Shumway took us on a tour of the Daimler plant in North Carolina.

Forging Forward brought in Firefighters and their families for a fun time in Myrtle Beach!

Forging Forward brought in military veterans from across the USA for a fun trip to Myrtle Beach, SC.

Forging Forward and Bobby Henline went to Orange, MA to do a comedy show for the firefighter community.

Forging Forward and Feeding The Heroes had a great picnic to honor First Responders and fundraise for Forging Forward in McDonough, GA.

Forging Forward was honored to be at an American Flag Dedication at VFW Post 670 with our great friend Anthony Peterson, A Flag To Remember Founder.

Forging Forward hosted a military veteran Retreat at 

Camp For Heroes, Fairmont, NC. Knife forging, kayaking, fishing, ax throwing, and camaraderie.

Forging Forward attended the V.E.T.S. Seminar in Fayetteville, NC and met some outstanding military veteran entrepreneurs. They were presenting game plans for other veteran and community entrepreneurs to be successful in business.

CPL J Gartland, return of his ashes to his hometown in PA, with OffRoad Outreach

Forging Forward and Flinch Forward worked together to bring veterans from the USA and Canada to a Retreat in Estes Park, CO. Snow skiing, hiking, food, and camaraderie. What a beautiful time we had!

Forging Forward was invited to a fundraiser for OffRoad Outreach in Clinton, NC. We presented veterans with the Remembrance Tags. What a powerful remembrance, so many of the veterans were moved and thankful.

Bobby Henline was invited to open the 911 Tower Foundation "911 Tower Challenge" in 2019, Tucson, AZ.

 The World Trade Center's Twin Towers each consisted of 110 floors and 2071 steps, and each year thousands of people across Arizona walk, climb and run the stairs to remember. Firefighters in full gear, Police, Military and Bomb Squad personnel march steadily alongside civilians of varying ages, abilities and backgrounds. , 

Forging Forward was invited by Man 22 in Fayetteville, NC to open the ceremony and bring Remembrance Tags to hand out. The community support was great, and we were honored to participate.