Welcome to Forging Forward Services!

 Forging Forward brings 4 to 8 active duty or veteran Military and/or First Responders to a 2-4 day retreat to enjoy nature. We plan activities in a variety of locations to rekindle camaraderie in a safe and open environment. We team up with local artists and professionals to teach participants a new outlet or tool through art to address PTSD and other trauma-related issues. Activities may include whittling, wood crafts, storytelling through poetry, songwriting, comedy, welding, forging, hiking, bicycling, painting, photography, community service, outdoor water activities, and more.

Forging Forward creates Remembrance Tags with the names of  Military Veterans who have died by suicide due to their battle wounds of PTSD, TBI or other physical or mental health issues. 

The Tags are presented to Military and First Responder Veterans and their  families in memory of the service member, to never be forgotten. 

We ask each person receiving a Remembrance Tag to take an oath to live their life to the fullest in memory of the service member.  The oath focuses on having the strength to ask for help.

If you have a military combat veteran who died by suicide and want to add their name to our list, please contact Jamie@ForgingForward.org.

NEVER FORGET

Forging Forward helps cover the speaker fee to get motivational and inspirational Military and First Responder Veterans and Veterans that participate with Forging Forward to schools, ROTC events,  faith-based organizations, and non-profit organizations that might not otherwise be able to afford a speaker to inspire their community. 

Forging Forward will cover part of the expense such as airfare, hotel, food and/or an honorarium for the speaker.

Forging Forward works with military veterans with combat-related injuries who need assistance with local travel or flying to and from a prosthetic appointment. Fill out an application for assistance with travel, flights, lodging, transportation, or meals.

Forging Forward works with people attending the Forging Forward retreats to create art that tells their personal story. The art is used to release heavy loads, start meaningful conversations with family and loved ones, share  personal experiences and history, share joys and laughter, healing - and most of all, share an experience with others that creates bonds of connection. We are more alike than different. 

Reflective Art can also be an activity the organization can bring to a school, organization, business, or other group. If interested, email info@forgingforward.org.

 Forging Forward supports other organizations and business that support the USA Active Duty and Veteran Military and First Responder, and Gold Star Family communities. Together, we can do more.

Forging Forward relies on its volunteers to assist at Retreats, Fundraisers, and provide additional opportunities for target populations to participate in activities. Without our volunteers, we could not properly attain our mission and vision. Forging Forward would not grow, have a positive influence on people in our communities, or even function properly. Volunteers help us build a more cohesive, safer, and stronger community across the USA; it unites people in exceptional ways, bringing positive effects on both the volunteer and the group we are assisting or being a part of. The skills volunteers bring to the table are phenomenal and they are a key part of Forging Forward’s success.

 Forging Forward teams up with Military and First Responder Veteran and Gold Star Family individuals and organizations to advance services or programs that globally and mutually benefit the Military and First Responder Veteran and Gold Star Family communities.