SOGGY BOTTOM LODGE RETREAT
AUGUST 21-24, 2025
Forging Forward, The Bobby Henline Foundation and Alabama Veteran are co-hosting a military and first responder veteran and active duty Retreat at Soggy Bottom Lodge in Linden, Alabama.
Forging Forward and Alabama Veteran are invested in Suicide Prevention through personal connections, activities, and socialization.
The Soggy Bottom Lodge Retreat is open to MALE ONLY active duty and veteran:
- Military
- Law enforcement
- Firefighters
- EMS
- 911 Operators
- Correction Officers
FOCUS: Have fun, learn new skills, socialization, camaraderie, relaxation, and connectivity.
ACTIVITIES: Fishing, hiking, campfire chats, reflective art, touring the hunting grounds, shotgun golf, cooking, kayaking, relaxation, and more. Activities are done as a group. We want each person to come away with a new skill, battle buddies, and know there are people who care about you.
COST: The Retreat, Activities, and Food is FREE to approved applicants. Note: Not everyone who applies will be chosen to attend the Retreat due to the limited number of lodging space and available funding. We have six (6) spots available to fill.
ALLERGIES: Various foods will be prepared and served at the Retreat and/or local restaurants. If you have allergies, it is strongly advised you put your health first as there are no medical personnel assigned to attend the Retreat.
TRANSPORTATION: All participants will be responsible to get themselves to and from Soggy Bottom Lodge, Linden, Alabama. Neither the Bobby Henline Foundation nor Alabama Veteran shall take responsiblity for any mishaps or accidents that may occur to or from the final location(s) or to any activity the participant(s) ride or drive to. Transportation after arriving will be provided by the participant, or you may choose to ride with Bobby Henline Foundation or or Alabama Veteran volunteers or other participant's personal vehicle.
MOBILITY: All participants must be able to independently walk on their own or have a mode of mobility that others unfamiliar with the mobility device may assist with. The location and activities include steps, stairs, uneven floors, uneven walking in grass, limited access to some shooting blinds, etc. All daily living activities must be independent.
LODGING: Participants will be assigned a queen bunk at Soggy Bottom Lodge in a room that is shared. There are several private restroom facilities within the Lodge, that are shared by all participants.
ATTENDANCE: It is expected all participants will remain at the Retreat for the duration. If you have a conflict and know that you will be late arriving or have to leave early, please be considerate and pass on this opportunity.
ARRIVAL: Thursday, August 21, 2025 - arrive by 2:00 PM local time
DEPARTURE: Sunday, August 24, 2025- no later than 12:00 PM local time
ELIGIBILITY: If you have attended a Forging Forward Retreat in the past 12 months and you are interested in attending this retreat, we ask that you bring a buddy with you.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR FORGING FORWARD AND ALABAMA VETERAN: Upon arrival and before participating in any activty, participants will be required to sign a RELEASE OF LIABILITY to participate. Please be prepared.
Applicants chosen for the event: A representative from the Bobby Henline Foundation will call you to confirm your participation and/or get additional details to ensure your trip is successful. All participating applicants will be required to sign a Release of Liability Form prior to participating in any activity.
Applicants not chosen for the event: A representative from the Bobby Henline Foundation will send an email to you.