FORGING FORWARD - ALABAMA VETERAN

SOGGY BOTTOM LODGE RETREAT

for ACTIVE DUTY and VETERAN MILITARY and FIRST RESPONDERS

EVENT DATE: June 22-25, 2023

The Bobby Henline Foundation, doing business as Forging Forward and Alabama Veteran are hosting a military and first responder veteran and active duty Retreat at Soggy Bottom Lodge in beautiful Linden, Alabama.

Forging Forward and Alabama Veteran are invested in Suicide Prevention through personal connection.

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, 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 FORGING FORWARD 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.

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 Forging Forward nor Alabama Veteran shall not take responsiblity for any mishaps or accidents that may occur to or from the final location(s) or to any activity the participant(s) rides with another participant or volunteer, or drives to on their own.

Transportation after arriving will be provided by Forging Forward or Alabama Veteran volunteers or your personal vehicle. You may also choose to ride with another participant.

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. 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.

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: June 22, 2023 - no earlier than 12:00 PM local time

DEPARTURE: June 25, 20223- no later than 12:00 PM local time 

ELIGIBILITY: If you have attended a Forging Forward Retreat in the past 12 months, we ask that you humbly step aside to allow others who have never had the opportunity.

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 particpate for both Forging Forward and Alabama Veteran. Please be prepared. 

Applicants chosen for the event: A representative from Forging Forward will call or email you to confirm your participation and/or get additional details to ensure your trip is successful.

Applicants not chosen for the event: A representative from Forging Forward will send an email to you.

APPLICATION CLOSES May 22, 2023.

• Military: DD214 and current ID Card - please hide the Social Security number.
• EMTs / Paramedics can use a state license, a EMT / Paramedic certification issued within the past 48 months, or an ID Card with their name and title on it.
• Firefighters can use an ID card with their name and title on it, a firefighter certification issued within the past 48 months, or an unexpired membership card.
• Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) can use a valid ID card that states their name and title, a pay stub that shows their occupational title, or a LEO certification issued within the past 48 months. Federal LEOs can use your SF-50.
• 911 Dispatchers can use an ID Card with their name and title on it or a 911 Dispatcher certification issued within the past 48 months.
• Correctional Officers can use a valid ID card that states their name and title, a pay stub that shows their occupational title, or a Correctional Officer certification issued within the past 48 months.
• Retired First Responders can use a retiree ID card, retirement certificate, etc.

BE ADVISED YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL FROM EITHER JAMIE@FORGINGFORWARD.ORG OR INFO@FORGINGFORWARD.ORG.

PLEASE ADD TO YOUR CONTACTS. ALWAYS CHECK YOUR JUNK FOLDERS.

Information provided in this application will not be shared or sold to any company for marketing purposes.

Information from the application will be used to contact you to get additional information from you for the event or share information from Forging Forward and/or Alabama Veteran.

Information from the application will be shared with Alabama Veteran for planning purposes.