FORGING FORWARD

REELS N' RODS RETREAT

for

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER ACTIVE DUTY AND VETERANS

EVENT DATE: September 21-24, 2023

The Bobby Henline Foundation, doing business as Forging Forward is hosting a military and first responder veteran and active duty Retreat at Defenders Retreat in gorgeous Silver Point, Tennessee. This Retreat location is considered PRIMITIVE.

Forging Forward is invested in Suicide Prevention through personal connection.

The Reels N' Rods Retreat is open to male and female 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 on boats with local fisherman in a lake local to Defenders Retreat, kayaking, hiking, campfire chats, 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. If you have a kayak, please bring it with you.

COST: The Retreat, Activities, and Food are FREE TO PARTICIPANTS. 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 restaurant. 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 Defenders Retreat, Silver Point, Tennessee.Forging Forward shall not take responsibility for any mishaps or accidents that may occur to or from the final location(s) or to any activity the participant(s) ride with a volunteer or other participant, or drive to.

Transportation after arriving will be provided by Forging Forward volunteers or your personal vehicle.

MOBILITY: All participants must be able to independently walk on their own or have a mode of mobiility that other unfamiliar with the mobility device may assist with. The location and activities includes steps, stairs, uneven floors or terrain, walking in fields, hiking trails in the woods, etc. All daily living activities must be independent.

LODGING: Participants have several FREE lodging options:

1) Stay in a luxury tent with one bed that can sleep two people on the property. There are 12 luxury tents available, OR

2) Bring their own recreational vehicle or tent - there are 300+ acres on the property. 

ALL APPLICANTS BE ADVISED: This location is considered primitive. There are no available water, electricity, sewer hookups, or dumping stations. No dumping onsite.

The luxury tents are in the middle of the woods with no electricity or water - if you bring a tent, your location will be the same as the luxury tents.

AVAILABLE FACILITIES:

• One male and one female restroom with hot and cold running water, toilet, and shower, quite a distance from the tent sites. Be prepared to drive or walk across numerous acres to access.
• Each luxury tent will be furnished with a primitive toilet.
• If you bring your own tent, please bring your own primitive toilet and privacy space.

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: September 21, 2023 - no earlier than 10:00 AM local time

DEPARTURE: September 24, 2023- 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: Upon arrival and before participating in any activity, participants will be required to sign a RELEASE OF LIABILITY to particpate. 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 October 11, 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.