Bobby Henline

Greensburg, KY

 

Branch of Service:

US Army, Sergeant, 14 years

 

Brief Service History:

Henline is a 4-tour Iraqi War Veteran, Retired Staff Sergeant, and Purple Heart Warrior.

A veteran of Desert Storm by age 19, serving with 1st Calvalry Division, Henline was inspired to re-enlist in the Army after the attacks on America on September 11, 2001. He deployed to Iraq three more times, twice with the 82nd Airborne Division and oncel with the 3rd Armored Calvary regiment. He spent 14 years serving his country.

 

While on his 4th tour in Iraq, three weeks after his arrival, an IED blast blew up his humvee - April 7, 2007 is a day he will never forget. Of the five men in the vehicle, Bobby was the only survivor.

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As Henline stumbled out of the wreck, a human torch, he was extinguished by the soldier he had replaced in the humvee. With burns covering almost 40% of his body, he was immediately put into a medically induced coma and flown back to the States with a slim-to-zero chance of surviving.

 

Description of Injury Event, including date and location:  

April 7, 2007, my humvee was blown up by an IED. I was the only survivor of 5 in the vehicle, North of Baghdad, in Zaganinyah.

 

Description of Injuries:

Burns covered almost 40% of my body, my head was burned to the skull. Due to the severe burns, I lost my left hand, my left elbow is locked in place.

 

Brief History of Recovery:

Sent to Ft Sam Houston for recovery for 6 months inpatient, 3 years recovery. Medically retired in 2011.

 

Future plans and how this gift may affect you and your family:

Ride the bike as much as I possibly can, it gives me my freedom back. The bike will be a great conversation piece, as I travel with it around the country, sharing with my fellow soldiers. I am thrilled to receive a bike and know it will be a needed therapy for my soul.