M19

Hero Flight Mission #19

April 29 – May 1, 2011

Passengers: SSgt Robert (Bobby) Henline, his wife and three children

Purpose: To perform his comedy act at the 63rd Annual Southeast Region

Conference for the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. and to visit his sister

Route: Round Trip – San Antonio, TX to Fayetteville, NC

Pilots: Al Bradley – PIC; David Knight – SIC

VES Staff: Alicia Camp

Background:

We had a request to fly a medically retired US Army SSgt from San Antonio, TX to Fayetteville, NC to perform a comedy act for the Gold Star Wives of America. Gold Star Wives are widows and widowers whose spouses died while on active duty or as a result of a military service connected cause.

On April 7, 2007, SSgt Robert (Bobby) Henline was on his third deployment in Iraq when his Humvee hit an IED. He was the sole survivor of the attack. He was burned over 38% of his body, many of the burns were full thickness burns which were concentrated on his face, head and left arm. He has since undergone 45 surgeries and had his left hand amputated. While in the hospital one of Bobby’s occupational therapists suggested he try comedy as part of his rehabilitation. So four years later on his “Alive” day, he was invited to perform at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas where he charmed the crowd with his amazing wit and canny ability to make fun of himself.

We had the awesome privilege of joining Bobby and his oldest daughter, at the 63rd Southeast Region Conference for the Gold Star Wives of America. The guest speaker at the event was COL Stephen J. Sicinski, the Fort Bragg Garrison Commander. Performances also included The 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Chorus and singer, Jenna Grassbaugh. Bobby closed out the conference with his very entertaining and humorous comedy act.

The Henline’s were also able to spend some much needed time with Bobby’s sister and her family while in Fayetteville. It was an absolute honor to meet this awe-inspiring American hero and his wonderful family.

http://bobbyhenline.com/

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93755873

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98564688

http://www.temperedsteelinc.org/henline.html

http://www.tpr.org/news/2008/06/news0806231.html

http://aw2.armylive.dodlive.mil/tag/robert-henline/

http://militaryconnection.com/blog/?p=471

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utoH9aAURds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkV7-3KNspY&feature=grec_index

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLFCiR5OGpE&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMXAIv3sK3E&feature=related

http://katdish.net/2010/01/instead-of-dying-by-maureen-doallas-2/

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/22/sunday/main3960219.shtml

http://www.goldstarwives.org/

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43112194/ns/today-today_people/