National Board of Directors

Todd Svenson

President

CSM (Ret.) Todd P. Svenson enlisted in the United States Army in September 1987. He has held every leadership position in the Infantry including Team leader, LRSD Team leader, Squad Leader, Scout Squad Leader, Rifle Platoon Sergeant, Scout Platoon Sergeant, Infantry OSUT Senior Drill Sergeant, HHC, Rifle Company, and Infantry OSUT First Sergeant positions, Senior Military Science Instructor, Battalion and Brigade Operations Sergeant Major, and Command Sergeant Major. His assignments included Korea; the 82nd ABN DIV; three tours with the 101st ABN DIV (AASLT) serving in the 101st LRSD and all three battalions of the 327th, 1st BCT; the Joint Readiness Training Center; the 2nd Battalion, 19 th Infantry Regiment; the University of Central Florida Army ROTC; 2 nd Battalion, 34 th Armored Regiment; 1 HBCT, 1 st INF DIV; and the Command Sergeant Major of the 3 rd Battalion, 47 th Infantry.

He completed Ranger School, Airborne School, Jumpmaster School, Pathfinder School, the Air Assault School, Drill Sergeant School, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, Long Range Surveillance Leader Course, Master Resiliency Trainer Course, ROK Ranger Course, WLC, ALC, and SLC. He is a graduate of Class 57 of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University.

Chris Forbes

Vice President Operations

Colonel (Retired) Chris Forbes served honorably as a U.S. Army Infantry officer for over 31 years. He currently serves as the Honorary Colonel of the 54th Infantry Regiment. He graduated from New Mexico Military Institute in 1987 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned into the Infantry. Following his graduation from the University of South Carolina, he was accessed to active duty and was commissioned in the Regular Army as an Infantry officer. Throughout his years in the Army, COL Forbes led and commanded from the platoon through the brigade level in both Infantry and Armor formations. He also served on staff at every level from battalion to corps as well as at the agency and White House level.

He served on 4 combat deployments including Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom twice, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also conducted operational deployments to Sinai, Egypt (Multi-National Force and Observers), the Republic of Haiti (UN Mission in Haiti), and Jerusalem, Israel (U.S. Security Coordinator Mission in Palestine).
His final assignment before retiring in 2018, was with the newly formed Defense Prisoner of War / Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) where he set up the Europe-Mediterranean Regional Directorate responsible for the recovery and identification of U.S. servicemembers missing from past conflicts. During this time, he was instrumental in re-opening dialogue on the POW/MIA issue between the U.S. and Russia for the first time in 11 years and co-leading a joint U.S.–Russian field expedition to Vladivostok; the first mission of its kind in over 15 years.

COL Forbes earned a BA in International Studies from the University of South Carolina, an MA in Administration from Central Michigan University, a Masters in Theater and Operational Planning from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Masters in National Security and Policymaking from the U.S. Naval War College. He also served as a Chief of Staff of the Army’s Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Peace.

Some of COL Forbes’ awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (3d Award), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (6th Award), and the Army Commendation Medal (3d Award). His badges include the Combat Infantryman Badge (2d Award), Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, the Presidential Service Identification Badge, and the Ranger Tab. Following retirement COL Forbes and his family have settled in the Columbus, GA area.

Jerry Hightower

Quick Reaction Force Director

Served 9 years in the Army as a Military Policeman. 1991-2000 2000-2018. Have been working in the ministry. 2006 Graduated with my Bachelor’s in Pastoral Ministry from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. He graduated in May 2019 with my Master’s in Bible and Theology. Currently serving my 12th year of ministry as Senior Pastor at First Assembly of God Church in Prescott Arkansas. Vice President of the Ministerial Alliance that has 8 churches in the Community involved. In my 4th year as a voted City Council Member. Chaplain to the City Police, Fire Department, and Sherriff Department. Married for 26 years this Feb 5th to my Wife Dana, who is also a Veteran of the Army. Father to a Son, (25) Daniel, who teaches English at Arkansas Tech University and a Daughter, (22) Krystin who is married to Tyler Hicks. They have my only grandchild (Westin 10 months). Operates her own Dog grooming business and Tyler works as a jailer for the Sherriff’s Department.

John Hosea

Website/Communication Director

Chaplain John M. Hosea stands as a testament to the ideals of service, dedication, and compassion, qualities that he has woven into the very fabric of his life. With a foundation rooted in 26 years of marriage and the upbringing of four daughters, John exemplifies unwavering commitment in both his personal endeavors and professional pursuits. His journey through life mirrors a steadfast dedication not only to his family but also to the broader community he serves. John Serves the people of Hood County Texas as Chaplain for the Hood County Sheriff’s Department.

John’s military service is marked by valor and sacrifice, evidenced by the honor of receiving a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat operations. This experience has imbued him with a profound understanding of sacrifice and resilience, shaping his character in ways that extend beyond the battlefield. Upon concluding his military service, John embarked on a seamless transition to a vocation that mirrored his innate call to serve—entering the realms of ministry and counseling.

Possessing dual master’s degrees in Mental Health and Wellness and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialization in trauma, John marries academic rigor with practical experience in a manner that few can. This unique amalgamation of skills and knowledge equips him to navigate the complexities of trauma with empathy and expertise, making him an invaluable resource in his role as a Chaplain for the Sheriff’s Department.

John’s dedication to supporting first responders, veterans, and their families is not merely a professional obligation but a personal mission. He recognizes the distinct challenges and demands faced by these individuals and approaches his support with an empathy born of firsthand experience and a deep-seated understanding of their struggles.

K.C. Harryman

Ministry Support

K.C. Harryman is a 3^rdgeneration Army combat veteran. Born in Manhattan, KS, and raised in Dawson Springs, KY, only two things ever made sense to him outside of High School. One was ministry and the other was military life. He joined the army as an infantryman in August of 2000. He would then serve from 2000-2003 and would return to serve in 2008-2013. During that time he served in Iraq during the Invasion in 2003 with the 101^st. Airborne Division (Air Assault) and would return in 2009 with 1^stID. He would conclude his service by earning the title of Iron Warrior of the Year in 2012, otherwise known as the Division NCO of the Year for 1^stAD in Fort Bliss, TX. During his second term of service, he held credentials with the Assemblies of God and was named a Distinct Faith Group Leader while deployed with 1^stInfantry Division and would hold bible studies for soldiers as well as be sent to Battalion HQ to conduct services for the Battalion Chaplain while he was on leave. During both deployments to Iraq, he saw soldiers get saved, rededicate their lives to Christ, and even baptized one in a water trough.

K.C. believes in the power of God to transform, set free, and deliver. Just as there was life on the other side of the cross for Jesus, he believes that there is hope and life on the other side of whatever others may be going through and desires to make that hope available to veterans and be a blessing to his veteran brothers. He received his ordination papers in 2015 through the Nebraska District of the Assemblies of God and holds a BS in Ministerial Leadership through Southeastern University. He currently is pastoring his second church which is in Strafford, MO, and lives there with his wife (Kim) and their two children (Adalyn, 8, and Charlie, 3).

Shad Lorenz

Business Development/Fundraising

Shad Lorenz enlisted as an Infantryman in the Army on September 11^th, 2001. Like many of us, he felt a calling to something greater and wanted to serve his country. After basic training, he was sent to the 101^stAirborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. There he would serve two tours, one with 1^stBrigade, 3^rdBattalion, 327^thINF Bastogne BattleForce and one more with 4^thBrigade, 1^stBattalion, 506^thINF Curahee. Shad Lorenz would later transfer to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to help stand up the Army’s first Warrior Transition Brigade (WTB) when the call to help take care of our Wounded, ILL, and Injured Soldiers was sounded.

During his time in the Army, Shad held all positions from private to platoon sergeant and carried every weapon system known to light Infantry. He graduated from Air Assault School, Pathfinder School, earned his Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) and for his overseas tours the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB). He was also inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) and shortly after elected Vice President of the local SAMC chapter. Shad was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his 12 years of service, but during his second tour in Ramadi, Iraq, he, and several members of the same platoon, for their actions were awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor (ARCOM w/V).

Since leaving the Army in 2014, Shad and his wife Beth, have owned and operated CrossFit Germantown Performance in Germantown, MD. Both Shad and Beth have conducted several competitions, fundraisers and been featured in “At Ease” magazine for success as a Veteran entrepreneur.

“God has blessed me and my family with an opportunity to serve once again with BattleForged Nation. I am truly humbled and honored to give back to our Veterans and their families”

Daniel Grifo

Business Development/Projects

Retired from the Army in 2009 after 22+ years of service. I have over five deployments to include Desert Shield/Storm/Provide Comfort, Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom Three times. I have continued to serve the Army as a Department of the Army Civilian. I am currently the Chief, Military Personnel Division for the United States Army Test & Evaluation Command. I have a bachelor’s in computer science, an MBA in Human Resources, and both my Associate Professional Human Resources certification and Professional Human Resources Certification. I have been married to my wife Shannon for over 18 years. We have three children ages 30, 27 and 12.

Gary Romig

Secretary

I enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 24 in November 1988. I Attended Basic Training at Ft. Benning, GA. Upon graduation of Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training in May 1990 I was assigned to 1-14thInfantry Regiment, 25thInfantry Division Schofield Barracks, HI. I was stationed in Hawaii for only 11 months before our Battalion rotated to Korea. There I was assigned to 1-506 Infantry Regiment, 2ndInfantry Division where I was stationed at Camp Liberty Bell along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). While stationed in Korea my unit was tasked with patrolling the DMZ, I have 72 live combat patrols during my time in Korea. I performed as the Squad designated rifleman. As the Designated Rifleman, I was the only member of the patrol that had a round chambered and was designated as the first Soldier to open fire on any North Korean embarkations along the DMZ. After serving in Korea for 10 months, 66 of us were returned early due to Operation Desert Storm. I was assigned to 2-14thInfantry Regiment, Ft. Drum, NY. While at Ft. Drum I was promoted to SGT and performed duties as Fire Team Leader and Squad Leader. During my time in 2-14thIN, we were deployed 2 times for Humanitarian Assistance to Cuba, Florida during hurricane David. I was later assigned to the Division Headquarters to perform duties as an Instructor at the Air Assault School and Cold Weather Course. More than 10,000 Soldiers were trained in those 2 courses during my time there.
While at the Air Assault School I was promoted to SSG. In 1994 I was reassigned once again to Korea where I served as a Primary Leadership Development Course Instructor until late 1994. After that assignment I was stationed back at Ft. Drum as performed duties as NCOIC of the reception Battalion for all Incoming Soldiers into the Division until 1997, when I was once again reassigned back to 1-14thInfantry Regiment, 25thInfantry Division. While in Hawaii I served as Squad Leader and PLT Sergeant. I also served in the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Command Center as an Emergency Action NCO. In 2000 I was reassigned to the 3-327thInfantry Regiment, 101 Airborne Division. While there I served as Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant. In Feb of 2003 we deployed to Iraq as part of the initial invasion. We were the second unit following 3rdID all the way to Bagdad. Eventually we ended up being assigned to the 502ndIN BDE once we pushed into Mosul. During my time in Iraq I was promoted to SFC. Upon return home, I went to Advanced Noncommissioned Officer course for 14 weeks. After school in 2004 I was again reassigned to the 174thInfantry BDE, 1stArmy Division and served as an Observer Controller-Trainer (OC-T). I performed those duties until my retirement on 30 Sep 2009. Since retirement I had held many civilian positions within the Department of Defense from GS-5 through GS-11. I retired from civilian employment in November 2012 and remain retired. I have found a place in this world for service. I spend all of my time in service of others from my church and community to all veterans in this nation with Battle Forged Nation, where I have served as New York State Administrator and now as the Northeast Regional Coordinator. I have three wonderful children that share my life. Peyton 20, Amber 23 and CJ 26.