When his patrol’s vehicle hit a roadside bomb while on patrol in Iraq, former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bobby Henline’s life took a dramatic turn nine years ago. Sadly, five of his comrades died from the explosion, while Henline was left severely injured and burned from the explosion.
“In the first year I didn’t know what I was going to do. I had survivor’s guilt,” Purple Heart recipient Henline told KENS5. I didn’t know what to do. I felt useless. I thought, ‘Why am I here?’ Then I learned through sharing my story that I can help others (and) look at life in another perspective.”
The San Antonio native was inspired by a friend who had opened a restaurant in California called Biggie’s Burgers and Great Shakes. It was opened by a Korean War veteran twenty five years ago with the intent to train other veterans in restaurant management.
Now, Henline is following suit by raising funds to open a new restaurant that will be completely staffed by veterans.
“My plan is to hire a veteran to be my manager,” Henline explained. “We want to hire veterans to work for us, too. I hate asking for money. I don’t feel like anyone owes us veterans anything. We chose to do this. We chose to go and serve.”
Henline hopes to raise $300,000 by May to help make his dream a reality. “If people want to help out, it’s a great way to help out,” he says. “You’re going to help that veteran continue their life. It’s the reason why I finally reached out to ask for more funding.”
Those interested in helping Henline’s cause can donate to his GoFundMe account.