About FOG

Built By Those
Who Served

Forward Operators Group is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to making sure no veteran, first responder, or medical professional ever faces their battles alone.

Our Story
Born From The Front Lines

Forward Operators Group was born from a simple but powerful truth: those who serve — whether in the military, on the fire line, in emergency medicine, or in law enforcement — carry a weight that most people never see.

We created FOG to be the community we all wished we had. A place with no judgment, no red tape, and no pretending everything is fine. Just real people who’ve been there, understand the mission, and have each other’s backs.

Our main objective is clear: prevent suicide, support transitions, provide hardship relief, and build a community where everyone knows — without a doubt — that they are never alone.

An organization like this doesn’t run on its own. It takes solid leadership and a lot of volunteers. It couldn’t ever be done without the amazing volunteer staff we have that is always eager and willing to do more.

— Forward Operators Group
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
🤝

Brotherhood

No one fights alone. We show up for each other — in the good times and the hard ones — because that’s what brothers and sisters do.

❤️

Mental Health First

We put mental health at the center of everything we do. There is no mission without the people, and the people come first — always.

🎖️

Service

We are all volunteers. Every hour given, every conversation had, every life touched — it’s all done out of service to the community we love.

Our Leadership
Meet The Founding Fathers

An organization like this doesn’t run on its own. It takes solid leadership and a whole lot of heart. Let us introduce you to the founding fathers — the leadership of Forward Operators Group.

MA
USMC · 4 Years

Manis

Co-Founder & Leader

3531 Transport Operator and the glue that holds us all together. Manis brings the steady hand and unwavering commitment that keeps FOG moving forward every single day.

Father of two boys & wonderful husband
CA
US Army · 6 Years

Cav

Co-Founder

13B Field Artillery. Cav brings the firepower — both in leadership and in heart. His dedication to the mission and to every member of this community is unwavering.

Loving husband
MI
US Army · 4 Years

Micah

Board Member

Army Veteran and passionate mental health supporter. Micah is the heart and soul of FOG — the mother figure of the group who keeps everyone grounded, supported, and heard.

Loving girlfriend & mental health advocate
BU
US Coast Guard · 20 Years

Butch

Co-Founder

20 years of Active Duty Coast Guard service. Butch brings two decades of experience, discipline, and dedication to FOG — and the wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of service.

Father of two boys
MG
Founding Supporter

Mighty Guts

Co-Founder & Father Figure

The biggest supporter in every way possible from day one. Mighty Guts has been the referee, the backbone, and the father figure of FOG since the very beginning.

Referee & father figure of FOG
SP
British Armed Forces

Spud

Board Member

Member of the British Armed Forces bringing an international perspective to the FOG mission. Blessed with a legendary beard, certified gigantic nerd, and proud goth.

Blessed with a beard & goth at heart
Trained & Certified
Our Help Squad

Our Help Squad members aren’t just volunteers — they’re trained professionals committed to keeping our community safe. Every single Help Squad member has completed the following certified training programs:

🛡️

Preventing Suicide in Emergency Departments

Certified training in suicide prevention protocols specifically designed for high-stress emergency environments.

🔒

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means

Specialized training in means restriction counseling — a proven, evidence-based approach to reducing suicide risk.

All training provided by Zero Suicide Institute — the leading evidence-based framework for suicide prevention in behavioral health and healthcare systems. Our Help Squad is equipped, trained, and ready.

Join The Mission

You Belong Here.

Whether you’re looking for community, support, or a way to give back — FOG is your home. One team. One fight. You’re never alone.

Join The Community Get In Touch