Camp Forrest Foundation

06/07/2026

Tullahoma had a unique opportunity today. A gentleman named Alex came all the way to Tullahoma, Tennessee from Germany with a couple of friends from Franklin, TN, for a special purpose. Alex's grandfather, whose name was Otto, spent two years in the United States as a POW, and about a year of that was Camp Forrest.

Alex wanted to visit Tullahoma to see the places his grandfather would have been during his time here before going back to Germany after WWII ended. Along with Dr. Taylor from the Camp Forrest Foundation, Greg Gressel from South Jackson Performing Arts Center, Gavin Dishon from the Tullahoma Municipal Airport, and Lyle Russell from City Administration, Alex was able to see the area that was once William Northern Field, learn about History Park near the Tullahoma train depot, see the ruins in old Camp Forrest, and visit the Tullahoma Museum of History and Culture at SJPAC to take a historical walk in Otto's shoes during his time in Tullahoma over 75 years ago. What an extraordinary opportunity to connect with local history on a global scale and see how Tullahoma connects to the larger fabric of American (and German) history. Thank you for your visit, Alex!

05/23/2026

Big thanks to Lyle Russell for bringing Rick Beyer The Ghost Army to South Jackson Performing Arts Center this weekend!!

Yes, happening this weekend...

FANTASTIC World War II history about The Ghost Army!

Last chance for tickets... get them today on southjackson.org

05/05/2026

🚨 TODAY ONLY — HELP HONOR FORGOTTEN HEROES 🚨

The brave soldiers of the 371st Infantry Regiment fought for freedom in World War I — facing enemy fire abroad and discrimination at home. Their courage helped shape history… yet too many of their stories remain untold.

Today, we have a chance to change that.
A monument is being built to honor these African American heroes and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten — but time is running out.

⏰ Deadline: 12:59 PM TODAY (May 5) ❤️ Every donation matters — no amount is too small

👉 Donate now and be part of preserving their legacy: https://share.google/T0O5wMCL7xDuvZfAv

Let’s come together to give these men the recognition they’ve always deserved. Share this post and help us reach more people before time runs out.

An initiative of Central Carolina Community Foundation, Midlands Gives brings the region together as one community throughout the year, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits in 11 Midlands counties. Since 2014, Midlands Gives has raised more than $32 million for hundreds of local nonprofi...

03/01/2026

🌟 Sunday Shout Out! 🌟

Today we are kicking off our very first Sunday Shout Out by recognizing someone who truly embodies the heart and spirit of the Camp Forrest Foundation — Bessie Henderson (aka Mom) ❤️

Mom is my number one fan, our biggest supporter, and hands down the BEST volunteer EVER!!

Behind the scenes, she has been working tirelessly upcycling loads of old military items into beautiful handbags, totes, and even pet bandanas. These one-of-a-kind pieces honor history in such a creative way — and they’ll be part of our big fundraiser this year! 🧵🇺🇸 You’ll be able to find them in the Camp Forrest online store in just a few months.

I definitely don’t say it enough — Mom, thank you for all you do. There truly wouldn’t be a Camp Forrest Foundation without you. Your support, love, dedication, and hard work mean more than words can express.

To Mom — thank you for believing in this mission and for helping us preserve history every single day. ❤️

Drop a ❤️ in the comments to show Mom some love!

02/07/2026

📚✨ You’re Invited! ✨📚

Join us for the 20th Anniversary Author Signing

🗓 Saturday, February 7

⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

📍 Manchester Public Library
1005 Hillsboro Blvd., Manchester, TN

This year’s grand finale is bigger than ever, featuring an incredible lineup of 20+ authors ready to meet readers, chat about their work, and sign books.

Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or just looking for a fun Saturday outing, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Come celebrate stories, authors, and 20 amazing years with us!

📖💬 Bring a friend and leave with a signed book (or three)!

12/12/2025

Thank you Florent Plana for your dedication to our World War II heros. Florent has taken so many of our heros back to the battlefields they fought on over 80 years ago.

Please take a moment to visit Florent's YouTube channel -

He has interviewed numerous World War II veterans, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

I encourage you to watch his documentary They Won't Die Twice ( https://youtu.be/5RntWkjlVp0?si=7P4oiIRFHVLT2xqH).

"They Won’t Die Twice" follows the lives of three Americans – Sergeant Walter Geldon, Captain Ned Elder, and Private First Class Leo Balon – from before the ...

12/11/2025

Some stories sit quietly in the background until we finally look their way.

Camp Forrest was one of the largest military installations during WWII, and many of the men and women who trained there came from Orangeburg County. On December 14, we’re bringing their stories back into focus at the Orangeburg County Historical Society!

Join us at 3 PM (doors open at 2:30) as we explore Camp Forrest’s wartime role, POW compounds, and the lives shaped along the way.

Reserve your seat for free at orangeburgcountyhistory.org/camp-forrest/

12/10/2025

📜✨ A Glimpse Into Camp Forrest History ✨📜

In June 1941, George Seely of Company C, 151st Medical Battalion wrote a heartfelt letter to his parents while staying at the Camp Forrest Station Hospital. His reason for being there? A “bad case of poison ivy” — proof that even future heroes weren’t immune to the Tennessee woods! 🍃😅

George’s letter offers a touching and personal snapshot of military life just months before America entered WWII. It gives us a window into his experiences, his personality, and the everyday challenges soldiers faced beyond the battlefield.

💌 Want to learn more about George and read his letter?

Check it out and take a step back in time with us as we continue preserving and sharing the stories of those who served.

📜 Photos Courtesy of Walter Havighurst Special Collections, Miami University

👍 Like, 💬 Comment, and 🔁 Share to help us keep Camp Forrest history alive!

📣 Have artifacts or stories about Camp Forrest, Northern Field, or the Tennessee Maneuvers?

📧 Email us: [email protected]

🌐 Visit: www.CampForrest.com

🛒 Support us by shopping the Foundation Store: campforrestfoundation.square.site

12/08/2025

🎄✨ Come See Us at The Cotton Depot! ✨🎄

Looking for unique Christmas décor and the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday list? Visit the Camp Forrest Foundation booth at The Cotton Depot (601 S. Madison Avenue, Suite 50, Monroe, GA)!

We have lots of great Christmas décor and gift items, and the best part? All proceeds benefit the Camp Forrest Foundation and help us preserve history for generations to come. ❤️📚

Stop by, shop with purpose, and pick up something special this season!

🛍 The Cotton Depot Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Help us preserve history—and find fantastic gifts while you're at it! 🎁✨

12/08/2025

On Sunday, December 7, 1941, Camp Forrest was a hub of activity. Eight months had passed since soldiers of the 33rd Division (Illinois National Guard), 75th Brigade (181st and 191st Field Artillery), 168th Colorado Field Artillery, and the 107th Ohio Calvary arrived for training.

Some of the over 30,000 soldiers were off base engaged in a myrid of activities that day. All soldiers were ordered to report immediatly to Camp Forrest when news of bombing of Pearl Harbor was received. The next day many of these men were ordered to report to various facilities, such as dams and power stations, throughout Tennessee. Everyone would soon learn what lay ahead for the nation.

📜 Photos Courtesy of the Camp Forrest Foundation

👍 Like, 💬 Comment, and 🔁 Share to help us keep Camp Forrest history alive!

📣 Have artifacts or stories about Camp Forrest, Northern Field, or the Tennessee Maneuvers?

📧 Email us: [email protected]

🌐 Visit: www.CampForrest.com