Advancing The Line – Tampa

After surviving stepping on an IED that nearly claimed his life, one Green Beret embarked on an extraordinary journey—from the battlefields of Afghanistan to humanitarian work in Ukraine, his story is one of courage, resilience, and finding profound purpose in serving others, transforming personal tragedy into a mission of hope and healing for those in need.

Join Zack A Knight in a business networking conversation at Centre Club where we feature veterans of the local community that are making an impact as we all come together in one place to build community and business. Each of these events are open to the public, veteran and non-veteran alike. We encourage you to show up and show your support for the local veteran that is being highlighted this month!

Our Agenda:

5:00-5:30pm: Open Networking and Host comments

5:45pm-6:30pm: Local Veteran or Veteran Organization highlight & fireside chat

6:30pm: Open Networking

**Business Casual Attire Required**

This month we are featuring Ryan Hendrickson:

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ryan Hendrickson is a brave, determined, and courageous soldier — a Green Beret clearing the way for his twelve-man team while conducting combat operations against the Taliban. As the “tip of the spear,” his role is to ensure the route taken by U.S. and Afghan troops are free of IEDs — improvised explosive devices. Many soldiers do not survive their last step; those who do often lose at least one limb.

While rescuing an Afghan soldier outside a mud-hut compound in 2010 — knowing that he was in “uncleared” territory — Ryan stepped on an IED with his right foot. The device exploded, leaving his foot dangling at the end of his leg.