Kili Class
2025 Conquering Kili Class
Role
U.S. Army Veteran
Location
Charlottesville, VA
Heath Forbes, a fourth-generation U.S. Army soldier, was born and raised in Michigan before moving to Virginia when he was 17. He joined the Army at 20 and spent 9 years on Active Duty stationed in Hawaii and at the Defense Intelligence Agency, working for the Joint Staff. Following his active service, he moved to Alaska and joined the Alaska National Guard. During his 6 years of service in the AKNG, he spent time in Kuwait and Iraq as an Intelligence Analyst. He left the National Guard in 2011 and after a 10-year break in service, reenlisted into the Virginia National Guard in 2021.
Heath currently lives in Charlottesville Va with his wife and 5 sons. His boys range in age from 6 to 26! Heath’s two oldest sons are making him proud by carrying on the military legacy and are both currently serving in the U.S. Army. His youngest is starting Kindergarten in the Fall. Heath loves coaching his boys teams and is currently coaching his 13 year olds football team. The team has promised to help get him in shape for the climb up Kili; nothing beats bear crawls down a hill to prep for a climb. Heath’s hobbies also include home renovation projects, raising his chickens and honeybees, smoking his home-grown beef, and whipping up delicious meals for his family and friends. His back deck is always open for any friends passing by.
When Heath is not working remotely, caring for his family, drilling with the VANG, or renovating his house, he spends time volunteering with Team Red, White, and Blue and serves as the Charlottesville Chapter Captain. Heath’s energy, passion and heart for others lead him to take on the challenge of Conquering Kili to help bring clean water to Eastern Africa.
Each new Conquering Kili class accepts the challenge to embark for the summit, a walk that represents the miles that many African women journey on a daily basis to fetch water for their families. While training for the climb, each team member works to raise funds and transform communities through the gift of clean water.