Meet Our Leadership Team

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 Henry Bookhardt, Jr. is the President and Co-Founder of Forward Aid Trauma Systems, bringing more than two decades of leadership and operational experience across the military, emergency medical services, fire service, tactical training, and defense industries. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Henry has devoted his career to serving others and preparing those who operate in the world's most demanding environments.

Throughout his distinguished career, Henry has served as a defense contractor, full-time firefighter, EMS professional, EMS instructor, tactical instructor, and leader within both the fire and emergency medical services communities. His extensive experience leading personnel, instructing first responders, and operating in austere and high-risk environments has provided him with a unique understanding of the challenges faced by military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical professionals. This firsthand operational knowledge has shaped his commitment to survivability, mobility, and the critical importance of reliable equipment when lives are on the line.

Driven by a passion for innovation and an unwavering commitment to those who serve, Henry co-founded Forward Aid Trauma Systems to address the evolving needs of today's tactical and emergency responders. His vision is rooted in developing premium, purpose-built solutions engineered to withstand the rigors of real-world operations while enhancing responder effectiveness, increasing survivability, and improving patient outcomes.

As President of Forward Aid Trauma Systems, Henry continues to lead the company with the same values that have defined his career—service, integrity, preparedness, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence. Drawing upon decades of experience in military service, emergency medicine, fire and rescue operations, and tactical instruction, he remains dedicated to advancing innovative solutions that empower those who protect and preserve life.

Forward Aid Trauma Systems was founded on a simple belief: those who answer the call to protect and preserve life deserve equipment engineered with the same uncompromising commitment, professionalism, and courage they bring to the mission every day.

Shay Steel is the Co-Founder of Forward Aid Trauma Systems and a respected leader whose career has been dedicated to serving those who protect and save others. With more than two decades of experience spanning emergency medical services, public safety, healthcare education, and executive business leadership, she brings a unique combination of operational expertise and strategic vision to the company she helped create.

Throughout her career, Shay has held leadership positions in EMS, law enforcement, higher education, and medical technology, building high-performing teams, developing innovative training programs, and advancing solutions that improve readiness and outcomes for first responders. Her firsthand experience working alongside clinicians, educators, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and tactical professionals has fostered a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those operating in high-risk environments.

Driven by a passion for innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality, Shay co-founded Forward Aid Trauma Systems with a singular purpose: to develop premium, purpose-built medical solutions that enhance responder survivability, increase mobility, and meet the uncompromising demands of modern emergency and tactical medicine.

Today, her vision continues to guide the company's mission of delivering tactical medical solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of those who protect, defend, and preserve life.

Forward Aid Trauma Systems was founded on a simple belief: those who answer the call to protect and preserve life deserve equipment engineered with the same uncompromising commitment, professionalism, and courage they bring to the mission every day.