About Us

---

Eric is a proud U.S. Army veteran, nonprofit founder, and passionate advocate for America’s military families. Calm under pressure, focused on mission, and grounded by purpose, Eric’s journey didn’t end when he left the Army in 2005—it just changed shape.

Over the next decade, Eric lost several of his brothers-in-arms to suicide. Those losses didn’t come all at once—but they hit hard. Each one a reminder that while service may end, the internal battles don’t. What stuck with him most wasn’t just the lack of resources—it was the loss of brotherhood, shared mission, and community that so many veterans feel the moment they take off the uniform.

That grief sparked the idea for Veteran Village—a place where vets and their families could reconnect, heal, and rebuild their sense of purpose. But for years, Eric didn’t know where to start. That changed in 2023, when he teamed up with his wife, Desiree Roberts, and close friend Uriah Karkow to create The Battleforged Foundation—a nonprofit forged out of loss, built with heart, and focused on bringing veterans together again.

The foundation’s spark came from Whiskey, a Miniature Schnauzer Eric trained as a service dog. When he saw Whiskey calm one of his former squadmates during a visit, everything clicked. That moment inspired the foundation’s first program—and Whiskey’s silhouette now proudly anchors the organization’s logo.

The Battleforged Foundation is currently building a range of support programs for veterans and their spouses, including:
• Service Dog Training & Access
• Physical Fitness & Wellness Programs, led by co-founder Uriah Karkow
• Career Readiness and Job Placement Support
• Housing Stability & Homelessness Prevention
• Mental Health & Peer Support, grounded in lived experience

While not every program is fully launched yet, Eric and his team are steadily laying the foundation—one partnership, training, and community connection at a time.

When he’s not advancing the mission of The Battleforged Foundation, Eric serves as Senior Manager of Asset Protection for HD Supply, where he leads national initiatives to safeguard people, property, and operations across the company’s U.S. network. His work in the private sector reinforces his leadership mindset and his commitment to creating safe, secure, and resilient environments—both for the teams he protects and the veterans he serves.

Eric lives in Texas with his wife Desiree, their daughter, and the foundation’s four-legged ambassadors: Valkyrie, a European Doberman, and Whiskey, the original spark. Whether mentoring a fellow veteran, hiking a trail with his dogs, or laying the groundwork for Veteran Village, Eric remains committed to building more than just programs—he’s rebuilding purpose.

At the heart of his work is a belief that no one heals alone. It’s not enough to survive—we rise by forging our way forward, shoulder to shoulder, just like in the service. That’s why The Battleforged Foundation lives by the motto:

Forged Together.

It isn’t just a motto—it’s the way forward, a reminder that whatever comes next, no veteran—and no family—has to face it alone. 

Desiree Roberts is a proud military spouse and the Co-Founder of The Battleforged Foundation. She leads day-to-day operations with compassion, focus, and a deep commitment to the veteran community. From coordinating service dog training to managing housing and outreach programs, Desiree's leadership helps to ensures that every initiative reflects the Foundation’s mission and FORGED values. With a passion for service, she keeps the organization running smoothly while creating spaces where veterans and families feel truly supported. 

Uriah comes from a family with a proud tradition of military service. His brother, uncle, grandfather, cousin, and several close friends have all served in the armed forces, and their experiences left a lasting impression on him. Seeing the challenges many of them faced when transitioning back to civilian life inspired Uriah to take action and dedicate himself to supporting veterans during that critical period.

Professionally, Uriah has built a strong career in asset protection, loss prevention, and physical security across both retail and warehouse settings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and has spent years focused on protecting people, property, and processes—skills that translate naturally into his passion for helping others build safer, more stable lives.

Outside of work, Uriah is deeply committed to personal growth and balance. He pursues physical fitness, enjoys reading, and values quality time with his wife and their two bunnies. His compassion extends beyond people to animals as well, and he has always felt a strong sense of purpose in giving back to both.

The decision to help found a nonprofit supporting veterans isn’t just a professional endeavor for Uriah—it’s personal. It reflects his values, his family legacy, and his belief that those who have served deserve respect, resources, and support as they reintegrate into civilian life.