HOW IT ALL STARTED

The concept for Operation Never Forgotten (ONF) began in November of 2004 by a blue star mom, Linda Kelly. While she was paying tribute to LCPL Shane O'Donnell, one of 13 fallen Marines among her son's Company, Shane's mother, Peg O'Donnell stated, “We want recognition and remembrance.” This memorable statement motivated Linda's to use her lifetime career in award-winning graphic design and photography to develop national awareness campaigns for fallen heroes, wounded warriors, deployed troops and their families.

With persistence and non-partisan encouragement by Senate and Pentagon staff members, ONF gained acceptance as a communications vehicle for service members and families of all branches. Linda launched ONF as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2007. ONF's first billboard was up in Times Square during the Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 2007. Since then, thousands of digital public service announcement (PSA) billboards have rolled-out across America to include airport signs, radio and television commercials.

ONF has been recognized through America Supports You which is a program by the Department of Defense (DoD) for Public Affairs, Community Relations. We encourage you to visit www.OurMilitary.mil to learn more about DoD's America Supports You.

ONF has partnered with a select group of military support organizations as listed on the ONF homepage. Watch for their billboards and/or broadcast campaigns.

Lee Greenwood, famous for his patriotic hit, "God Bless the USA", joined ONF as spokesman November 2007. Watch for ONF broadcast campaigns with Lee. And watch for the "Hannity Freedom Concerts" this summer throughout the country supporting military families! ONF is introduced on stage with Lee in Cincinnati, August 21, 2009.

MISSION OF OPERATION NEVER FORGOTTEN

To separate “politics and war” from the “warrior” through non-partisan creative awareness PSA advertising for our post 9-11 deployed troops, wounded warriors, fallen heroes, veterans and military families; To stimulate volunteerism for all worthy military support organizations; To assist with creative services for other military support organizations. To produce national outdoor billboards, radio, TV, airport signs and other public signage with messages BY AND FOR our devoted military.

We believe that the men and women in our nation's uniform are committed to working hard and protecting our country, freedoms, privileges and future generations… They deserve support by the American people! They and their families deserve recognition and gratitude every day, and to never be taken for granted or forgotten! ONF reserves the title “hero” only to our fallen service members. ONF contributes so that those men and women who chose to serve and protect our country will NEVER be forgotten.

Images and Audiovisuals are created by and for ONF only and are neither for sale nor allowed to be copied without following ONF terms and agreement.