Contact: Linda Kelly, 406-581-8358, linda@operationnf.org; www.OperationNeverForgotten.org; www.OperationSAS.org

BIG SKY, Mont., Nov. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- Operation Never Forgotten (ONF) is hosting a 5-day event called Operation SAS  (Sports, Afield & Stream).  This amazing benefit supports awareness, educational and healing programs for warriors with visible and invisible wounds from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Warriors will be traveling to Big Sky, Montana from across the nation, including Alaska, for Operation SAS.

A sportsman's dinner banquet kicks off Operation SAS, with Lee Greenwood as Master of Ceremonies Friday night, January 7, 2011 at the Big Sky Resort Conference Center, Big Sky, Montana. Lee is known for his CMA Song of the Year, "God Bless the USA" during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. 

Speakers include: Tim Medvetz, a seven summit mountaineer from Highway to Everest; Marc Hoffmeister, a team leader of Operation Denali and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year; and Sam Kavanagh, a world Paralympic cyclist ESPN recognized Contender.  Other guests participating include surprise celebrities via video. 

Following the above speakers there will be silent and live auctions including prizes for all outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the auction items include a Gibson Acoustic Guitar signed by Lee Greenwood for the highest bidder, valued over $4,500. Other auction items -- from hunting and fishing trips, hunting rifle and organic beef... to outdoor gear, Moonlight Basin golfing and the best of Montana art -- offer something for everyone!

After the auction, standup comedians Marc Yaffee and Mark Sweeney who have each performed for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan will close Day One with laughter.

Warrior guests can choose from a variety of activities for the next 4 days including ice climbing, skiing & snowboarding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, horse drawn sleigh rides, Yellowstone tours, mountain yurt gourmet dinners, archery, and workshops for big game hunting and fly fishing. Special adaptive gear, instructors and volunteers will assist at each activity.

ONF President and Founder Linda Kelly states, "Warriors with physical and invisible wounds will have the chance to live their dreams, learn new skills, challenge the possibilities, and pursue their passions through Operation SAS."

Some of ONF's first sponsors recognizing the importance of this benefit include Big Sky Resort, RightNOW Technologies, Outdoor Research, John & Jane Kinzinger, Gibson Guitar, Allegiant Airline, Cynthie Fisher Art, Tee It Up For The Troops, Warriors & Quiet Waters, Prolite Gear, Wild Things Gear, Montana Troutfitters, Eiler Communications, Montana Travel and many others.

"With today's struggling economy, finding contributions and volunteers are challenging," Kelly said. "When people understand the enormous sacrifices made by our honorable warriors for our every day privileges, they ALWAYS make it a priority to contribute in some way and discover the reward in doing so. We just can't ignore vital payback efforts for those who deserve more!" 

ONF is a 100% volunteer organization. There are no administrative fees. Sponsors, monetary donations, auction items and volunteers are needed.  Each of these options are detailed on its website along with banquet reservations and applications for wounded warriors to attend this incredible 5-day event: www.operationsas.org. 

About Operation NEVER Forgotten
Operation Never Forgotten, (ONF) helps to connect our military and civilian worlds through non-partisan creative awareness PSA advertising for post 9-11 deployed troops, wounded warriors, fallen heroes, veterans and military families.  Gold Star families have become ONF's greatest advisors. ONF produces national digital outdoor billboards, airport signs, radio, TV and other public signage to include Times Square and Mall of America with messages by and for our devoted military. They also stimulate volunteerism for all worthy military support organizations and assist with creative services for other military support organizations. Some of these ONF campaign partners include Real Warriors Campaign (by DoD and Defense Center of Excellence Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury), Tee It Up For The Troops, Warriors and Quiet Waters, Brain Injury Association of America, Operation Denali, Paradox Sports, Wounded Warrior Project, HAVA (Honored American Veterans Afield), MOGA (Big Hearts Under the Big Sky), and Veterans Airlift Command. 

Suicide and substance abuse are significant issues among OIF/OEF service members and Veterans with invisible wounds of PTSD and TBI.  ONF's creative awareness campaigns can greatly impact these issues.

The concept for ONF began in 2004 when art director/photographer Linda Kelly's Marine son lost 13 of his battle buddies during his first Iraq tour. Since that time, ONF's efforts have been recognized throughout the country.  In 2007, Lee Greenwood joined the ONF team as the official spokesman. John Kinzinger, "Vietnam Veterans of America 2007 National Member of the Year," also joined the experience with Linda as ONF Vice President. John brought a team of volunteers together to move ONF forward as an all volunteer 501 (C)3 non-profit organization.

For more information on ONF and Operation SAS, please visit www.operationNEVERforgotten.org.