Our heroes deserve to be remembered. When troops are deployed, they miss out on birthdays, holidays, and the simple comforts of home. Forgotten Soldiers Outreach (FSO) was founded to ensure that every deployed service member never feels forgotten or unloved. It all began with one woman’s caring idea and her promise to support our troops.
How We Started
Lynelle Zelnar founded Forgotten Soldiers Outreach in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks. The inspiration came from a co-worker’s story about her deployed son and the harsh conditions he faced overseas. Hearing about soldiers struggling with limited supplies, long stretches without communication, and the daily challenges of deployment deeply moved Lynelle. She knew she wanted to do more than think about these brave men and women. She wanted to actively support them.
She began FSO as a grassroots effort, envisioning a program that would connect communities directly with deployed troops through care packages filled with essential items, personal comforts, and heartfelt notes. Friends, family, and local volunteers quickly joined her, helping assemble and send packages to service members in need. One of the very first recipients responded with a simple note of thanks, a reminder that one woman’s vision could create a meaningful connection across continents and battlefields. That first thank-you note remains a treasured symbol of the organization’s impact and mission.
Lynelle’s connection to the military is deeply personal as her husband is a veteran and her nephew enlisted after the events of 9/11. Tragically, he was killed in action in 2010 while serving in Kandahar. Even before his passing, he had been thinking of his fellow service members, requesting care package items like coffee to share with those serving alongside him. This deeply influenced Lynelle’s mission, reminding her that even small comforts could mean a great deal to troops far from home.
Where We Are Now
Over the years, FSO has grown while remaining true to its roots: a community-driven effort that stemmed from one person’s resolve to honor our heroes. From volunteer packing events to major initiatives like the annual Hero’s Toast Luncheon, the organization brings comfort, connection, and recognition to deployed troops. Every package, donation, and act of volunteerism reflects the heart of a grassroots movement born from one woman’s compassion.
Stories from deployed service members continue to reinforce the importance of FSO’s work. Care packages remind them that they are seen, appreciated, and remembered. Even simple items, like a bag of coffee, can bring a moment of comfort and a spark of morale. For those thousands of miles away, these small tokens offer a sense of home. This personal connection, born from Lynelle’s vision and her family’s experiences, makes Forgotten Soldiers Outreach unique and deeply meaningful.
How You Can Help
Lynelle Zelnar’s dedication shows us that one person can truly make a difference. And FSO ensures that no service member feels forgotten. You can join us in honoring our heroes by volunteering to pack boxes, making a donation, or spreading the word. Through care packages, community engagement, and heartfelt recognition, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach continues to honor our heroes every day, and you can be part of making that impact possible.