About the Author

Natalie Popp is an author, nonprofit leader, and passionate advocate for veterans and military families. She serves as Executive Director of Operation Not Alone and is pursuing a degree in Business Management and Leadership at Carroll University, with the goal of building a career in the nonprofit sector supporting those who have served our country.

Natalie’s commitment to veterans began through her service initiative, Never Forgotten: Remembering Our Heroes, which encourages people of all ages to honor veterans, preserve their stories, and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. Her work has included organizing thousands of thank-you letters for veterans, leading donation drives for veteran-focused nonprofits, creating a school Wall of Honor recognizing military alumni, speaking to schools and community organizations, and participating in events honoring veterans throughout Wisconsin.

A special friendship with WWII veteran Dr. Lew Harned inspired Natalie to become an author. She wrote Lew for the Red, White, and Blue, a children’s book celebrating Lew’s extraordinary life of service, patriotism, and adventure. Through Never Forgotten Books, Natalie hopes to preserve the stories of remarkable individuals like Lew and introduce younger generations to the values of service, courage, gratitude, and remembrance.

Natalie is a former Miss Wisconsin’s Teen and has used her platform to expand her veteran advocacy across the state. She also serves on the Fisher House Wisconsin Junior Board and chairs the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation’s General Lew Harned Patriotic Legacy Committee. In 2022, she represented Wisconsin at the FBI National Academy Youth Leadership Program in Quantico, Virginia.

Whether through service, speaking, writing, or performing, Natalie’s goal is simple: to make sure the stories of our veterans live on and that those who served know they are never forgotten.