In 2016, Never Forget Your Own Incorporated was formed in response to an overwhelming number of suicides by military veterans. Founder Ryan J. Turner found a trend among veterans who committed suicide when he read the news stories.Founder Ryan J. Turner found a trend among veterans who committed suicide when he read the news stories. He found that several recurring factors existed:

The average appointment time to speak with a mental health care professional was 60 or 90 days out.

They were given information that was either outdated or obsolete.

Due to a variety of factors, medication refills were either discontinued or delayed.

Some veterans are still fighting for their benefits.

Having tackled these concerns as well, Ryan concluded that enough was enough and knew more needed to be done. He knew what combat veterans were going through, because he is an army veteran himself.  Ryan was born in 1979 in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, and grew up in a small town where caring for your neighbors and friends is instilled in this small community's moral fiber. Ryan was born in 1979 in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, and grew up in a small town where caring for your neighbors and friends is instilled in this small community's moral fiber.

During his junior year of high school, Ryan knew he wanted to make a difference. Wanting to follow in his maternal grandfathers’ footsteps, he decided to enlist full time active duty as a 13B cannon crew member ("Red Leg").  As an active duty soldier, Ryan was stationed at numerous military installations such as Fort Carson, Fort Sill, Fort Lewis and Fort Riley.

While at Fort Carson, Ryan deployed to Iraq to help support “Operation Iraqi Freedom”. It was there that Ryan saw combat that changed him and his outlook on life. After he returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Ryan was then DA Selected for Recruiting Duty. He was assigned to the Atlanta Recruiting Battalion, where he excelled and earned the coveted Glen E. Morale Recruiting Award.

After his recruiting duty was completed, he was assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas which would be his last duty station. Ryan was assigned to HQ 2/29 FA. Ryan excelled during this time and was inducted into the prestigious Audie Murphy Non Commissioned Officers Club. 

This award is given to Non Commissioned Officers (NCO) who’s leadership and performance merit special recognition. As if the demands of his military commitment wasn’t enough, Ryan also graduated with a MS in Environmental Policy and Law. During his assignment with  2/29 FA, Ryan once again was deployed to Iraq. Unfortunately, while participating in this deployment he sustained an injury to his shoulder.

After returning home he was then sent to the WTU (Warrior Transitioning Unit) which then sent him to his final military unit Alpha 2/3 FA. Ryan was assigned as the Training Room NCO. His duties included preparing soldiers for pre and post war training regiments as well as ensuring soldiers remained current on all qualifications (First Aid, PT Test, Drivers Training, Weapons Qualifications, etc.). 

Ryan was medically and honorably discharged on June 25, 2012.  In his spare time Ryan enjoys fishing, spending time with his family, golfing and playing video games.