Founders

United by Gratitude

Built On Compassion

Operation Honor & Aid was founded by individuals from different walks of life, brought together by a shared commitment to honor service and support military families. Each founder brings a unique perspective, united by compassion, respect, and purpose.

Military Boots and Dog Tag

Built on Honor.

Driven By Service.

Operation Honor & Aid was founded on a simple but powerful belief: honoring military service means caring for the families who carry its weight at home. Our founders were moved not by shared uniforms, but by shared humanity—and a deep respect for those who serve our nation. This organization exists because gratitude deserves action.

This Is Our Promise

To Those Who Serve & The Families Who Stand Behind Them

Integrity First

We lead with honesty, transparency, and accountability—ensuring every decision reflects our responsibility to the military families we serve and the supporters who trust us.

Compassion

Every program is built around empathy and understanding. We meet families where they are, offering a bridge to support that is human, respectful, and rooted in care.

Community

We believe meaningful support comes from connection. By uniting civilians and military families, we create a network of encouragement, appreciation, and shared responsibility.

Commitment

Our founders are dedicated to standing beside service members and their families—not just during moments of recognition, but throughout every stage of military life.

Meet Our Founders

A Message from Our Founder

I didn’t grow up in a military family. I haven’t worn the uniform or waited for a loved one to return from deployment. But I’ve seen the quiet strength of those who do. I’ve listened, learned, and felt a deep calling to serve those who serve us. Our organization was born from gratitude—a desire to build bridges between communities and the military families who often carry unseen burdens. Through outreach, events, and donor-driven initiatives, we aim to create spaces of connection, appreciation, and tangible aid. This nonprofit is my way of saying thank you. Not with words alone, but with action. I may not have military roots, but I’m deeply rooted in the belief that honoring service is a responsibility we all share.

Andrea Knasel

Andrea Knasel

Founder

Andrea founded Operation Honor & Aid out of deep gratitude for those who serve and the families who support them. Her mission is to turn appreciation into action by creating meaningful connection, care, and community.

Krystal Swanson

Krystal Swanson

Co-Founder

Kristen’s passion for supporting service members comes from deep respect for their sacrifice. Inspired by the strength and humility of those who serve, she is committed to turning appreciation into meaningful, lasting support.

Greg McDaniel

Greg McDaniel

Co-Founder, SGT, United States Marine Corps (Ret.)

A Marine Corps veteran and Desert Storm squad leader, Gregory brings lived experience to the mission. Having navigated the challenges of military-to-civilian transition himself, he is dedicated to guiding others through that journey.

Stand With Military Families Today

Honoring service means showing up for the families who carry its weight at home. Whether through giving, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your support helps ensure no military family walks this journey alone.