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Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, received a Gold Ogilvy Award for the groundbreaking Public Service Announcement “Alone.” The Advertising Research Foundation’s distinguished Ogilvy awards, named after advertising legend David Ogilvy, honor extraordinary and creative uses of research to build impactful advertising campaigns.

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“IAVA is honored that ‘Alone’ is the recipient of this prestigious award. In creating this ad, we reached out to a broad network of veterans across the nation and found that what they wanted most was to connect to one another while transitioning home. Our campaign answered that call, and is now literally saving lives,” said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. “We hope that this honor will bring greater visibility to veterans issues and will increase the advertising donated in support of this critically important campaign.”

Created in partnership with the Ad Council, “Alone” features two young Iraq veterans and Purple Heart recipients, Bryan Adams and Todd Bowers. The ad follows a young servicemember (Adams) when he returns from combat, first in an empty airport terminal, then alone on a subway and later, walking through desolate New York City streets. Adams reaches an empty intersection completely alone, where he is approached by another Iraq veteran (Bowers). A powerful connection is made as Bowers extends his hand, and welcomes Adams home. As the two men shake hands, the deserted city instantly comes alive, illustrating the power of connecting one veteran with another.

“Alone” is the core of a historic national public service campaign addressing transitional challenges facing new veterans, specifically mental health injuries. This groundbreaking, national outreach effort includes television, radio, print, outdoor and internet advertising components. All of these advertisements direct veterans to join a social network exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans at IAVA.org. “Alone” has been seen by millions and has received incredible support from a broad range of media members. In the first year, the campaign received almost $40 million in donated media, thanks to key supporters like CNN, MTV, CBS, SpikeTV and Hulu