The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is creating and inspiring the next generation of future leaders. Character Does Matter (CDM) empowers veterans and families of the fallen to deliver dynamic, inspiring presentations to emerging leaders across the nation. The program engages the next generation of leaders to serve, directly impacting their local communities while carrying on the legacies of our nation’s Fallen Heroes. While delivering the “If Not Me, Then Who…” message, our contingent of ambassadors, comprised of veterans and families of fallen service members share relatable stories and inspire tens of thousands of young people to demonstrate character by exhibiting courage, integrity, leadership and service in their everyday lives. Students go on to inspire their peers, both in their communities and in future CDM presentations. CDM also challenges our veterans and their families to continue their service at home while providing exceptional role models for our next generation. Through this program we ask each individual to demonstrate “If Not Me, Then Who…” examples in their everyday life.

“I believe the impact we had on our community was priceless…Our school has historically been cast in a very poor light; however, there are a lot of great kids at our school. When people realized it was Germantown High School doing all this work through the Character Does Matter program, they were surprised.” ~Aminah Tolbert, Student at Germantown High School

Use the Hashtag #ifnotmethenwho to join the conversation

Along with our Travis Manion Foundation staff members, we have a speakers bureau of close to 20 veterans and families of the fallen across the country that are excited to present to your school or group. All of our Ambassadors have gone through an intensive training program administered by distinguished leadership professors.

Greater Philadelphia Region:
Ryan Manion & Terrence Fenningham

Greater San Diego Region:
Amy Looney, Nick Borrelli, and Albie Masland

MD / DC / Northern VA Region:
Josh Jabin, Mike Barikian, Eric Herzberg, Wes Blackwell, Clare Blackwell, Leslie Nicole Smith, Dave Papak

Richmond Region:
Justin Broadwater

Greater Houston Region:
Greg Fremin, Elaine Williams, & Paul Lowery

Grand Rapids, MI Region:
Troy Tissue

“Those of us close to Jesse promised him that if he didn’t get to be here to raise Amaya, we would all make sure that she grew up knowing who he was, how he lived, and of his heart…Programs like Character Does Matter help me to follow through with that promise, and for that I will be forever grateful.” ~Sonya Williams, Gold Star Wife

Interested in becoming an Ambassador and bringing CDM to your hometown? (You must be a veteran or family member of a fallen service member to be considered for eligibility to become an Amabassador. Exceptions are taken on a case-by-case basis.)

Interested in having us present to your school or organization?  Even if you don't see your region represented, we do support presentations across the country. 

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“Your presentation was powerful, educational, and personal. I know all the young men in attendance took something from your efforts. The Travis Manion Foundation matters and it does make a difference, thanks again…” ~Paul Kostacopoulos, Head Baseball Coach, United States Naval Academy

The Travis Manion Foundation has partnered with the United States Naval Academy to bring our Character Does Matter program to the best and the brightest young people from across the country as they attend USNA’s Summer Seminar and USNA STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Camp for rising 11th graders.

2013 Character Does Matter session dates:

Session 1 - June 5th
Session 2 - June 12th
Session 3 - June 19th

Use the Hashtag #ifnotmethenwho to join the conversation

USNA Summer Seminar/STEM Camp Students can log their “If Not Me, Then Who…” moment below:

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