Empowering Veterans and Families of the Fallen to Strengthen our Nation’s Character
Helping Veterans Continue Their Service
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) unites communities to strengthen our nation by empowering veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, "If Not Me, Then Who...".
Guided by this ethos, veterans continue their service, build connections with each other, and thrive in their post-military lives by serving as character role models to youth. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes lives on in the next generation.
What We Believe
Mission
TMF empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
Vision
To create a nation of purpose-driven individuals and thriving communities that is built on character.
Helping Veterans Find Renewed Purpose
Our best-in-class programs are designed to develop, heal and bring together veterans, families of the fallen, youth and inspired civilians from all walks of life. From our Character Does Matter youth mentoring program to community service projects and service-based trips, TMF programs give Americans an opportunity to honor the legacy of fallen heroes through service.
TMF Values
Build, Measure, Learn, Repeat
We start from a place of “yes.” We embrace an entrepreneurial spirit. When we see an opportunity, we run with it. There is no prescribed formula for achieving our bold mission, so we act with confidence, courage, creativity, flexibility, and independence in pursuit of our goals. There will be times that a particular challenge or mission falls outside our scope or resources, but we have a bias for action that empowers us to work towards the best solution.
Be Accountable
We take responsibility for our actions. We seek to do what is right at all times. We believe that if we're big in the little things, we will be big in the big things. We deliver on our commitments to our community, country, and one another. We ensure our actions match our values. When difficult work needs to get done, we roll up our sleeves and help out–no matter our position. At TMF, everyone takes out the trash. We put the needs of others ahead of our own interests and we value the collective success of the team over personal glory.
Purpose Begins With Passion
Our commitment to TMF and our mission is a calling, not an obligation. We enjoy building relationships with one another and take pride in having an impact on our communities.
Out of many, one
We treat everyone with respect. At TMF, our team comes from all walks of life. We have a wealth of experiences, beliefs, and backgrounds. We believe that our differences make us a stronger and a more unified community. We may not always see eye-to-eye, but we work shoulder-to-shoulder to accomplish the mission.
We are fueled by gratitude
We understand that anything of great value requires great sacrifice to achieve. We are deeply grateful for the sacrifices of our fellow Spartans: families of the fallen, veterans, volunteers, donors, and staff. This generous spirit fuels our mission and fortifies our commitment. We sacrifice to achieve our goals, we celebrate our victories, and we acknowledge those who get us there.
Failure is a bruise, not a tattoo
With a mission as bold as ours come occasional setbacks. We take ownership and bounce back quickly by seeking solutions. We accept each others’ well-meant shortcomings and we strive together to improve. We are resilient. We are hopeful. We stay in the fight.
Who Is Travis Manion?
1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, gave the ultimate sacrifice on April 29, 2007, on his second deployment to Iraq. While on patrol searching for a suspected insurgent house in Fallujah, Travis, his fellow Marines, and Iraqi Army counterparts were ambushed. Travis led a counterattack against enemy forces, drawing fire away from his wounded comrades and allowing every member of his patrol to survive. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor. Today, over 300,000 Spartans nationwide carry forward the legacy of fallen heroes like Travis by leading with character and living out the “If Not Me, Then Who…” ethos.
