Top Character Strengths

BRAVERY - HUMOR - LOVE

Corporal John Corey Tanner lived a life defined by courage, commitment, and an unshakeable sense of duty. A proud Marine, a devoted husband, and a man of quiet strength, Corey answered the call to serve not out of obligation, but out of love—for his country, his fellow Marines, and the life he was building back home.

Born in 1986 in a small town in the American heartland, Corey grew up with a strong sense of right and wrong, instilled in him by his hardworking parents, big brothers, and close-knit community. From an early age, he showed a natural instinct to protect others—standing up for the underdog on the playground, helping neighbors in need, and always putting others before himself.

After high school, Corey chose the path of service, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Bootcamp revealed what many already knew: Corey was a leader. He wasn’t the loudest or the most decorated—but he was the Marine others looked to in moments of crisis. Calm under pressure, fiercely loyal, and driven by principle, he embodied the Corps’ core values of honor, courage, and commitment in everything he did.

While deployed to Iraq during the height of the conflict, Cpl. Tanner was part of a unit tasked with some of the most dangerous missions—patrolling roads laced with hidden dangers, protecting civilian populations, and restoring stability in a war-torn region. On a dusty August morning in 2007, while on patrol in Al Anbar Province, Corey was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was killed instantly. He was just 21 years old.

Back home, Corey left behind a loving wife, Rheanna, who was nine months pregnant with their first child, Tavian. He had spoken often about his dreams of returning home to be a father, to raise his son with the same values he held so deeply. Though he never had the chance to hold his baby boy, the legacy he left behind will live on—not only in his family but in the lives he touched through his service.

In the words of one of his fellow Marines: “He died doing what he believed in. You could see it in the way he carried himself, the way he looked out for his brothers. Tanner was the kind of Marine you wanted by your side—and the kind of man you hoped to become.”

We remember Cpl. John Corey Tanner not just as a soldier who gave his life, but as a hero who lived with purpose. His sacrifice reminds us that freedom is never free, and that behind every fallen warrior is a story of deep love, incredible strength, and a family forever changed.

Character Strength Stories:

Bravery - Cpl. John Corey Tanner embodied the highest ideals of bravery, duty, and sacrifice. At an age when many are just beginning to explore life, he faced the unimaginable—war, uncertainty, and the ever-present weight of fear. Yet, he stood resolute, answering the call of his country without hesitation. His bravery was not the absence of fear, but the will to push forward in spite of it. In the face of danger, he showed a strength of spirit that inspired those around him. Whether in the heat of battle or the quiet moments in between, Cpl. Tanner carried himself with honor, loyalty, and a deep sense of purpose.

Humor - Corey was humorous—always laughing, cracking jokes, and bringing a lightness to every room he entered. He had a natural ability to make people smile, whether he was playfully teasing a friend or getting down on the floor to play superheroes with the little kids. His laughter was contagious, and his presence unforgettable.

Love - Corey was an incredibly devoted and loving husband, a soon-to-be father, a cherished brother and son, a proud Marine, and a loyal friend. He loved deeply and lived with purpose, holding each of these roles close to his heart. His devotion was so strong that he was willing to lay down his life to protect the freedom, safety, and happiness of those he loved. His sacrifice is a testament to the strength of his love and the depth of his courage.

Submitted by Rheanna, Surviving Wife

About Travis Manion Foundation
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is a national nonprofit that invests in veterans and families of the fallen to lead and serve in communities. Named in honor of 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq in 2007, TMF is guided by the five words he said before his second and final deployment, “If Not Me, Then Who….”

Through veteran-led service, youth mentorship, and leadership programs, TMF empowers veterans to find renewed purpose and inspires Americans to honor fallen heroes through service. Explore ways to get involved with TMF.