Top Character Strengths

HUMOR - PERSEVERANCE - SPIRITUALITY

Troy Carlin Linden, from Detroit Lakes, MN, was 22 years young when he was killed by a large IED in Al Ramadi, Iraq, on July 8, 2006. He graduated from Detroit Lakes Senior High School in 2002. Following high school, he lived in Billings, MT, where he felt the urge to join the Army to have the future benefits of paying for college. After completing basic and AIT training, Troy was stationed with the 54th Engineers Battalion of the US Army on Warner Base in Bamberg, Germany.

He deployed to Iraq in 2005. While there, he was operator of an RG-31 that did nightly route clearance on the main road in and out of Ramadi. Their convoys also would help Marines and other military special units get in and out of Ramadi safely.

He was well-loved by his parents, Keith and Merry Lee, his siblings Ryan (Angela) and Sarah (Todd), his nieces and nephews (some of whom never got to meet him), many friends, and, truly, all who knew him. He was a sweet, funny, country boy who loved bonfires, Jeeps, music of all genres, and being outside in all seasons—mud, snow, rain, didn’t matter. Troy loved to sing and perform in musicals and plays in high school and while in Iraq he taught himself how to play guitar. He was a kid who would do anything for anyone—including take a shift for someone else on that fateful night.

One of his mom’s most prized possessions is a letter he wrote to “Dear Someone” about his life; his regrets, his accomplishments, his future goals and dreams. At the bottom of his letter he wrote “I will walk on with my faith and be strong.” That quote has become our family motto. We miss him every moment of every day, but we honor him and his life every chance we can.

-Submitted by Sarah, Surviving Sister

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. Your support helps ensure that the legacy of our nation’s fallen heroes lives on through continued service and leadership in communities across the country. Consider making a donation to support this mission.