TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

HUMOR - KINDNESS - HONESTY

Riley was 19 years old when he was killed in action while serving as a corpsman in the US Navy. He was a newlywed, an avid fisherman, and a born patriot with a trademark smile. He was passionate about helping others and even served in a firefighter recruit program while in high school.

Character Strength Story:

HONESTY - Riley was driven by a strong moral compass from a young age. As a kid, if ever he did something wrong, he was most likely going to tell on himself rather than wait for someone to discover what he had done. His conscience required that he be transparent and honest with everyone around him.

HUMOR - The last night I saw my brother was early 2011. We spent the evening walking around Chicago, seeing the sites, and catching up. We were having a great time cracking each other up and just making up for the time we hadn't seen each other while he was in boot camp. I think about that night often and I'm so glad we shared that happy memory together before his deployment.

KINDNESS - Riley was a very giving person. He knew he wanted to serve people and help them through their worst days. He was already in a firefighter recruit program before he joined the military. He trained to be a corpsman in the Navy. And he planned to serve as an EMT after the military so he could continue using his skills and knowledge in the service of others. Riley died doing what he wanted to be doing: serving others.
- Submitted by Zack, Surviving Brother

Riley's life and legacy was honored during the 2023 Puerto Rico Expedition.

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.