Top Character Strengths

CREATIVITY - HUMOR - LOVE

Michael Schunk Jr. joined the US Navy in 2005. He had a fear of boats and got sea sick on a kayak. He chose the US Navy as a career path because he wanted to provide for his family and make them proud. Mikey (as only his little sister was allowed to call him) was the class clown and the best best friend anyone could have. He kept his circle small but valued his friends and family. Mikey was part of Iraqi Freedom and did a tour of Africa to battle pirates. During his tour of Africa, Mikey got very sick. Once back at base in Virginia Beach, he was diagnosed with two brain tumors at the stem of his brain. The doctors gave him only two years to live. Mikey was 22 years old at the time. He was told he could no longer deploy and spent the rest of his time working at the JAG office. Those who knew him would say he lit up the room with his smile and dimples. He was a true hero to all who knew him.

Character Strength Stories:

Creativity - My brother was always very creative. He was an artist, best with pencil sketches. He expressed his emotions through his artwork. Some of my favorite drawings of his include a picture of my dad's pugs laying on giant beds of fruit; a dark expression of his thoughts about the mental health system; and, of course, his drawings of Lance Bass and Justin Timberlake because he knew NSYNC was my favorite.

Humor - My brother was the funniest guy I knew, and I’ve still never met anyone funnier. There are so many stories to tell but I’ll briefly share the story of the "Cheese Man." We went to an Italian restaurant when we were teens and ordered pizza. My brother decided he was going to make a man out of the cheese from the pizza, including a pepperoni head. He would make it dance, sing and act out all sorts of things. He LOVED this thing so much! He decided he was going to put it in his wallet and take it home with him. When we got home, he put it in a plastic Ziplock bag and then back to his wallet it went. A MONTH later, I had to get rid of that nasty, moldy Cheese Man!

Love - My brother was my best friend, even though he wouldn't admit it to just anyone. He valued his relationships with his family above all. Unfortunately, he knew he would not be on this Earth as long as I would have liked. He did plan his death and carried it out on his terms, but did it in a way that showed love to his family. He passed away in September, waiting until I turned 21 years old, so that I could legally handle his affairs. He left everything to me. He knew that I would split his life insurance to take care of our parents and keep some to take care of myself. He came home to Buffalo in August, as his way of saying goodbye, without anyone knowing. Family members say they had the best time with him during that visit. They all laughed, told stories, and enjoyed each other, one last time. The summer before he passed, I was living in Washington D.C for an internship, and he would visit often. It was the best summer of my "adult" life. I was thankful to have that summer with him before he passed, and I know that he knew he would not have another. That last hug he gave me was one I will never forget. He was always a good hugger, but this last one was extra special. Maybe I should have known then that it would have been my last. But I will cherish it forever.

-Submitted by Nicole, 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.