Top Character Strengths

HUMOR - LOVE - TEAMWORK

Karl Jacob Sellner was a private in the Army. He was a wonderful son, always full of energy and life. Karl had a deep passion for music—he loved playing his guitar and writing songs, and he was truly a talented guitarist. His love for music was matched only by his love for his family.

Karl enlisted in the Army to become a Military Police officer, just like his grandfather, a Purple Heart veteran whom Karl admired greatly. He looked up to him with deep respect and aspired to serve his country in the same way, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncles, and cousins who had also served.

Outside of his service, Karl enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, like camping and fishing. He was a hard worker, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. His kindness and generosity were a constant in his life.

Karl had an incredible sense of humor—he could always make people laugh, and he often did. Above all, he cared deeply for his family and friends. His absence leaves a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. We miss him every moment of every day.

Character Strength Stories:

Humor - Karl loved pulling practical jokes on his family and friends. He thought it was very funny how gullible his mom could be and on many occasions he did one of his favorite tricks on his her, where he taped the sink faucet button and then watched as she got sprayed in the face while doing dishes. He never tired of it!

Love - Karl loved with all his heart; he was a caring, special big brother. He was 18 when his littlest sister was born and had a special connection to her. She was a very difficult newborn and many nights when Karl would come home late from his job at a restaurant, he would take the baby from his tired mom and sing to her and walk her ‘til she slept.

Teamwork - Karl was a real team player. He was always there for his friends and family. He was the kind of person you knew would show up to do the job right, even the jobs no one else wanted, like clearing a big hillside of weeds, thistle and poison ivy.

-Submitted by Erin, Surviving Mother

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.