Top Character Strengths

FORGIVENESS - HONESTY - HUMOR

Gabriel Xavier Coronado, a munitions controller for the 944th Maintenance Squadron at Luke AFB, was well-loved and respected by many. He was known by some as “Captain America,” and known to others as “Dimples.” Gabriel was a native of Phoenix, Arizona, where he grew up and lived his adult life. Gabriel passed away unexpectedly on September 24th, 2022, at the age of 27.

Gabriel was a remarkable and beloved brother, son, uncle, and friend who deeply touched the lives of those around him. Anyone who met Gabe instantly gravitated toward his genuine and kind personality. Gabe was fearless when it came to trying new things and was a natural at everything he tried! Whether it was picking up a sports ball of any kind or a board game, he was always coming in hot. Gabe truly lived life to the fullest and enjoyed everything it threw at him.

Gabriel was deeply loved by everyone in his life.

Character Strength Stories:

Forgiveness - I was almost nine years older than my brother; for that reason, we were not super-close growing up. I was out of the house at 18 and living my own life, but my brother was always there to support me. Through my wrestling matches, judo matches, and MMA fights, he was always in my corner.

Three years before he passed away, we became a lot closer. I had hit rock bottom and had to go away for help. Gabe was the one person who came and visited me. I shared many things with my brother that I had never told anyone, and he did not judge me. He supported me. He was in my corner, always rooting me on.

Humor - My brother had a laugh that made anyone who heard it smile. Gabe and I had the type of relationship where we could joke about anything and everything. I can still hear his laugh now. My brother and I love music. We went to concerts together and would always share new music we found. One day while camping with him, I woke up early to go for a run. When I came back he was still sleeping. So to wake him up I played one of the worst songs ever written (at least that's what we thought!): Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant to Be.” We had joked the night before about how terrible that song is. I think I got 10 seconds into playing it when I heard his loud laugh. I miss that so much.

Honesty - My brother lived the core values of the Air Force. He was honest, hardworking, and loyal. He had great attention to detail. I looked up to him and how he approached life. So many people nowadays do not keep their word. My brother was not like that. He was the one person in my life I could count on 100 percent of the time. His word was everything.

-Submitted by Mark Jr., Surviving Brother

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.