TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

SPIRITUALITY - HUMOR - KINDNESS

David retired from the Air Force with 20 years of service, after multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Qatar, Turkey, and Kuwait. He became known as the resident artist no matter where he went, because he painted a mural at nearly every base he was stationed, and even got approval to add this artwork on the ladder doors of multiple A-10s while stationed in Alaska.

Character Strength Story:

SPIRITUALITY -  David was raised Baptist. He knew and followed Jesus. At one Sunday service, he was down on his knees praying and felt what he thought was the warmth of the Holy Spirit overcoming him. He continued praying and soon realized it was the fire ants well-known to Texans, but not to a Yankee kid. He told that story many times and always got a laugh from the crowd. I heard it many times myself and never got tired of it. 

HUMOR - David was always silly. His last Halloween alive he stole my daughters orange wig and dressed up... imagine a cross between Cheech and Chong and an 80's rocker. My daughter loved it and laughed at his antics.

KINDNESS - David was always very generous, sometimes to a fault. It was not uncommon to befriend a young military family and lend a helping hand with bills, sponsor holiday meals, or even offer to help them move.

- Submitted by Andrea, Surviving Wife, Puerto Rico Expeditions 2023

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.