Throughout October, Travis Manion Foundation is accepting applications for a new cohort of the Spartan Leadership Program (SLP), a seven-month program aimed at delivering a unique journey of self-development and growth for veterans and family members of fallen heroes. Through virtual and in-person learning experiences rooted in character-based education and positive psychology, participants learn from experienced professionals who share a commitment to service and growth.

Since SLP launched in 2020, nearly 200 graduates have found greater purpose and fulfillment and are making significant impact in their communities through TMF. Here are just a few stories of how SLP changed their lives, and how they’ve gone on to change the lives of others. 

Discovering a New Purpose After Loss

Deanna Phillips became a widow in 2010 when her husband, Michael Phillips, a U.S. Air Force veteran, lost his battle with service-connected cancer. The grief that followed was nearly paralyzing and she became fearful of facing life on her own. When she began SLP in 2023, Deanna regained a sense of belonging and knew she would never be alone again. Since graduating from SLP, she has built a TMF Chapter in North Dallas, ensuring other families of the fallen and veterans have access to the programs, events and community that helped her regain her purpose. 

Finding Camaraderie through Community

Marine Corps veteran Chad Johnson struggled with the transition out of active duty and missed the camaraderie, mission and purpose he once had. While he stayed close to the veteran community through volunteer organizations, none filled the void left by left by the Marine Corps. That changed in 2018 when he discovered TMF. “Post service, my desire to serve never changed,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to give back to my community. When I found out what the TMF mission was, it resonated with me. I got involved pretty quickly.” Over the last seven years, Chad has found his purpose creating impact across nearly every TMF program, including graduating from SLP in 2022. He now leads his community as the TMF Chapter Leader in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

A Life-Changing Path 

Paula Canter, a Navy and Army veteran, was working through her grief after losing her job just months into the COVID 19 pandemic and suffering an emotionally devastating end to a relationship. Searching for a path, she applied and was accepted to the second cohort of SLP. “For me, it was life changing,” Paula says. “The tools TMF has given me have allowed me to be more vulnerable and authentic, and given me the space to thrive.” A current Juris Doctorate student, Paula also serves as a Character Does Matter(CDM) mentor. She is working on starting a TMF Chapter in Charlotte, North Carolina and is training to become a facilitator for Leading With Your Strengths, a self-development course for veterans and family members of the fallen.

Keeping a Legacy Alive

Zack Gallinger-Long’s younger brother, Navy Hospitalman Riley Gallinger-Long, made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in 2011 at the age of 19. Since connecting with TMF in 2018, Zack has found healing and purpose through carrying on his brother’s legacy. “I wear my brother’s dog tags everyday,” he says. “My brother’s job was to help people, so it’s my honor to keep his legacy alive by helping others, and to be of service through TMF.” He is a member of the current SLP cohort, and also serves as a CDM mentor and co-leader of the Columbia River Chapter in Oregon.

Perseverance Pays Off

Air Force veteran Dr. Angela Dickson had been on a seven-year self-improvement journey when she was accepted into TMF’s Spartan Leadership Program in 2022. She also participated in the Colorado Expedition, the weeklong component of SLP focused on personal development, service and leadership — set in the wilderness. “I almost quit,” she admits. Encouragement from TMF staff and members of her cohort helped her push through her fear. “I am so glad I didn’t listen to my chicken heart. The experience in Colorado gave me time to dig deeper, to see what I am truly made of.” Through SLP, Angela was trained to facilitate Leading With Your Strengths, TMF’s signature self-development course designed to help participants become better leaders. “I enjoy helping women veterans rewrite their story,” she says. “Finding strength is a very familiar experience for me.”

If you or someone you know would like to apply for the 2027 SLP Cohort, visit the Spartan Leadership Program page for additional details. The deadline for all applications is Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST.