DOYLESTOWN, PA – Dwayne Johnson and Under Armour have unveiled the latest addition to the Project Rock x UA Freedom Collection, which is bringing awareness to the work of the national veteran service organization, Travis Manion Foundation (TMF). With the support of Under Armour and their UA Freedom initiative, Travis Manion Foundation empowers veterans and families of fallen military members to develop and mentor the next generation of leaders through TMF’s Character Does Matter Program.
In partnership with Dwayne Johnson and Under Armour, Project Rock is proud to release its newest line, the “For the Heroes” collection, which is an annual initiative as the brand aims to honor the incredibly strong and brave Veterans who have selflessly served our country. The “For The Heroes” collection will proudly support the Travis Manion Foundation in their inspiring efforts to unite communities by developing programs, training opportunities and events to empower veterans and families of the fallen. Dedicated to 1stLt Travis Manion, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of his patrol in 2007, the foundation carries on the legacy of selfless service and leadership embodied by Manion.
Project Rock is honored to shine a light on the incredible work done by the foundation, and, of course, by our courageous Veterans. The line features distressed type, metallic golds, eagle illustrations, and badge trims that highlight an elevated finish, as the brand highlights and celebrates our veterans. The collection includes new pieces for men, women, and youth and will be available for purchase on UA.com, at Under Armour Brand Houses, and select global retailers.
Under Armour is the exclusive Athletic Apparel Sponsor for TMF and the exclusive National Presenting Sponsor of Travis Manion Foundation’s Character Does Matter Program.
TMF’s Character Does Matter Program provides opportunities for veterans and families of fallen heroes to teach character and leadership lessons to young adults through day-long and multi-day team-building exercises, discussions, and experiential learning challenges. With the expanded partnership through the UA Freedom initiative, the brand will not only partner veteran teammates with the organization but will also provide funding that will enable TMF to expand its services to even more veterans nationwide.
The Character Does Matter Program addresses two major issues: First, more than 55% of veterans report feeling l disconnected from civilian life after separating from the military. Second, more than one in three young adults (16 million youth) have never had a positive role model or mentor.* Through this program, veterans gain purpose and a new role in their community, as well as the platform to engage our youth in the essential discussion of character and servant leadership. This process benefits our veterans, our youth, and our nation--one community at a time.
“For Under Armour and Dwayne Johnson to put a spotlight on our work is nothing short of incredible,” said TMF President, Ryan Manion. “Their commitment and dedication to our nation’s veterans is awe-inspiring. We’ll work side by side with them to provide more opportunities for veterans to feel a sense of purpose and empower them to continue their service. Together, we’re giving future generations life-changing positive role models and showing them what it means to live a life of character.”
Travis Manion Foundation’s Character Does Matter Program, powered by Under Armour, will expand the engagement for veterans and families of the fallen across the country. As a result, more than 50,000 young adults will experience the program each year.
About Travis Manion Foundation
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) unites communities to strengthen America's national character by empowering veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop and lead future generations. In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, "If Not Me, Then Who..." Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives by serving as character role models to youth. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes lives on in the next generation.
The story of 1stLt Travis Manion and his Naval Academy brother LT (SEAL) Brendan Looney have been publicized in the book Brothers Forever, and additional information about the Foundation can be found at www.travismanion.org.
About Under Armour Freedom Initiative
Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading innovator, marketer and distributor of branded performance athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to make all athletes better, Under Armour’s – UA Freedom Initiative – started in 2010 with a singular mission to support and inspire the brave men and women dedicated to protecting us, every day.
