Each Veterans Day, Travis Manion Foundation mobilizes Spartans across the country to honor the legacies of our nation’s heroes through service to others. This year, thousands of volunteers and youth stepped forward through more than 45 Operation Legacy service projects to strengthen local communities and empower the next generation to live with character.

Thanks to partners FOX Sports and Navy Federal Credit Union, TMF volunteers had the resources and support needed to make a meaningful difference this Veterans Day weekend and throughout November. Their longstanding dedication ensures that more veterans can continue leading, mentoring, and strengthening the very communities they once fought to protect.

FOX Sports has a proud tradition of engaging employees in hands-on service that brings their values to life. Navy Federal Credit Union has consistently championed opportunities for veterans to lead in their communities. With their support, veterans have taken on leadership roles and created meaningful change through community impact projects. 

Below are a few highlights from an impactful weekend of service.

North Jersey Spartans Rally for Veterans in Need 

In North Jersey, TMF’s chapter and the Travis Manion Battalion joined forces for an ambitious service effort supporting Community Hope, an organization dedicated to helping veterans experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and food insecurity.

TMF Mentors Jason Fermin and Evelyn Ospina, along with Chapter Leaders Ed Whitehouse and Cathy Christian, rallied cadets, families, and community members to collect more than 1,000 canned goods and 150 winter essentials for veterans and local food pantries. One standout: Chief Petty Officer Amanda Malloy, whose dedication alone accounted for more than 600 cans collected.

Introducing Service and Gratitude to Youth 

Across the country, TMF Mentors brought the spirit of Veterans Day into classrooms, ensuring even the youngest Americans understand the values our veterans live every day.

TMF Mentors Mike Vecchio, a Gold Star Father, and Celina Koch, a Marine wife and mom, spent the day with a classroom of three- and four-year-olds, helping them learn about the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve.

Through a special presentation of Character Does Matter powered by UA Freedom, students wrote heartfelt letters to veterans, enjoyed story time focused on service and gratitude, and created artwork to honor those who’ve served. While these moments seem small, they plant seeds of character and compassion that will shape the next generation of leaders.

Operation Legacy projects nationwide echoed the same spirit of service seen in these events, serving as a reminder of what guides TMF every day: when veterans lead, communities thrive. 

Special thanks to our partners: