For too many veterans, leaving the military means more than turning in a uniform; it also means losing their mission, their community, and a defining part of who they are. 

For Marine Corps Veteran Edison Recinos, who served three combat deployments to Iraq, returning home was not the clear path he expected. He missed the direction and community the military had given him. “I had nothing to go back to,” he says. “I had to build something from scratch and found it really difficult. I was a little lost.”

After getting involved with Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) and joining the Spartan Leadership Program (SLP), Edison discovered he’s so much more than his military identity. “It’s still part of me,” he says, “but I don’t have to hold on so tight to it. I’ve grown so much, I’m no longer this single story.” 

Our programs focus first on investing in veterans and families of the fallen to improve their mental health and well-being. Then, we provide veterans and survivors opportunities to lead, from mentoring local youth to uniting communities to honor the fallen.

This Veterans Day, TMF continues to expand its programming by reaching more veterans with opportunities to serve, find belonging, and discover a path toward purpose before they reach a point of crisis. 

“I know so many veterans right now who feel lost, filled with no purpose,” Edison says. “They tell me, ‘I was someone in the military. I come out here and it means nothing.’ And to me, it’s like, no, it doesn’t mean nothing. You’re more than just that. You’re more than just the military, that one single story. It’s time to create other stories.”

To help us reach more veterans like Edison, consider supporting our Veterans Day campaign. Your generosity helps connect a veteran to community and purpose.

In recognition of Veterans Day, TMF has created a resource page with free activities, educational resources, and service opportunities designed to help educators, parents, coaches, and youth learn about veterans and find meaningful ways to recognize their service. 

You can also honor our veterans this month by joining an Operation Legacy service project near you. Operation Legacy projects are carried out by TMF Chapters and Service Platoons, alongside dedicated Spartans nationwide. These volunteer-led efforts address key needs in communities across the country in honor of fallen heroes. 

If you’re interested in joining TMF’s mission this month or any time of year, explore ways to get involved through a program, athletic event, or volunteer opportunity that fits your interests.