On September 11 in Austin, TX, Stand Together brought the power of music and mission together by hosting a benefit concert featuring country superstars Old Dominion in support of Travis Manion Foundation (TMF). With special guests Ty Myers and John Morgan joining Old Dominion, the concert brought thousands of community members together on a day of deep remembrance to honor the lives lost on 9/11 and highlight the ongoing service of veterans and first responders. 

Music as a Force for Good

Old Dominion energized the crowd with a night of unforgettable music, but the impact went far beyond the stage. The concert shined a spotlight on the challenges veterans often face after service like loss of community, purpose, and connection. TMF uniquely addresses these issues by offering veterans meaningful opportunities to serve again through programs such as the Character Does Matter youth mentorship program or leading community service projects.

In addition to the music, concertgoers engaged directly with TMF’s mission through in-arena activations. Attendees contributed to a Wall of Heroes honoring veterans and families of the fallen, while volunteers and fans joined forces in a pull-up challenge that met the goal of 911 pull-ups in just a few hours. “It was powerful to serve at this benefit concert and feel the joy and unity in the crowd,” said Alan Van Reet, a Navy veteran and TMF Fort Worth Chapter Co-Lead who volunteered at the event. “Everyone came to remember 9/11 and honor past sacrifices in our present lives. Ending the night with Old Dominion—who shared that same spirit of joy, unity, and honor—was the perfect cap to an incredible evening.”

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Stand Together, a philanthropic community dedicated to tackling the root causes of the country’s biggest challenges, shares TMF’s belief in the transformative power of community. TMF’s mission—to give veterans and families of the fallen renewed purpose through service and youth mentorship—aligns seamlessly with Stand Together’s commitment to building strong and safe communities.

As Stand Together recently highlighted in their feature article on TMF, both organizations are committed to creating spaces where veterans and community members can come together, find common ground, and work toward a brighter future.

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, supporters, and Stand Together, this year’s concert will make a tangible difference in the lives of even more veterans and families of the fallen. “Community is at the center of everything we do at Travis Manion Foundation,” said Ryan Manion, CEO of Travis Manion Foundation. “Our partnership with Stand Together shows what’s possible when we combine our strengths. Together, we’re not just raising funds—we’re building a movement of service and character that will last for generations.”

The concert was just one way Austinites came together to honor 9/11. Days later, the city also hosted its annual 9/11 Heroes Run, where more than 650 community members of all ages came together to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to recognize the veterans and first responders that continue to serve today. The race and the concert together created a powerful week of remembrance and impact—one that not only raised critical support for TMF’s mission but also demonstrated the strength of a community united through service, music, and shared purpose.