From June 8-10, Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) brought together more than 300 veterans, families of the fallen, and inspired civilian volunteers for the 10th annual Mass Deployment. During this three-day, high-impact community service event, 12 teams of Spartan volunteers transformed two public parks in Philadelphia, PA leaving a lasting legacy in the neighborhoods they serve.

This Mass Deployment marked the first major opportunity for TMF volunteers to serve alongside volunteers who had previously served with The Mission Continues (TMC), a significant milestone following TMF’s acquisition of TMC in the summer of 2025. The week brought volunteers together in service, fostering connection, teamwork, and meaningful community impact.

For the first time in its decade-long history, Mass Deployment took place in Philadelphia, the hometown of 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC and the birthplace of the "If Not Me, Then Who..." movement. This year's location also carried added national significance with the projects based in the Old City section of Philadelphia, serving as part of the city's celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

"As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, this year's Mass Deployment is a powerful reminder that America's story has always been written by ordinary people stepping forward to serve something greater than themselves," says Ryan Manion, CEO of Travis Manion Foundation and Gold Star sister of 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC. "Bringing together veterans, families of the fallen, and civilians in the city where our nation was founded, and where Travis called home, reflects the very best of our country's spirit."

DAY ONE AT WHARTON SQUARE PARK

On day one of Mass Deployment, volunteers revitalized an under-resourced neighborhood park in South Philly, planting trees, shrubs and native plants and building benches and picnic tables. A mural was painted on the exterior of the recreation center in Wharton Square, and fences were repaired around the exterior. New playground games painted directly on the blacktop were an instant hit with children who jumped into action as soon as the paint was dry.

“When you’re in person together and you can really connect around one purpose, everybody’s really in for it,” says Amanda McCarthy, Air Force Veteran and Platoon Leader based in Detroit. “If we’re not out here, who’s going to do it?”

DAY TWO & THREE AT WOOD STREET PARK

Days two and three of Mass Deployment were centered in a large, open green space, which volunteers transformed into a more welcoming and functional place for families and local residents. A children’s play area was created, more benches and picnic tables were built, and a “Friends Circle” gathering space was built from decomposed granite. 

On the final day in Wood Street Park, trees were planted in honor of fallen heroes whose Gold Star families had been volunteering throughout the week. Surviving family members shared stories about their loved ones with fellow volunteers, and each tree was tagged with a plaque that shared the fallen hero’s name and a QR code that connects to more information about them. These are a few of the fallen heroes now honored in Wood Street Park: Daniel Leonard, Christopher Mosko, Frank Castillo, Jesse Melton III, Stephen Devoe

A Mass Deployment volunteer reflects, “We brought two incredible organizations together, adding fuel to the fire of what TMF is already doing. We are cooperating moving forward and can multiply twentyfold what we’ve already been doing separately. That’s exciting.” 

MASS DEPLOYMENT BY THE NUMBERS

With 850 pieces of lumber and 75 pounds of screws, volunteers built: 

• 40 Benches
• 30 Garden Beds
• 22 Picnic Tables
• 40 Chairs

Using 750+ tools, the teams: 

• Planted 22 Trees
• Spread 15 Yards of Mulch
• Beautified Parks with 50 Gallons of Paint

“Your character strengths come out when you serve,” says Patrice Chandler, an Army veteran and TMF Mass Deployment volunteer. “You see joy, you see passion, you see teamwork and people checking in on one another and the community of everybody working together for one goal. We left an imprint.” 

Mass Deployment 2026 proved what’s possible when two organizations, now moving forward as one organization with one mission, come together to serve. After three days, two parks, and one unified team, there will be a lasting impact that will remind Philadelphia for years to come: ‘If Not Me, Then Who…’

We are deeply grateful to our dedicated volunteers and to our sponsors—First Trust, Deloitte, The Home Depot, and Chick-fil-a—for making this Mass Deployment possible. 

Ready to answer the call? Visit our Get Involved page to check out ongoing opportunities throughout the year and to volunteer within your local community.