Veteran Stories
The relentless pursuit of service.
For some people, the drive to serve never stops. Watch how these veterans have helped themselves, in order to continue helping others.
Ben Alexander
USMC veteran Ben Alexander says he felt abandoned when he left the Marine Corps in 2001. Transitioning into civilian life wasn’t easy for Ben, who spent 8 years in the Marines. But through Travis Manion Foundation’s empowerment programs, Ben has been able to find new purpose and direction in his life by serving youth and his community.
Chuck Segel
Marine Veteran Chuck Segel left the military in 2008 and, for years afterward, struggled with PTSD, depression and a lack of purpose. After connecting with TMF President Ryan Manion in 2019, Chuck joined a TMF Expedition to Puerto Rico shortly after. There, rebuilding homes damaged by Hurricane Maria, he found that giving himself to service once again was rewarding. Chuck is now a Veteran Mentor and a passionate leader of service projects in his community of Atlanta.
Keith Palmer
Driven to leave his dangerous childhood neighborhood, Keith Palmer eventually found his way to the Marines after high school. It provided an opportunity and a foundation for him. As a Veteran Mentor for Travis Manion Foundation, he shapes the character of at-risk youth who come from the same background as he did, mentoring them on the importance of education and good decision-making.
