Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), a leading Veteran Nonprofit Organization, has officially launched its Spartan Leadership Program (SLP) - a premier and unique character & leadership development program for veterans and families of the fallen. This 7-month program offers an innovative way for veterans and families of fallen heroes to take part in an unrivaled character-based education course and experience that will cultivate change in each participant's personal life as well as their local community through the power of personalized strength-based learning. Participants will walk away with tangible skills, experience, and measurable personal growth strategies. This program is made possible through support by Boeing, which is also dedicated to supporting veterans, as evidenced by over 20,000 veterans making up 15% of the company’s workforce.
The idea of building leaders through character not only captures how TMF pours passion and expertise into continued development of leaders; it demonstrates how continuing to build on personal unique strengths will help better serve local communities. The inaugural class of 20 participants represents a wide range of experiences, character strengths, interests, and passions. New findings from our partners at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University found that as participation in our initiatives increases, veterans, families of the fallen and civilians report exponential improvements to their sense of well-being and thriving.
Through intentional practice and learning that blends virtual and in-person experiences, the SLP is aimed at developing personal growth, leveraging character strengths, and thriving among veterans and survivors, who we believe are uniquely positioned to motivate communities toward meaningful change by putting character into action. Rooted in the principles of character-based education and positive psychology, SLP curriculum is focused on the four core principles of Spartan Leadership and delivered by best-in-class, like-minded professionals who share our passion for empowering veterans and families of the fallen.
“The Spartan Leadership Program has helped develop my leadership skills both personally and professionally as a leader in the Boeing Company. From the very beginning of this amazing course, my fellow Spartans and I began discussing engaging, important topics and continue to learn from each other and the impactful curriculum.”
-William Barksdale, Air Force Veteran (St. Louis, MO)
Throughout the program, there will be a number of nationally known guest facilitators, educators, and professionals, including Jocko Willink, Major General Clifford Stanley, USMC (Ret), Brian “Tosh” Chontosh, and more. The program will include an immersive Leadership Expedition in Boulder, Colorado in October, and will conclude with a graduation ceremony at Boeing headquarters in Washington D.C. in November.
“We believe these 20 highly engaged Spartans will go on to make a great impact due to their continued dedication to self-development, their unfailing commitment to serving others, and the way they continually embrace a value-driven life,” said TMF President, Ryan Manion.
“I have been through a lot of leadership classes and programs in my career and this one is much more personal,” says Veteran Mentor, Shannon K. She’s one of 20 veterans and family members of fallen heroes in TMF’s 7-month Spartan Leadership Program cohort. Although the program just kicked off a month ago, she’s already noticing the deep impact it’s having on her. She continues, “It really forces people to be honest with themselves and dig deep on what they are feeling, how those emotions can influence decisions and make the connection between the two. As Veterans and Families of the Fallen, we tend to carry a lot of heaviness inside, whether it be grief, anger, or guilt, it’s something that can weigh you down. This program is helping us share those stories and gradually release some of that heaviness by being a part of a supportive group with similar experiences.”
-Shannon, Navy Veteran (White Salmon, WA)
For more information on the Spartan Leadership Program, please visit this link.
About Boeing
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 160,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
