Finding My Military Community

2021-05-13T11:19:41-04:00

A sense of camaraderie is an innate part of any community and an especially important one within our military community. As a sister of an active-duty Navy SEAL, I can see how important it is to be a part of a thriving community. In my role with Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) as a volunteer chapter leader in NYC, I am able to connect with veterans, servicemembers, families of fallen heroes and inspired civilians who are dedicated to serving their local neighborhoods. I recently spoke with Travis Manion Foundation about my experiences and perspectives.

TMF: What surprises you the most when you talk to people in your community about your connection to the military community?
IF: TMF has opened my eyes to how much the military community continues to lead others -- whether in their own family, their line of work, or just in their day-to-day interactions -- even after their years of military service. When I speak with others without military affiliations, I am surprised by the lack of awareness of this aspect.

How are you involved with TMF?
Currently, I am the TMF Chapter Leader in NYC. With my team, I help to increase outreach, organize service events, and facilitate official and unofficial events and discussions, providing a platform on which TMF members can enjoy a sense of community. I am also a member of our NYC race committee for the 9/11 Heroes Run (https://rly.pt/2ROa43J ), which is one of TMF’s largest events of the year. I began working with the race committee in 2019 and it is by far one of the most rewarding experiences and events that TMF hosts. I can not recommend participating enough!

What does the TMF motto “If Not Me, Then Who…” mean to you?
To me, it is a reminder to ask ourselves how we can recognize the ways in which we can use our power as individuals to strengthen the people and communities around us.

Who do you admire?
There is a long list of individual people I could choose from to answer this question, but instead I want to talk about my admiration for the TMF community as a whole. Each time I attend an event (including our virtual options!) or have the opportunity to meet a TMF peer, I am blown away not only by the personal strength that is evident in the stories they may tell, but also by the way in which all of our members have made the choice to stay in the fight and leverage their strengths and lessons learned to build up the community around them. It is one thing to grow as an individual, but another to recognize the part of yourself that can help others to grow and succeed.

Personal motto?
Stay in the Fight

To learn more about Travis Manion Foundation and join a local chapter in your area, visit http://www.travismanion.org.

9/11 Heroes Run

Each year on or near September 11, local volunteers who have asked themselves “If Not Me, Then Who…” organize 9/11 Heroes Runs on behalf of TMF in more than 50 cities around the world. The 9/11 Heroes Run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11th and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 13 at 2021 11:24 AM

2021-05-13T11:24:52-04:00

Excellent article share Ms Isabella Fernandez

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 13 at 2021 11:39 AM

2021-05-13T11:39:03-04:00

I’m familiar with the Travis Manion Foundation and it’s a really special, caring group of people who truly seek to help and support the military community. I appreciate all that you are doing there.