Service After Service

2021-05-19T08:31:05-04:00

Service after service is a calling for many of us. After my time in the Army from 1995-2002, I found my continued service through my work as a committed volunteer for Travis Manion Foundation (TMF). In addition to my work in marketing at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a Johnson & Johnson Company, I serve my community outside Philadelphia through youth mentorship. I recently spoke with Travis Manion Foundation about my experiences and perspectives.

TMF: What motivated you to join the military?
BA: My grandparents served in World War II. My biological grandfathers were in the Army Air Corps and the Army both as enlisted. My grandmother was an officer and a nurse. She remarried after my grandfather died to a navy submariner. I respected their work ethic, their selflessness, and their love of our country. Also, my high school football coach was a ’73 West Point grad and he had a tremendously positive influence on my life and values. Going to an academy and serving in the military as a Kiowa Warrior Aeroscout just felt like a natural fit.

What does the TMF motto “If Not Me, Then Who…” mean to you?
Those five simple words to me really embody the meaning of servant leadership. Oftentimes I find people young and old think that leadership is about the position someone holds. Leadership is about mindset and behaviors. Living “If Not Me, Then Who….” helps you have the right mindset and demonstrate the right behaviors of character. Over time, servant leadership becomes a habit for people and allows them to show up in the little moments and the big moments.

What does it mean for you to mentor young adults through Travis Manion Foundation?
I absolutely love TMF’s mission of “strengthening our nation’s character through our youth.” Kids love hearing about leadership and character and I am always amazed at how much I learn from them.

What do you consider the most underrated virtue or strength?
I think that Appreciation of Beauty is the most underrated virtue or strength. It doesn’t have a “warrior-like” sound to it, but really it is all about being able to identify and appreciate excellence. I grew up in Georgia and I am a huge Georgia Bulldog fan. I can’t stand that Alabama has had the success they have had, even ripping victory out of the jaws of defeat from UGA twice in recent history, but I can appreciate the discipline, and work ethic that each player commits to at Alabama.

Beer or bourbon?
Both. But if you are making me choose, bourbon. I especially like one called Cavalry. I bought it mostly because of the name and being a cavalry officer when I was in the Army, but it is a really good bourbon.

To learn more about Travis Manion Foundation and join the community, visit http://www.travismanion.org.

Travis Manion Foundation - "If Not Me, Then Who..."

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 19 at 2021 8:40 AM

2021-05-19T08:40:10-04:00

Thank you for what you do. Mentoring youth is critical. They are our future.

Response by SPC Russ Bolton made May 23 at 2021 1:35 PM

2021-05-23T13:35:51-04:00

Thank you for all that you do for your community.

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made May 29 at 2021 1:25 PM

2021-05-29T13:25:27-04:00

Outstanding opportunity to reach one of my passions…..our young people. I taught them for 30 year, and my son continues my tradition, though in his own chosen discipline. This and other programs are SO needed now and always. God bless their service after service.