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In honoring my late husband through my work with Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), I’ve been able to sketch my own portrait of service as a youth mentor and community leader. Beyond my work with the TMF Spartan community in San Diego, I am also finishing up graduate school and setting my sights on my next journey. I recently spoke with Travis Manion Foundation about my experiences and perspectives.
TMF: What does it mean to “honor the fallen”?
TJ: To never forget the ultimate sacrifice paid in service to this country, and to live one's life in a meaningful way in light of this.
Q: What is one thing you wish people knew or understood about the military community and particularly our military families?
A: The military community and their families, while only 1 percent of the population, are a diverse population who bring all parts of the United States into one organization. Families must sacrifice a lot while moving all over the world, but often embrace it, developing incredible levels of resiliency, perseverance, and appreciation for one another.
Q: How has Travis Manion Foundation empowered you in continued service?
A: At a foundational level, TMF has empowered me to continue service by offering opportunities to honor my husband by serving my community. TMF contributed to my post-traumatic growth through organizational support and fellow community members who inspired me to move beyond surviving, but thriving and living a life reflective of that.
A project that really stuck with me was one we did during a service-based expedition to Alaska. A group of Gold Star family members helped rehab the house of a Gold Star mother. I'm pretty sure I cried everyday on that project. It was such a great camaraderie and we all shared this common bond of loss, but more importantly we used that loss to help one of our own. It was very powerful.
Q: BBQ or tacos?
A: TACOS!
Q: Personal motto?
A: For every trough there is a crest, so just ride the wave.
Travis Manion Foundation is mobilizing over Memorial Day weekend to honor our fallen heroes. If you have a loved one or battle buddy buried at Arlington National Cemetery, you can request a visit to their resting place by May 21st. Visit https://rly.pt/3vxd7fj
TMF: What does it mean to “honor the fallen”?
TJ: To never forget the ultimate sacrifice paid in service to this country, and to live one's life in a meaningful way in light of this.
Q: What is one thing you wish people knew or understood about the military community and particularly our military families?
A: The military community and their families, while only 1 percent of the population, are a diverse population who bring all parts of the United States into one organization. Families must sacrifice a lot while moving all over the world, but often embrace it, developing incredible levels of resiliency, perseverance, and appreciation for one another.
Q: How has Travis Manion Foundation empowered you in continued service?
A: At a foundational level, TMF has empowered me to continue service by offering opportunities to honor my husband by serving my community. TMF contributed to my post-traumatic growth through organizational support and fellow community members who inspired me to move beyond surviving, but thriving and living a life reflective of that.
A project that really stuck with me was one we did during a service-based expedition to Alaska. A group of Gold Star family members helped rehab the house of a Gold Star mother. I'm pretty sure I cried everyday on that project. It was such a great camaraderie and we all shared this common bond of loss, but more importantly we used that loss to help one of our own. It was very powerful.
Q: BBQ or tacos?
A: TACOS!
Q: Personal motto?
A: For every trough there is a crest, so just ride the wave.
Travis Manion Foundation is mobilizing over Memorial Day weekend to honor our fallen heroes. If you have a loved one or battle buddy buried at Arlington National Cemetery, you can request a visit to their resting place by May 21st. Visit https://rly.pt/3vxd7fj
Travis Manion Foundation
Fallen Soldiers
Mentorship
Community
Sacrifice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
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