Travis Manion Foundation

This week, veterans and families of the fallen have gathered at Crooked Butterfly Ranch in the mountains of Colorado, creating a temporary home for Cohort 8 of our Spartan Leadership Program. ⛰️ Over five days, this expedition challenges each participant mentally and physically while giving them space to confront their story, strengthen their resilience, and define a personal leadership philosophy that will guide them through the 7‑month leadership program.

We pause to honor the life and tragic loss of another U.S. service member in Jordan last week. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the entire military community grieving the loss of a brave service member. Please join us in remembering her legacy. 🇺🇸 Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, from Ozone Park, N.Y.

Creativity, character, and a little red, white, and blue. 🇺🇸🎨 In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, TMF challenged youth to create their own DIY American flags while putting the character strengths of creativity and appreciation of beauty & excellence into action. Today, we’re excited to celebrate our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners! 🏆 Each winning design found a unique and meaningful way to honor America’s story through art and creativity. Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who participated! 🇺

We’re deeply saddened to share the loss of a U.S. service member in Iraq last week—the third military loss in recent days. Our hearts are with his family, his loved ones, and the service members who served alongside him. Please join us in taking a moment to remember this hero: 🇺🇸 Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, from Fayetteville, N.C.

In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, planned to run the Marine Corps Marathon alongside his dad, Tom Manion, and best friend from the @NavalAcademy, Brendan Looney. After Travis made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, his family ran in his honor, finishing the race that he was unable to start. Since then, hundreds of Spartans have come together each October to carry on that legacy, remembering the heroes who gave their lives in service to our nation. On October 25, 2026, Team TMF will take on the Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, VA. Every mile is a tribute to Travis, Brendan, and all our fallen heroes. Join us in running with purpose. 🇺🇸 👉 Click the link in our bio to secure your spot with Team TMF today!

Our hearts are heavy with the recent news of the U.S. service members killed in an Iranian attack in Jordan over the weekend. We stand with their families, loved ones, and fellow service members. Please join us in taking a moment to remember these heroes: 🇺🇸 Pvt Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas 🇺🇸 1Lt Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii

We’re grateful for the support of partners like the @AbbVie Foundation and their ERG Community Grant to help expand program delivery in local communities nationwide. Their support in TMF’s Midwest region helps us continue our mission of empowering veterans and families of the fallen to develop character in future generations through TMF's Character Does Matter program. Together, with our partners, we are building a nation built on character and service. 🇺🇸

It has been 25 years since 9/11 and this September, TMF is bringing people together, to honor the first responders who gave their lives on September 11th, 2001, and the service members who stepped up to serve in the wars that followed. Whether you run, walk, or ruck in person or virtually, every mile is a promise to never forget. Register today for the 9/11 Heroes Run. >> bit.ly/4fNagJv Participants will receive the official 2026 event shirt and earn a commemorative finisher medal created in remembrance of this historic 25th anniversary year of 9/11. #911HeroesRun #NeverForget

TMF Pittsburgh Chapter proved that gratitude is an action. 🇺🇸 Volunteers showed up for the second year in a row to care for the Veterans Memorial at Lynch Field. Everyone came together with one shared purpose: giving back to our community and honoring those who served. Want to join the mission and make a difference in your community? >> bit.ly/4f2XWUR

This spring, TMF St. Louis Chapter adopted North Riverfront Park. They recently executed their first cleanup day—clearing the area and mapping out future project opportunities to continue leading change in this city. Special thanks to Veteran Mentor Kenric Lynn and TMF volunteers Ra Wilkinson and DeKnesha Hayes who worked hard to make this day a massive success! 🙌

At TMF, we honor our fallen heroes by carrying their legacies forward. 🇺🇸 Through service, remembrance, and living with character, we ensure their stories are never forgotten. Whether we are mentoring youth, revitalizing local communities through service projects, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder at a 5K run, we are putting our gratitude into motion.

One Veteran showed up to a previous 9/11 Heroes Run and rucked in honor of a firefighter who selflessly served. This September, thousands will come together in 100+ communities nationwide to honor the first responders who gave their lives on September 11th, 2001, and the service members who stepped up to serve in the wars that followed. 🇺🇸 Run, walk, or ruck in memory of someone you love, to honor those who served, or to challenge yourself alongside a community committed to never forgetting. Register today. >> Who or what is your "why" for showing up this September?👇

You can take someone out of the military, but you can’t take the military out of them. 🇺🇸

Register by July 18 to receive your commemorative 15th Anniversary t-shirt in time to wear it on August 6. Participants in the rucking division will also receive the official GORUCK patch. On August 6, 2011, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter—call sign EXTORTION 17—was shot down in Afghanistan, taking the lives of 31 American heroes and marking the deadliest day in Naval Special Warfare history. Choose your challenge: 🇺🇸 3.1-mile virtual run 🇺🇸 31-mile commitment throughout August Sign up today ➡️ bit.ly/4tS8GKv

It's been one month and we are still thinking about Mass Deployment. A week of service, leadership, and community, where volunteers from across the country came to Philadelphia to honor our nation's fallen heroes through action. Thank you to every volunteer, chapter leader, and partner who made the 10th annual Mass Deployment a success. #IfNotMeThenWho

One mission. One organization. A stronger future ahead. Join TMF Chief Operating Officer Josh Jabin and key members of the TMF team for an update on the integration with The Mission Continues and what this next chapter means for our community. During this webinar, you’ll learn more about website updates, TMF programs you can get involved in, the values that continue to guide our work, and how you can stay connected to the mission and volunteers in your community. 📆 Thursday, July 16th ⏰ 12pm ET Register now! >> bit.ly/4wu9QwB

This Independence Day, the TMF NYC Chapter joined partners at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to place American flags at every engraved name. 🇺🇸 Every single flag serves as a powerful reminder that freedom is never free, and that those we lost on September 11, 2001, will never be forgotten. Sharing this tradition with the next generation was deeply meaningful, passing down the critical values of remembrance and service. While celebrating our nation’s independence, we paused to honor the courage and resilience that define our country. A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers and partners who showed up to make this event possible. Together, we keep the promise alive.

Less than 40 spots left! Team TMF slots for the 51st Marine Corps Marathon are filling fast. Don’t wait to secure your bib! 🏃 With race day approaching on October 25, 2026 in Arlington, VA, now is the time to secure your place on the team. Registration for Team TMF closes July 31! Join veterans, families of the fallen, active duty service members, and inspired civilians as we run to honor those who served. >> Link in bio As a Team TMF runner, you’ll get: 🏃 Official Team TMF @UnderArmour running shirt & shorts (plus exclusive ruck patch for registered ruckers) 🏃 Complimentary ticket to our pre-race TMF cocktail event 🏃 Access to the Team TMF Charity Village tent with race day snacks & beverages 🏃 Priority hotel booking at the Hyatt Centric Arlington 🏃 Exclusive start & finish line access for you and 2 guests

We are deeply saddened by the loss of U.S. Navy Commander Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5. Commander Edwards tragically went missing following an MH-60S Seahawk crash in the Arabian Sea on July 1. Following an exhaustive 102-hour search, operations have concluded. He gave his life in service to our nation, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rear Admiral Todd Cimicata, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, said: "Gabe's legacy as a husband, father, friend and fearless leader will never be forgotten. We are thankful to each who carry a unique and indelible part of Gabe's memory with us as we continue this important mission." We stand with his family, loved ones, and fellow service members. ❤️

Today, we honor Colonel Robert D. Costello Jr., U.S. Army—a hero whose leadership, teamwork, and love continue to inspire everyone who hears his story. Robert served our nation with distinction for 27 years, earning a Bronze Star as Chief Logistician in the Iraq War. At home, he was a devoted family man who lived his values every day. He never missed a chance to help a neighbor, write a loving note to his family, or stop to thank a fellow veteran. Today, his wife Kimberly carries his torch forward. As a Character Does Matter Mentor and Operation Legacy Service Project Leader, Robert’s impact continues to grow through her leadership, and a deep commitment to others.