My journey with the Travis Manion Foundation began with a simple gift from one of my mentors—a Navy Master Chief who handed me a copy of Brothers Forever. I read the book with an open mind and an open heart, never expecting how deeply it would impact me.
As an active duty service member, I understood sacrifice. I knew what it meant to leave behind family, friends, and loved ones at a moment’s notice to answer our nation’s call. But reading the story of Travis Manion and Brendan Looney and reminded me that military service is about so much more than duty. It’s about the bonds we build with people who become family through shared hardship, unwavering trust, and selfless service. Their story challenged me to think beyond my own service and ask myself what kind of legacy I wanted to leave.
After finishing the book, I searched for ways to become involved with the Travis Manion Foundation. I discovered the Joggin’ for Frogmen 5K and decided to participate. What I found was far more than a race. I met an incredible community of people united by service, sacrifice, and a desire to make a difference. Years later, many of those friendships remain strong, and every year I look forward to reconnecting with them. Those relationships have become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
The Foundation’s message, “If Not Me, Then Who…”, has become more than a motto to me—it has become a way of life. It reminds me that leadership isn’t about waiting for someone else to step forward. It’s about recognizing that each of us has the ability and responsibility to serve our communities, mentor the next generation, and leave the world better than we found it.
That belief inspired me to become a Hampton Roads Chapter Lead. My goal is to grow our chapter by bringing more people into this mission, expanding opportunities for volunteer service, investing in our youth, and showing others that every act of service—no matter how big or small—can create lasting change. I want people to discover the same sense of purpose that I found through this organization.
The Travis Manion Foundation has reinforced what I believe to be one of life’s greatest truths: service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It continues through the way we lead, the way we mentor, and the way we show up for our communities every single day.
I am grateful to be part of this extraordinary organization and honored to stand alongside veterans, families of the fallen, and volunteers who continue to live out Travis Manion’s legacy. I look forward to helping grow that legacy for years to come because I truly believe that when ordinary people choose to serve others, extraordinary things happen.