I first connected with Travis Manion Foundation back in 2018 during OP Vet Fest in Round Rock, Texas. They had a booth and I was the food vendor.
I stopped by and listened to Travis’s story and thought I would love to be able to give back to my committee in similar ways.
Monica and Chris were awesome and passionate leaders of the chapter and I wanted to be a part of that.
I got involved with the Character Does Matter program and the 9/11 Heroes Run with the Austin, TX chapter.
At the same time, I met The Mission Continues Platoon and started working with them, providing food and support on service projects. The opportunity came about to take on the role as Austin Platoon leader with TMC in 2020.
I still supported TMF with Op Legacy projects, we dedicated our community garden at VFW 4443 to Captain Paul Pena whose mother is a Gold Star family member and support during the 9/11 Heroes Run.
I honor my Grandfather who served in Army and my service dog, Chief during the 5k Ruck.
With the merge of TMC into TMF, it only felt like divine intervention to merge back into where my veteran service journey started at TMF.
My heart has been forever changed and my life has been forever impacted by the Travis Manion Foundation, its staff, volunteers, Gold Star families and the community it supports.