Summer of 2025. I was fresh out of my decade long military service. The VA had just diagnosed me with bilateral tendinitis in my knees, spinal arthritis, a bulged disk, and degenerative disc disease. It has been difficult to do simple things in life, but I don’t want that to define me or stop me. With September coming up in a few months, I wanted to find something local in my area for 9/11. Whether it be an event, food drive, etc. I just wanted to continue to serve my community, even if I was no longer in the military. That is when I came across the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run 5K. I know what you’re thinking, “You just said you are all messed up, how did you run a 5K?”, I did not haha. Luckily, TMF had an option to do a weighted or unweighted ruck option instead! I immediately thought, “this is for me”. No matter how badly it hurt to do, I was going to cross that finish line. I got one of my friends involved as well, he likes a challenge and it is good to have a support system with you (especially after leaving the military). We went out there to Hudson, MA and got going. It was challenging to say the least. TMF and GORUCK only require 20lbs for the weighted ruck option, however, I overachieved a little and had 37lbs. Crazy thing too is that we both ended up placing and getting medals. I had 1st in my age group and he had 3rd in his age group. We were flabbergasted. Not only did we have no idea that there were even medals at the end, but the fact that we had placed blew our minds! It also just so happened to spark a fire in us to do it again in 2026. This year, we have also gotten more people involved to support TMF and ruck/run for a good cause. We are hoping to have five or so people this year and increase the numbers more and more as time goes on. I have been looking into joining the local TMF chapter as well so I can help out and do so much more. TMF has brought many different events into my life, the 9/11 Heroes 5K just holds a special place, being the first event I have participated in. This year, I have (so far), completed the GWOT 100 and the TMF Workout of the Day (WOD). If you are a veteran, currently serving, or are a supporter/want to do more for veterans and their families, I definitely would recommend the Travis Manion Foundation.
My Journey with TMF
