Travis Manion Foundation

Copied from www.TravisManion.com

Travis was asked before he left for Iraq why he had to go and became known for his response, "If not me, then who". He always placed others before himself and helping those in need was something that came very easily for him. In keeping the spirit of his selfness nature alive the Travis Manion Foundation continues his mission.

Our mission is to assist the families of Fallen Heroes and our wounded Veterans. We will emphasize the service to community and country exemplified by these Fallen Heroes and Veterans. We will help instill the strength of mind and body that will foster a generation of future leaders in the spirit of the Fallen.

Travis Joseph Lemma Manion was born November 19th, 1980 in Camp Lejeune, NC. A Marine family, the Manions moved often during Travis' first 10 years until settling in Doylestown, PA. Travis came to feel that Doylestown was home, residing there as he attended Linden elementary school, Holicong middle school, and La Salle College high school.

It wasn't long after arriving to his first duty station that Travis and his unit were sent to Iraq for his first tour. During their tour, the First Recon Marines were part of many critical events including support of the 2005 election, uncovering weapons caches throughout the region and assisting with other Iraqi transition missions.

Returning from this successful tour in March of 2006, Travis began to prepare his unit for a return deployment in March of 2007. The Corps, however, had other plans for Travis. As an experienced and successful Iraq veteran, Travis was selected to be part of a Military Transition Team. In September of 2006, Travis was pulled from 1st Recon to train with 10 other Marines who would be attached to an Iraq Army Battalion in Fallujah.

Travis deployed back to Iraq on December 26th 2006 for his second tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He and his fellow Marines worked diligently to change the outcome in Fallujah, building a brotherhood with the Iraqi Army units and setting the example with strong leadership and a passion for their mission. Aggressively taking the fight to the enemy on multiple missions, Travis and his Marines fought bravely to change the tide in this critical battle ground. As a result of their incredible efforts, Al Anbar Province is now recognized as one of the more significant successes of the surge in Iraq.

During a patrol mission on Sunday, April 29, 2007, Travis was killed by enemy sniper fire in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq while fighting courageously to defend against an enemy ambush. With the legacy of strong character and leadership he left behind, Travis' spirit remains in Iraq and in the hearts of all who honor freedom and service. His fellow service members continue to work diligently to establish a foundation of freedom in Iraq. In honor of Travis and as a true testament to how much he is admired, the Iraqi's have named their new headquarters in honor of him, Combat Outpost (COP) Manion.