Travis Manion Foundation to Host Inaugural "If Not Me, Then Who..." Gala
The Travis Manion Foundation, which assists veterans and families of fallen service members, will hold its first-ever “If Not Me, Then Who…” Gala on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Union League of Philadelphia. The inaugural event will serve as a national recognition of character and leadership to honor extraordinary Americans who put service above self.
Hosted by Fox News “Happening Now” anchor Jenna Lee, the “If Not Me, Then Who…” Gala will honor selfless American patriots and inspire others to serve. Gen. James F. Amos, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, will serve as Guest of Honor and Presenter.
Honorees include Brian Stann, professional UFC fighter, Iraq war veteran, and CEO of Hire Heroes USA, which helps America’s veterans find employment. Stann will receive the inaugural “If Not Me, Then Who…” award.
JWT, one of the world’s largest advertising agencies and best-known marketing and communications brands, will be honored with the Corporate Leadership Award. JWT has distinguished itself by helping the Travis Manion Foundation grow the “If Not Me, Then Who…” movement and working closely with the Marine Corps to promote service.
Scholarships will also be awarded to young men and women who participated in the Travis Manion Foundation’s “Character Does Matter” program at schools and youth centers. Because of their commitment to community service, these future leaders will have an even better chance to succeed throughout their academic and professional careers.
As part of the Gala weekend, Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will moderate a Dec. 7 roundtable discussion at the Double Tree Hotel on Broad Street in Philadelphia. The wide-ranging discussion, which begins 2:30 p.m., is aimed at strengthening military families and enhancing awareness of their challenges and sacrifices. Numerous CEOs of local and national corporations will also participate.
On Dec. 8, the Travis Manion Foundation will transport over 50 wounded Sailors and Marines from the Walter Reed National Military Center in Bethesda, Md., to Philadelphia to attend the Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field. Thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles and their clients, the wounded warriors will watch the game from luxury boxes.
The Travis Manion Foundation was founded by Janet Manion shortly after the death of her only son, U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, on April 29, 2007, in Fallujah, Iraq. In addition to helping veterans and families of fallen heroes, the Foundation’s purpose is to inspire and activate everyone with the generous spirit of those who serve.
After Janet Manion died on April 24, 2012, her daughter and only surviving child, Ryan Manion, became the Travis Manion Foundation’s president. Janet’s husband, Col. Tom Manion, USMCR (Ret.) serves on the Foundation’s board of directors. The Manion family looks forward to welcoming troops, veterans, friends, supporters, and leaders from all over the nation to Philadelphia for the first “If Not Me, Then Who…” Gala weekend.
Before 1st Lt. Travis Manion’s second and final deployment to Iraq, he explained why he had to leave Doylestown, Pa., for another year at war. His words – “If Not Me, Then Who…” – have inspired a national movement built around selfless service. Through the Travis Manion Foundation’s three pillar programs – Honor the Fallen, Character Does Matter, and the annual 9/11 Heroes Run in more than 50 cities – staff, volunteers, and supporters are helping veterans and families of fallen service members across the United States.
For more information on the Travis Manion Foundation and its inaugural “If Not Me, Then Who…” Gala, please visit www.travismanion.org.
