Through Character Does Matter powered by Under Armour, Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans to instill values like courage, leadership, and integrity in youth across the country. Trained veteran and survivor Mentors meet students in and out of classrooms to help them learn and apply their character strengths in everyday life.

Now, TMF is making this impactful program even more inclusive by adapting training for visually-impaired Veteran Mentors and youth, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow as leaders in their communities.

A Milestone in the Making

First envisioned two years ago, this initiative is now a reality thanks to partnership with the Metrolina Association for the Blind (MAB). Through grant funding, visually-impaired students and Mentors are able to gain access to transportation and a regular meeting space for CDM engagements, empowering TMF to develop and launch a fully inclusive 8-week character course for 8th-12th graders across the Charlotte metropolitan area.

In February, TMF held its first in-person training for visually-impaired Mentors, a critical step in ensuring the success of the program. Each week, visually-impaired youth and Mentors meet together at the Metrolina Association of the Blind’s center to engage in character-building discussions and activities.

Leading the charge are two inspiring Veteran Mentors: Ben Lochary and Keith Robinson. Both men are visually impaired due to macular degeneration, which significantly affects their central vision and depth perception. Their ability to overcome personal challenges and serve as role models makes them uniquely suited to mentor and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Hands-On, Personalized Training

To prepare Ben and Keith for their roles, TMF provided individualized training tailored to their needs, ensuring Ben and Keith had the necessary tools and confidence to lead. “Being part of this program has sparked some things within me, too,” says Keith. “There are some things I needed to visit and sit with, and things I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I find myself reflecting on how much I enjoy being with the students each week and it’s given me the space and energy to get started on those other things.” Keith and Ben’s training was so successful that in March, two additional visually-impaired Veteran Mentors, Milton Anderson and Wayne Durkee were trained, expanding the program’s capability and reach even further.

Building a More Inclusive Future

The launch of this initiative underscores TMF’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation in leadership and character development. By adapting CDM to connect youth with Mentors who can relate to them on a deeply personal level, TMF is breaking down barriers and proving that leadership is about mindset, not physical ability. “It’s amazing how engaged these students are,” says Ben. “We’re teaching them about character, but I feel so lucky because I’m learning just as much from them.”

To learn more about Character Does Matter powered by Under Armour Freedom, click here.