Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) embraces a powerful belief: veterans and families of the fallen are among our nation’s greatest assets. TMF’s mission is to invest in these individuals, empowering them to lead and serve their communities long after their time in uniform.

Recently, TMF President Amy Looney Heffernan and Chief Operating Officer Josh Jabin hosted a State of the Organization webinar to provide highlights on the past year, a look ahead for the future of TMF, and how the organization’s proactive approach to mental health is changing lives. 

Access the full webinar recording at the link below:

During the webinar, Amy and Josh were joined by two TMF veterans who offered their perspective on navigating transition from active duty and the impact TMF has had on their own mental health and well-being. Veteran Mentor Mike Hoherchak, a TMF Chapter Leader in Jacksonville, FL; and Veteran Mentor Terri Bell, a member of the TMF Chicago Chapter, shared they were searching for ways to both continue their service post-military and a community of people who understood the challenges they faced. They both found that in TMF.

"This community has become more like family than friends. Getting to know other veterans from other parts of the country has helped me to not feel like I’m lost in the sauce. Other vets check-in with me and they genuinely seem like they want me to win," said Terri. "When I win, it feels like this community as a whole wins as well. I can walk down the street and people in my community know that I’m a part of TMF, a part of something bigger than myself."

TMF programs like Chapters that have continued to emerge across the country, Character Does Matter powered by Under Armour, and the 7-month Spartan Leadership Program provide veterans like Terri and Mike with opportunities to continue to serve and renewed purpose.

A key focus of TMF is prioritizing mental health and well-being, driven by the urgent need to address the veteran mental health crisis. Since 2001, over 120,000 veterans have died by suicide, a rate 57% higher than the national average. Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among post-9/11 veterans*, with at least four times as many active duty personnel and veterans of post-9/11 conflicts dying by suicide rather than in combat.**

TMF addresses the root causes of isolation, loss of community, and lack of purpose that many veterans and families of the fallen face. By providing meaningful connection, personal development, and opportunities to serve, TMF proactively supports these individuals before they reach a mental health crisis.

Recent data shows: 

• A 60% increase in connectedness for those involved in TMF programs.

• A 20% improvement in mental health for those involved in TMF programs.

• An 18% increase in sense of belonging and a 14% increase in purpose among veterans and families of the fallen who take volunteer leadership roles with TMF  compared to non-leaders.

With the ongoing support of committed donors and partners and a growing network of dedicated volunteers, TMF continues to empower veterans and families of the fallen to lead, inspire, and strengthen their communities. Click here to learn how you can get involved with TMF in your community.

*2023 Face the Fight Progress Report, https://wefacethefight.org/#the-facts

**2021 Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/papers/2021/Suicides