Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Service and Action

Each year, MLK Day of Service provides an opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by participating in volunteer efforts that uplift communities. In alignment with this national day of service, Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) Spartans led 12 Operation Legacy events across the country, engaging more than 200 volunteers in meaningful acts of service. These volunteer-led initiatives provide a tangible way for veterans, families of the fallen, and inspired civilians to unite in service while creating impact in their communities.

They also provided local youth with opportunities to connect with TMF Veteran Mentors and engage in service.  

Growing Impact of TMF and Operation Legacy

Over the years, TMF’s Operation Legacy service projects have grown exponentially, with thousands of volunteers investing over 61,000 hours each year nationwide. The impact extends beyond single-day efforts, fostering long-term partnerships with local organizations and community members committed to living out the “If Not Me, Then Who…” ethos. 

In Washington, D.C., Character Does Matter (CDM) Veteran Mentor Marten Wallace organized 100 volunteers to clean and restore Pope Branch Park. A graduate of the Spartan Leadership Program (SLP), Marten leveraged his leadership skills and strong community ties to recruit participation from several local organizations. Despite the snowy conditions, volunteers worked for several hours to clean up more than 3,500 pounds of trash. 

In Atlantic City, NJ, volunteer Henry Vaules led an Operation Legacy service project to benefit local food pantries and humanitarian shelters. Volunteers made more than 1,000 sandwiches that were delivered the same day to those most in need. In Putnam, NJ, Veteran Mentor George Vangel hosted a community ruck to gather donations for the Daily Bread Food Pantry. George rallied more than 50 volunteers for the event, 35 of which were local youth.

 Youth from Liberty Elementary in Hinesville (GA) join Chapter Leaders DJ and Tracey Jefferson (pictured above) to ruck canned goods for a local food pantry as part of MLK Day of Service events.

In Hinesville, GA, TMF Chapter Leaders DJ and Tracey Jefferson led a service project for students of Liberty Elementary, who gathered canned goods for a local food bank. “It means so much to me, to have the opportunity to mentor children about service and giving back to the community,” says DJ, a TMF Veteran Mentor. “When I was their age, we simply did not have these types of examples. We talk about character, but seeing it in action, at such a young age, is a whole different experience.”

In Cleveland, OH, a newly launched TMF Chapter participated in their first service event by partnering with a local organization to build beds for children in need. “Coming from a military family, I’ve always had a passion to give back to the veteran community,” says Ryan Mulford, TMF Cleveland Chapter lead. “Along with St. Raphael’s Church in Cleveland, we were able to bring together 50 community members to build 35 beds for children. Working in our community with TMF, it’s just an honor to be part of something bigger than myself.”

By engaging in service through TMF, volunteers not only honor the legacies of fallen heroes but also build stronger, more connected communities. Through action and leadership, TMF Spartans continue to prove that “If Not Me, Then Who...” is more than an ethos —it’s a call to serve. Click here to see how you can get involved with TMF in your community.