Survivor Support

Each summer, we sponsor and completely fund a Good Grief Seminar with TAPS (Tradegy Assistance Program for Survivors) for Families of the Fallen. These Seminars provide emotional support and healing. Through this program we have touched the lives of over 500 people who have lost loved ones serving our country.

» Click here for photos of this year's event.

Friends of Travis Manion Foundation

With your help, the Foundation hosted and funded a seminar for over 130 family members of our Fallen Heroes over the weekend of July 24th and 25th. This event in partnership with the TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) organization was once again a great opportunity for families to come together and support each other through these difficult times. There was a wide range of circumstances at the conference, some only months away from their tragedy while others losing their loved ones in the Pentagon during 9/11. What was clear for the entire event is that while many struggle daily with their loss, there is no other avenue for these families to come together to support one another through the tough days ahead. The connections and insights provided by the counselors and the families with one another go a long way towards helping everyone to move forward. Besides the opportunity for the children to open up and share their frustrations, there were so many who shared their appreciation including, "thank you for letting us cry and laugh together", "the Travis Manion Foundation is doing a very good thing".

The Seminar ended with a "Taste of Philadelphia" dinner on Saturday evening. Our guest speaker Colonel George Bristol gave a heartwarming speech, recalling the 16 Marines that he has lost in the Global War on Terror and vowing to "Never Forget" those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. This was followed by cheese steaks for dinner and a surprise visit by the Mummers. The Uptown String Band volunteered to join us for the event and they got the whole room dancing! DJ Tasha Gindele who also volunteered her time, kept all of us dancing to the music. Some shared "that it had been quite awhile since they were able to smile". It was an extremely successful event and we want to thank each and every one of you for your help in making a difference for these families.

God Bless you and God Bless America!
Janet Manion