513: Be Big in the Little Things. Lessons from a Hero. With Ryan Manion

Key Takeaways

Ryan Manion discusses her new children's book and the legacy of her brother, Travis Manion.
The Travis Manion Foundation supports veterans, families of the fallen, and develops youth character.
The foundation's youth programs, like 'Character Does Matter,' have reached over one million children.
Travis Manion's core principles, including 'If not me, then who?', form the basis of the foundation's work.
Fundraising events like the '9-11 Heroes Run' and 'Travis Palooza' engage communities nationwide.

The Travis Manion Foundation was established after Travis Manion's death in 2007, growing from an initial family fund.
Its dual mission focuses on supporting veterans and families of the fallen, alongside developing character in future generations.
The youth program, 'Character Does Matter,' has reached over 1 million children, teaching character and servant leadership.
The foundation actively seeks veteran volunteers to serve as mentors for its nationwide programs across over 70 chapters.

The Travis Manion Foundation hosts fundraising events including the 'Jogging for Frogmen' and '9-11 Heroes Run' race series.
The '9-11 Heroes Run' recently concluded with over 100 events and 60,000 participants globally.
The annual Army-Navy game tailgate, now 'Travis Palooza,' began as a small gathering and evolved into a large festival.
The event features bands, games, and sponsors, and has been attended by celebrities such as Rob Riggle.

Ryan Manion's children's book, "Things My Brother Used to Say," aims to engage a younger demographic for character education programs.
The book incorporates core principles and mottos frequently used by Travis Manion, such as 'Be big in the little things' and 'If not me, then who?'.
It opens with childhood photos of Travis Manion, humanizing him beyond his military uniform.
The guest states that writing the book from the perspective of a 10-12 year old was not difficult.

While on patrol in Iraq, Travis Manion bravely entered the line of fire to assist injured Marines, pulling them away from danger.
He was fatally shot in December 2006 while saving his teammates.
The children's book highlights these heroic actions, emphasizing that Travis's character and conscious decision-making were more significant than any single moment.

The first of five lessons learned from Travis Manion is 'Find your Brendan,' referencing his friend Brendan Looney, who also died in combat.
This concept emphasizes finding individuals who push one to be their best self, rather than just those who are fun.
The discussion highlights the broader importance of relationships and how people attract companions who share similar aspirations or negative tendencies.

Travis Manion's second lesson emphasizes that 'Kindness matters more than you know.'
The guest recounts the story of Travis befriending Sam, a quiet and reserved classmate, which significantly impacted Sam's high school experience.
A letter from Sam after Travis's death revealed the profound depth and significance of their friendship.

Travis Manion left the Naval Academy after his first semester but was later readmitted, a rare event, requiring him to repeat plebe year.
His return solidified his commitment, leading him to achieve significant accomplishments after experiencing dishonesty in the civilian world.
This journey exemplifies the 'Dream big and work hard to get there' principle, as Travis meticulously documented goals like a 3.5-3.6 GPA and All-American wrestling status.

Travis Manion's motto, 'If not me, then who?', serves as a core tenet of his life and the driving force behind the Travis Manion Foundation.
This phrase symbolizes a generation of service members and is featured in Ryan Manion's children's book and her father's book.
The guest reflects on Travis Manion's powerful legacy, noting its significant impact on many individuals and veterans.