I am running the Marine Corps Marathon with "Team Travis and Brendan" on October 30, in Washington D.C. to raise funds for the Travis Manion Foundation. I am committed to doing this to honor 1st Lt. Travis Manion, a heroic young Marine who gave his life in Iraq while saving his unit in Fallujah, and his Naval Academy roommate, Navy (SEAL) Lt. Brendan Looney who was killed last September in Afghanistan. Today, they are buried side-by-side in Arlington National Cemetery and we run to honor them and all of our men and women in the Military.

 I decided to run for Team Travis and Brendan because I feel a strong tie to the Travis Manion Foundation. The first Marine Corps marathon I ran I happened to be staying at the team hotel so I became interested in their cause. I am running in memory of my step mom Cynthia Forgey who passed away from ovarian cancer Sept. 2, 2011 and my good friend Captain Brandon Barrett (KIA 5.5.10) Helmand Province, Afghanistan. I also am running in honor of my husband Aaron Huffman who I am so very proud of for his commitment and service to this great country. Travis and Brendan were both graduates of the US Naval Academy where my husband and Capt. Barrett went to school and Travis's mom (the founder of the Travis Foudation passed away from a battle with cancer this year. 

Your donation will enable the Travis Manion Foundation to continue their mission to "Honor the Fallen by Challenging the Living." This mission is accomplished in the following endeavors:

Character Does Matter- Inspired by Travis’s words “If not me, then who…” this youth leadership program challenges young men and women to develop their character by seeking "If Not Me, Then Who..." moments in everyday life. In unique, powerful presentations by veterans and family members of the fallen, young men and women learn about character, leadership, and service. At the end of each presentation a fallen hero's moving story is told. The audience is then challenged to go out and serve in their own communities in honor of the sacrifices of those who have given all for our freedoms.

Challenge Grants- Challenge Grants are provided to the entire military community -survivors of fallen American heroes, active duty troops, veterans, and military family members. Grants are given for service projects, furthering education, physical challenges, and everything in-between. Grant recipients are challenged to keep the spirit of service and love of country alive for every fallen hero.

9/11 Heroes Run- Last year the Foundation hosted over thirty-five 5K 9/11 Heroes Runs around the world to challenge Americans to run, volunteer, donate, cheer, but most of all to honor the more than 9,000 Fallen American Heroes since 9/11. May we never forget. Proceeds from the race benefit the Travis Manion Foundation and local first responder charities in each community where a race is held.

The Foundation also hosts and fully funds a TAPS Good Grief Seminar for Families of the Fallen, helps fund Fellowships for wounded veterans in partnership with the Mission Continues, has provided over $200,000 in scholarships, and hosts and annual Operation Care Package Event.