National Veteran Leadership Program Graduates Inaugural Class

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., Nov. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Earlier this year, Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), a leading Veteran Nonprofit Organization, launched its premier and uniquely designed leadership development program for veterans and families of the fallen: Spartan Leadership Program (SLP). Final presentations and a graduation ceremony will be held for this inaugural class on Friday, November 13th in Doylestown, PA, near TMF Headquarters. This 7-month opportunity offers an innovative and unrivaled way for veterans and families of fallen heroes to take part in character-based leadership education. The SLP focuses on self- reflection and experiential learning to cultivate change in each participant's personal and professional life, as well as their local community, through the power of personalized strength-based learning. Participants walk away with tangible skills, new experience, and a revived sense of purpose & passion to serve. This program is made possible through support by Boeing, which is also dedicated to supporting veterans, as evidenced by over 20,000 veterans making up 15% of the company's workforce.

"Completion of the SLP will yield a better sense of self, new relationships, new skills, and a deepened, new confidence to lead. Leadership is personal and a continuous evolution - it is up to each of us to use our unique character & strengths to grow, lead, and make a difference. To lead is to inspire in a way that is true to who we each are. TMF designed the SLP to provide and empower our veterans the time and resources to invest in themselves in order to make an even deeper impact on a larger scale," said TMF President, Ryan Manion.

The idea of building leaders through character not only captures how TMF pours passion and expertise into continued development of leaders; it demonstrates how continuing to build on personal unique strengths will help better serve local communities. The inaugural class of 19 participants represent a wide range of experiences, character strengths, interests, and passions. Each individual brings a variation of skills and knowledge that have proven to be advantageous to other participants in the program. New findings from our partners at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University found that as participation in our initiatives increases, veterans, families of the fallen and civilians report exponential improvements to their sense of well-being and thriving.

"The Spartan Leadership Program has been an incredible learning experience for me. Coming into the program, I anticipated a lot of leadership education in more of a "train the trainer" sort of format. However, what I've gotten has been far beyond what I anticipated. This program has served as an incredible resource for me, specifically in terms of self-assessment and personal growth."
-Tyson Stahl, Marine Corp Veteran (Raleigh, NC)

Through intentional practice and learning that blends virtual and in-person experiences, the SLP is aimed at developing personal growth, leveraging character strengths, and thriving among veterans and survivors, who we believe are uniquely positioned to motivate communities toward meaningful change by putting character into action. Rooted in the principles of character-based education and positive psychology, SLP curriculum is focused on the four core principles of Spartan Leadership; Develop, Connect + Challenge, Serve and to Build a Legacy.

Guest facilitators are an invaluable piece of the program. From Jocko Willink to Major General Clifford Stanley, USMC (Ret), Angelique Skoulas, and Brian "Tosh" Chontosh, participants have had the rare opportunity to engage directly with these known leaders to listen, be challenged, and grow deeper. The program is mainly virtual in order to support participants professional roles & families, but did include a week long immersive Leadership Expedition in Boulder, Colorado in October, and will conclude with a graduation ceremony at TMF's local headquarters homebase of Doylestown, PA.

"The Spartan Leadership Program is not only helping me be a better leader than I could imagine, it's making me reflect on past and current experiences with the help of training, speakers and an engaged class that challenges you to think how to be better...I find myself applying lessons from the Spartan Leadership Program into my life and work, as its made me approach issues and challenges better."
-Manuel Fletcher, Air Force Veteran (Alexandria, VA)

For more information about the Spartan Leadership Program, please visit http://www.TravisManion.org/SLP

About Travis Manion Foundation
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) unites communities to strengthen America's national character by empowering veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop and lead future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt. Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, "If Not Me, Then Who..." Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives by serving as character role models to youth. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation's heroes lives on in the next generation.

The story of 1st Lt. Travis Manion and his Naval Academy brother Lt. (SEAL) Brendan Looney have been publicized in the book Brothers Forever, and additional information about the Foundation can be found at http://www.travismanion.org.

About Boeing
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 160,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Media Contact

Derrick Morgan, Travis Manion Foundation, 2156222225, [email protected]

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SOURCE Travis Manion Foundation