The annual Army-Navy game, held on December 9, 2023, not only showcased a fierce rivalry between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen but also served as a poignant tribute to veterans and their sacrifices. This year, the event drew a substantial crowd, united by the shared purpose of honoring military service and fostering community connections.
As part of the festivities, the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) hosted its annual tailgate fundraiser, which attracted around 5,000 attendees. The event highlighted the foundation’s mission to support veterans and their families by empowering them to serve their communities. Joshua Jabin, Chief Operating Officer of TMF, emphasized the importance of moving beyond traditional support services. He stated, “Our job at the Travis Manion Foundation is to invest in those veterans and families of fallen and then give them opportunities to go out and serve.”
The foundation’s guiding principle, “If Not Me, Then Who,” is inspired by the legacy of **Travis Manion**, a Marine officer who was killed in action in 2007. Jabin shared a powerful anecdote about Manion’s commitment to service, recalling, “Before he went back for his second, what would be his final, deployment, he was asked why he had to go back to Iraq, and Travis’s answer was, ‘if not me, then who.’” This mantra resonates with many supporters and attendees at the game.
Among the attendees was **Looney Heffernan**, whose late husband, **Brendan Looney**, served as a Navy SEAL and was a close friend of Manion. Heffernan expressed her dedication to preserving Brendan’s memory through her involvement with TMF, saying, “For me, this is more than just about work and a job…I get to keep Brendan’s memory alive.”
The game served as a platform for veterans and fans alike to reflect on the deeper significance of the event. One attendee, **Paige Bondar**, who has supported TMF for years, noted the personal connection to the event, as her daughter is a West Point cadet. Bondar remarked, “I was really moved by it…Go Army, beat Navy!”
Danny Aston, another attendee, shared his long-standing tradition of attending the Army-Navy game, which he has been part of since 1981. He highlighted the unifying aspect of the event, stating, “What I look forward to most about every Army-Navy game is the end of the game when everybody comes together and sings the alma mater on the other side.”
The Army-Navy game, while competitive on the field, fosters a spirit of camaraderie and service off the field. Jabin reiterated the importance of community connection, remarking, “It’s about connecting everybody, to bring them together, to unite, to bring something together, and bring community all at once.”
The event stands as a reminder that honoring those who served extends far beyond game day. The Army-Navy game not only celebrates athletic rivalry but also reinforces the values of service, unity, and respect for veterans—a message that resonates with all who attend.
