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Travis Joseph Lemma Manion was born November 19, 1980, in Camp Lejeune, NC, to an active duty Marine family. After settling in Doylestown, PA, Travis went on to LaSalle College High School where his strong leadership qualities set him apart both athletically and academically. He was an all-league standout in wrestling, football and lacrosse, a member of five championship teams, and an All-American wrestler. Travis was best known as a motivating and popular figure to his classmates. It was for these traits that Travis was awarded the Hal Selvey, Jr. Memorial Award for Unselfish Dedication and Leadership. This combination of leadership, athleticism and academic achievement opened the door to his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. In Annapolis, Travis excelled in the classroom and in sports, and by 2004 was a preseason national top 20 wrestler. His strong character continued to shine, leading to his selection as the winner of the 2003 Weems Award for Leadership and Dedication. Upon his graduation in 2004, Travis chose to follow his father into the Marine Corps. He finished in the top of his class at The Basic School where he was awarded a regular commission in the Marine Corps. After completing Logistics Officer School, Travis was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. It wasn't long after arriving to his first duty station that Travis and his unit were sent to Iraq. During their tour, the First Recon Marines were part of many critical events including support of the 2005 election, uncovering weapons caches throughout the region, and assisting with other Iraqi transition missions. Travis deployed back to Iraq on December 26, 2006, for his second tour as part of a Military Transition Team. He and his fellow Marines worked diligently to change the outcome in Fallujah, building a brotherhood with the Iraqi Army units and setting the example with strong leadership and a passion for their mission. Aggressively taking the fight to the enemy on multiple occasions, Travis and his Marines fought bravely to change the tide in this critical battle ground. As a result of their incredible efforts, Al Anbar Province is now recognized as one of the more significant successes of the surge in Iraq. During his final patrol mission on Sunday, April 29, 2007, Travis was killed by enemy sniper fire while fighting courageously to defend against an enemy ambush. At his memorial service in Fallujah, an Iraqi Colonel spoke and shared that Travis was his brother, "a brave warrior who never feared the death." Travis' mark remains in Iraq and in the hearts of all who honor freedom and service. As a testament to his strong character and leadership, the Iraqis named their operating base Combat Outpost (COB) Manion, one of only a few Iraqi facilities named for an American service member. Travis was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star w/ Valor for his actions in Iraq. Today at The Basic School in Quantico, Manion Hall serves as a reminder to the next generation of Marine officers of Travis' Spartan warrior spirit and his leadership on and off the battlefield. To learn more about 1st Lt. Travis Manion and the Foundation that bears his name, please visit http://www.travismanion.com