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PHILADELPHIA—On December 10, 2015, the Travis Manion Foundation hosted its 4th Annual “If Not Me, Then Who…” Gala at the historic Union League of Philadelphia. This black tie event, which is a national recognition of character and leadership, had attendees from across the country who were being honored for their dedication to selfless service within their local communities and beyond.

Some of the high profile and notable figures in attendance included:

  • Robert A. McDonald, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Secretary McDonald was nominated by President Obama to serve as the eighth Secretary of Veterans Affairs and was a guest speaker for the evening.
  • General John M. Paxton, Jr., Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. The Guest of Honor.
  • J.R. Martinez, renown actor, best-selling author, motivational speaker and wounded US Army Veteran. J.R. played an injured combat veteran on the Emmy Award winning daytime drama, All My Children. Following its final season, he went on to surprise and inspire a nation on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Along with partner Karina Smirnoff, J.R. won the coveted mirror ball trophy, and they were named season 13 champions. J.R. served as the gala emcee.
  • Daniel Akerson, Vice Chairman and Special Advisor to the Board for the Carlyle Group. Dan represented the Carlyle Group, which was honored as the recipient of the 2015 Corporate Leadership Award.
  • Jake Harriman, CEO and Founder of Nuru International. Jake was honored as the recipient of the 2015 “If Not Me, Then Who…” Award.
  • Pete Scobell, celebrated Navy SEAL, competitive skier and athlete, mountain climber, inspiration and advocate. At the gala, Pete put on a musical performance.

To replay Jake Harriman receiving the 2015 “If Not Me, Then Who…” Award and hear his speech, tune in at 2:25:06.

About Travis Manion Foundation

The Travis Manion Foundation is a qualified 501(c)3 which assists our nation’s veterans and families of the fallen by empowering them to take the next step in their personal journeys and inspiring the next generation of leaders. The Foundation believes the best way to honor the fallen is by challenging the living. Shortly after the death of 1st Lt. Travis Manion in Iraq on April 29, 2007, the fallen Marine’s mother, the late Janet Manion, founded the Travis Manion Foundation to assist our nation’s veterans and families of the fallen. “If Not Me, Then Who…”, the words Travis spoke before leaving for his second and final deployment to Iraq, have inspired a national movement to service.

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