EVENT
This is the first time Joggin’ for Frogmen will be held in Arizona and all proceeds go to the Travis Manion Foundation, a nonprofit veteran service organization. (Travis Manion Foundation/Submitted)
‘Joggin’ for Frogmen’ Foundation honors America’s fallen BY ALLISON BROWN Sound of Freedom Staff Writer
T
he Travis Manion Foundation hopes to bring the community together to celebrate the lives of America’s fallen during the first Joggin’ for Frogmen. The event is set for 6:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at Bell Bank Park, 1 Legacy Drive, Mesa. Runners can participate virtually, too. All proceeds benefit the Travis Manion Founda-
40
Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2022
tion, which works to empower veterans and survivors, and inspires civilians to serve as the catalyst for character development in future generations. Its flagship program is Character Does Matter. “Character Does Matter was developed to address two alarming statistics,” says Ben Alexander, west region coordinator for the foundation. “First, 60% of veterans feel disconnected from their communities. And second, one in three of nearly 16 million young people feel as though they’ve never had a positive mentor in their lives. So we train and empower the veterans and Gold Star Families or survivors
to go out and connect with the community by teaching character and lessons learned through military service to future generations.” The Travis Manion Foundation also hosts expeditions for families of the fallen, largescale service projects, community service projects and several athletic events. Joggin’ for Frogmen is a 5K race inspired by U.S. Navy Seals — Frogmen. All 5K finishers will receive a Joggin’ for Frogmen medal. The event also has an additional 1-mile “tadpole trot” for the little ones (6 and younger). The event organizers have also teamed up SEE FROGMEN PAGE 42
