The annual Army-Navy game, held on December 9, 2023, in Baltimore, served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between sports and the military community. This year’s matchup between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen drew thousands of fans, uniting them not only in support of their teams but also in honoring U.S. veterans and their sacrifices.
As part of the game festivities, the **Travis Manion Foundation (TMF)** hosted its annual tailgate fundraiser, which attracted around **5,000 attendees**. According to **Joshua Jabin**, Chief Operating Officer of TMF, the event stands out as a celebration of both rivalry and camaraderie. “We throw the biggest party around the Army-Navy game,” Jabin said. “Today, we’re all going to come together and support our veterans and our families.”
The foundation, named after **Travis Manion**, a Marine who lost his life in Iraq, aims to redefine how veterans are perceived in society. Jabin emphasized that the mission goes beyond traditional support for veterans: “Our job at TMF is to invest in those veterans and families of the fallen and then give them opportunities to serve.”
Central to the foundation’s message is the principle of “If Not Me, Then Who,” which reflects Manion’s commitment to service. Jabin shared how this motto inspires many, including himself. “Those are the five words that I try to say every morning when I wake up to be the best person,” he explained.
The event also resonated deeply with attendees like **Looney Heffernan**, who emphasized the personal significance of the game. Her late husband, **Brendan Looney**, served as a Navy SEAL and was a close friend of Manion. “For me, this is more than just about work…I get to keep Brendan’s memory alive,” she stated.
Many fans echoed Heffernan’s sentiments, highlighting the game’s emotional weight. **Paige Bondar**, a supporter of TMF, mentioned her pride in attending the event as her daughter is a West Point cadet. “I’ve been a supporter of the Travis Manion Foundation for years, and we’re here at the game. Go Army, beat Navy!” she said.
Danny Aston, a veteran who has attended the Army-Navy game annually since **1981**, expressed the joy of witnessing the unity the event fosters. “What I look forward to most is the end of the game when everybody comes together and sings the alma mater,” he said. “That shows you the greatness and the unity in America… Go Navy!”
As the rivalry unfolded on the field, the underlying message off the field was one of unity and service. Supporters of TMF highlighted that the Army-Navy game is not just a sporting event; it symbolizes a larger commitment to honor those who served.
“It’s about connecting everybody, to bring them together, to unite, to bring community all at once,” Heffernan noted. “Every player that walks on the field is willing to give their life for every single person here. More of our nation needs to see the impact that our military can make in our communities.”
The Army-Navy game continues to be a platform for celebrating the values of service and community, reminding attendees that honoring veterans extends far beyond the day’s events.
