Philadelphia Eagles Hometown Hero

Connie Whalen is a proud United States Navy veteran who dedicated over 20 years of service to our nation, retiring in 2009 as a Navy Career Counselor. She enlisted at just 17, uncertain of her future but ready for a challenge that would shape her life.

During her military career, Connie earned numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, 4- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, 3- Navy Meritorious Service Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and 25 prestigious Gold Wreath Awards for outstanding recruiting contributions during the Gulf Wars, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm for her dedicated service and leadership.

Today, Connie continues to selflessly serve the military and veteran community. She is a dedicated volunteer with Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), serving as the leader of the Philadelphia Chapter and a Veteran Mentor for TMF's flagship youth mentorship program, Character Does Matter. Connie also serves as Vice President of the Guardians of the National Cemetery at Washington Crossing National Cemetery and as a member of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick's Naval Academy Review Board, helping to shape the next generation of naval leaders.

Jimmy White IV is a South Philadelphia native who served in the US Navy from 2000-2006 as a nuclear electrician on board the fast attack submarine USS Montpelier. In 2003, his submarine was part of "Shock and Awe," supporting ground troops by firing 20 Tomahawk missiles as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his military career, he was named Honor Recruit for his bootcamp division, earned three Navy Achievement Medals for his outstanding service, and was named Junior Sailor of the Year for his command. He completed his military career by achieving the rank of 1st class petty officer.

Jimmy is a dedicated Veteran Mentor with Travis Manion Foundation. He has delivered presentations on character to thousands of youth nationwide and honored fallen service members through annual service projects, including neighborhood cleanups and Thanksgiving turkey giveaways for families in need in Greater Philadelphia. He also serves as a Veteran Mentor for the Garnet Valley High School and Henderson High School football programs. In 2018, Jimmy was awarded Travis Manion Foundation's 'If Not Me, Then Who...' award with fellow veteran Thomas Hixon for their work honoring Chris Hixon, the Athletic Director of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, who courageously confronted a school shooter and gave his life to save others.

A dedicated advocate for both youth and veterans, Jimmy is an alumnus of Leadership Philadelphia and a Presidential Scholar for the GW Bush Center Veteran Leadership Program. In 2022, he was awarded the University City Science Center's Nucleus Cultivator Award for supporting entrepreneurship and business development in the Philadelphia area. In 2024, he was named the "Service Leaver of the Year" by the US Armed Forces in Business Awards for excellence in business and community service. He is a TEDx Speaker, a speaker for the Military Veterans in Journalism, a supporter of the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network, a volunteer for the KB Foundation, a board member for the Philadelphia Union Foundation, the board chair for the Hero Project Network, and a minister at the Prophetic Church of Christ in South Philadelphia.

Joey was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps upon Graduation from the Naval Academy and served on Active Duty until 2009. While on Active Duty, Joey served with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and deployed to Fallujah Iraq in 2005. He was then assigned to MCRD San Diego where he was promoted to the Rank of Captain and supported the training of Marines at the West Coast Boot Camp. In 2009 Joey moved home to Pennsylvania to begin a civilian career while transferring his service to the Marine Corps Reserves.

Joey returned to active duty for a brief period in 2011 and deployed to Cap Dra, Morocco for a joint exercise, and follow on duties at Marine Corps Forces Command in Norfolk, VA.

In his reserve career, Joey is currently a LtCol and a MEPLO in the Marine Corps Reserves.

Joey now serves as an active volunteer and veteran Mentor for Travis Manion Foundation and is honored to give an "Introduction to Character" presentation to the Plebes at the Naval Academy on behalf of Travis Manion Foundation.

Ryan Manion has dedicated her life to supporting our nation's military, veterans, and families of fallen heroes. She is inspired by the character, leadership, and sacrifice of her brother 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq on April 29th, 2007.

As CEO of Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), Ryan leads a national movement focused on empowering veterans and families of the fallen to serve as community leaders and develop character in future generations. TMF is one of the nation's leading Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), inspiring members nationwide to adopt the "If Not Me, Then Who…" ethos.

Carrying on the legacy of her brother Travis, Ryan has been recognized with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service. Ryan served for more than a decade in local government, holds an honorary degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, and is a Veteran Leadership Fellow of the George W. Bush Institute. Ryan has three children, resides in Philadelphia, PA and is a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Col. Tom Manion started his career in the Marine Corps – retiring after 30 years as a Colonel. Besides his military career, Tom joined Johnson & Johnson in 1990 and through the years held various leadership roles before retiring in 2014 after 23 years. Tom is the father of 1stLt. Travis Manion. Travis was a Marine leader who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in April 2007.

After the loss of Travis, the family established the Travis Manion Foundation to support our military, the families of the fallen and to help create the next generation of leaders. Through the Foundation, Tom has worked within the community and around the country to inspire people around him, to convey a sense of sacrifice and public service in all they do. Tom's late wife, founder and visionary of the Travis Manion Foundation, Janet Manion, passed away April 24, 2012, devoting every day to putting service above self.

Tom is also the co-author of the recently released book, "Brothers Forever", the story about the friendship, service and sacrifice between Travis and his Naval Academy roommate LT (SEAL) Brendan Looney.