Philadelphia Eagles Hometown Hero

Garret Hrynko enlisted in the United States Army at 17 years old and served as an Infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2015 as part of the unit's Quick Reaction Force. The courage and sacrifice of those he served alongside, along with the loss of a dear friend, forever changed his perspective on service, leadership, and the responsibility to care for others.

When he returned home, Garret set out to find purpose in honoring those experiences. He cycled 4,200 miles solo and unsupported from Oregon to Virginia, raising awareness for veteran suicide and reminding veterans that they are never alone. The story of that journey, and his path toward healing and recovery, was later recognized with an Emmy Award.

Today, Garret dedicates his time to supporting veteran nonprofits and advocating for those who have served. His mission is simple: to help end veteran suicide and ensure every veteran feels seen, heard, and proud of their service to our nation. For Garret, the greatest blessing in life is his family. He credits his wife for her fierce love and unwavering support and finds his greatest joy in being a husband and father, chasing adventures with his two-year-old and doing everything he can to make them both smile.

Brian McGrath served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he had the privilege of leading the Marines of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines in Afghanistan. He considers the courage, selflessness, and quiet professionalism of those Marines, many only 18, 19, or 20 years old, to be the greatest leadership lesson of his life. Their example of sacrifice, accountability, and commitment to one another continues to guide him today.

Through the Travis Manion Foundation, Brian now has the opportunity to carry those lessons forward through the Character Does Matter program at St. Joseph's Preparatory School. Working alongside an extraordinary community of veterans, educators, and students, he helps challenge young men to lead with integrity, courage, humility, personal responsibility, and service, living the "If Not Me, Then Who..." ethos in their school and communities.

For Brian, service and leadership ultimately begin at home. He is most grateful for his wife, Julie, and their three children, Brian, Johnny, and Tillie, whose love, support, and example remind him every day what matters most.

Deeply inspired by the events of September 11, 2001, David Weller committed himself to a life of service, first volunteering as an EMT and firefighter before joining the United States Navy. As a Naval Flight Officer, he flew the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft and served overseas, supporting missions around the world while developing the leadership and teamwork skills that continue to guide him today.

David is a proud husband to a nurse practitioner and proud father of four, and he credits his family for inspiring him to lead with humility, compassion, and purpose. Following his military service, he continued his commitment to serving others through his work at Johnson & Johnson, where he is honored to help bring innovative medicines to patients in need.

David is deeply passionate about the Travis Manion Foundation's mission to empower veterans and families of the fallen while building character in the next generation. He believes that service does not end when a uniform comes off, and he strives every day to lead by example through service, integrity, and a commitment to making a positive impact in his community.

I am a retired Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Veteran, a mother of three, and a volunteer Philadelphia Platoon Leader with the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF).

During my 26 years of service in the U.S. Army and 10 years of civilian service for the Department of Defense (DOD), I managed and supported both soldiers and civilian personnel. As an enlisted soldier, I served as a Medical Logistics Specialist, Civil Affairs Specialist, Personnel Administration Specialist, and Food Service Specialist. I also served as a Unit Administrator and Staff Operation and Training Specialist for the DOD. I received achievement awards in all of these specialties for my positive impact on the lives of the soldiers and civilians I served. Throughout my military career, I acted as a vital link between U.S. military commanders, local civilian populations, and humanitarian agencies during combat, disaster, and peacekeeping missions.

Today, I continue my mission of service by implementing wellness measures in my life, which include serving the elderly and veterans. Through the Travis Manion Foundation, which empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations, I serve the community through urban beautification projects such as planting flowers, cleaning public parks, and painting buildings.

"If Not Me, Then Who" - travismanion.org