Operation Samalama team: Nick Bianse (US Marines), Matt Peace (US Navy), and Albie Masland. (Photo by Gray Bashew)
By Dan Guttridge
Special to NKyTribune
Matt Peace, U.S. Navy veteran and native of Verona has completed yet another mission. With two friends, he reached the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego Friday morning — ahead of schedule — completing a 1500 mile run that started in Houston.
His mission: to honor two men from two different generations, raising awareness for veterans affairs along the way.
Peace’s story is one of service and humility. Inspired to serve his country after the events of 9/11, he joined the U.S. Navy upon graduation from Larry A. Ryle High School in 2002.
He served 10 years in the Navy, including assignments on the USS Nimitz, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest and USS Boxer. He now lives in San Diego, Calif., where he’s an artist at The Rainforest Art Project.
On March 31, however, he and two friends set out to run 1500 miles from Houston to San Diego to complete the unfinished cross-country mission of 73-year-old Sam “Samalama” Leonard.
On September 30, 2014, Leonard set out to walk cross-country from Largo to San Diego to raise awareness and funds for the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), named after Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion who died in Iraq. The foundation, created by Manion’s mother, supports U.S. veterans and families of the fallen.
After walking more than 1,000 miles, Leonard was forced to stop outside Houston, Texas, for health reasons on April 24, 2015. Days later, he was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. Leonard died on August 17, 2015, but not before he and his family reached out to TMF about the possibility of completing his mission.
TMF West Coast Veteran Services Manager Albie Masland heard Leonard’s story and recruited TMF ambassadors Nick Biase (U.S. Marine Corps) and Peace to help him finish the journey Leonard started.
Operation Samalama
Operation Samalama began — a tribute to Leonard and a determination to call attention to the needs of veterans.
Team with a purpose
“When I heard the story about Sam, I wanted to do something,” Peace said. “Our job in the military is to complete our mission and protect our brothers and sisters in harm’s way. Our job as veterans is to support one another. Operation Samalama is giving me the opportunity to do both.”
The trio’s route has taken them from Houston through Austin and El Paso, Texas, to Tucson and Yuma, Ariz. Each man ran about 20 miles each day to complete the mission on time. They completed the final stretch of Operation Samalama when they arrived on the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego Harbor on Friday, April 29, a date that also marked the nine-year anniversary of 1st Lt. Manion’s ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq.
“TMF has been a big part of my life since my service in the Navy,” Peace added. “The Foundation’s Mentorship and Advocacy Program for Veterans placed me in an internship at The Rainforest Art Project where I’m currently employed. I want to continue to help those who have helped me.”
Keeping their mission always in sight
Peace, along with Biase, is now a leader in TMF’s Veterans-Youth Mentorship Program.
“We carry a motto with us at TMF: ‘If Not Me, Then Who…’ When Albie asked me to be a part of the run, I couldn’t help but say yes,” Peace added.
Through Operation Samalama, TMF is challenging individuals across the U.S. to perform 15 “If Not Me, Then Who…” moments, which can range from a random act of kindness to doing service within your community. Join the movement and take the challenge – show your 15 moments on social media using the hashtag #WhatsYour15 in your posts.
As of April 27, Operation Samalama had raised more than 30 percent of their $50,000 goal. To donate to Operation Samalama and to learn more about the Travis Manion Foundation, please visit TravisManion.org/OperationSamalama.
About the Travis Manion Foundation:
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 (TMF) to assist our nation’s veterans and families of the fallen. TMF engages with veterans and families of the fallen in all stages of their personal journeys and offers them unique opportunities to empower them to achieve their goals. TMF believes that the best way to honor the fallen is by challenging the living. TMF challenges veterans and survivors to lead the “If Not Me, Then Who…” movement and inspire others to continue the service to community and country exemplified by the nation’s fallen heroes.
Manion, his fellow Marines and Iraqi Army counterparts were ambushed while searching a suspected insurgent house. Leading the counterattack against the enemy forces, 1st Lt. Manion was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper while aiding and drawing fire away from his wounded comrades. His selfless actions allowed every member of his patrol to survive. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor.
About the #WhatsYour15 challenge:
As Operation Samalama continues, the Travis Manion Foundation is challenging the nation to 15 “If Not Me, Then Who…” moments, which can range from a random act of kindness to doing service within your community. The Foundation believes everyone has the opportunity to make a positive impact when they adopt the “If Not Me, Then Who…” mindset. Join the movement and take the challenge – show your 15 moments on social media using the hashtag #WhatsYour15 in your posts.
Mission accomplished
Operation Samalama team on the deck of the USS Midway Friday morning. (Photo by Gary Bashew)
