Marine Raider Foundation

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Marine Raider Foundation in honor of my first cousin, Captain Matthew Patrick Manoukian.

As many of you know and remember, Matt was tragically killed on August 10th, 2012 while protecting and serving our country. He was the oldest of three boys, a graduate of University of Arizona, and was looking forward to a bright future when he passed away. I was Matt’s first girl cousin, and he was a huge part of my life growing up.  

Additionally, he was an outstanding Marine Warfighter and an American hero. Matt was deployed twice to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and then twice more to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He served as a team leader in the elite Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC, now known as the Marine Raiders), the special operations branch of the United States Marine Corps. He was just 29 years old when he bravely exposed himself to gunfire, while directing his team to safety. For his courage, leadership, and ability to lead in the face of extreme adversity, Matt has been decorated with the Navy Cross, two Purple Hearts, the Douglas A. Zembiec Award for Outstanding Leadership in Special Operations, and the Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award, among other decorations.

Following Matt's death, the Marine Raider Foundation provided complete and unwavering support for the Manoukian (Pete, Patti, Marty and Mike) family in multiple ways as they navigated through sudden loss and extreme grief. Founded in 2012, the Marine Raider Foundation has provided over $2 million in support of MARSOC Marines, Sailors, and their families. Some of their programs include:

1. Raider Support, including transition assistance, funding for award ceremonies and receptions, and funding for events that focus on personal and professional resiliency.

2. Family Resiliency Support, including assisting Raider families experiencing health and welfare challenges and with events that enhance personal and family resiliency.

3. Tragedy Assistance & Survivor Support, including assistance for wounded, ill and injured Raiders, Gold Star Families and funeral services and commemorations for MARSOC personnel.

4. Raider Legacy & Preservation Support, including construction and upkeep of memorial structures and commemorative items, as well as funding for events that commemorate WWII and MARSOC Raiders.

Through your kindness and support of the Marine Raider Foundation, Ben and I hope to give back to the organization that supported my family in some of the most difficult and painful times imaginable. We also want to show our tremendous admiration, and gratitude, for the men and women in uniform who are serving our country.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13