Introduction to Tom Manion

I come to the race for Congress not as a career politician, but as a regular citizen called to public service in extraordinary times. I grew up in the Philadelphia area and am one of ten children. My father was a salesman and my mother raised the family. Together, they worked very hard to provide for our family. My parents believed in service, though back then they called it “helping others.” They believed in the promise and opportunity of America. These are beliefs that are deeply instilled in me.
I graduated from our public schools and then worked my way through college, graduating from Widener University. I then went on to serve our country in the Marines. I served 11 years of active duty as a Marine, and another 19 years in the Marine Reserves, retiring at the end of 2007 as a Colonel. While serving our country, I also furthered my education, earning a Masters Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.
After ending my active service, I began consulting for Fortune 500 companies and then, in 1990, began a second career as a business executive at Johnson and Johnson. We moved to Bucks County at this time as well.
I've been married to my wife Janet for nearly 30 years. Our daughter Ryan and her husband Dave live in Doylestown with my granddaughter, Maggie Rose. Our son Travis was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and gave his life in Iraq last year. He made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of public service. And in doing so, Travis reminded me that my service to our country - and my fellow citizens - is not over.
I'm running for Congress as an outsider - an ordinary citizen - committed to changing our government so it once again works for us.