Marlon Harris

Marlon Harris

Chicago Program Manager

Marlon Harris grew up on the South Side of Chicago, surrounded by a close-knit family that included his parents, a brother, and a sister. His family's legacy of military service runs deep; his father, uncles, and grandfather all served in the U.S. Army. Notably, his grandfather held the distinguished position of Command Sergeant Major of Recruiting in Chicago and was instrumental in recruiting War Hero and Medal of Honor recipient Milton Lee Olive.

Following the events of September 11th, Marlon enlisted in the U.S. Army, joining C-TRP 7-10 Cav, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, now Fort Cavazos, Texas. His service included deployments to Camp Taji, Iraq in 2005 and FOB Falcon, Iraq in 2008.

After his honorable discharge, Marlon continued his commitment to supporting the U.S. Armed Forces by working as a government contractor in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2013. In 2013, he welcomed the joy of his life, his daughter Hannah Harris, and made the decision to return to Chicago to be present for her as she grew. 

This transition, while fulfilling, came with unexpected challenges, including feelings of lost purpose and uncertainty about his career path. However, he persevered and eventually found a role as a Partnerships Specialist with Lyft in 2016, where he focused on building military and veteran partnerships in Chicago.

In 2017, Marlon was introduced to MVP (Merging Vets and Players) upon its opening in Chicago. His first session revealed that this program was not just a partnership opportunity but a vital support network that he could utilize to better himself. The impact MVP had on veterans and athletes, fostering a healthy environment for physical activity and camaraderie, resonated deeply with him.

MVP has since become a transformative part of Marlon's life, helping him connect with others who share similar experiences. He cherishes the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood fostered within the organization, united by their backgrounds and a mutual desire to support one another.