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Irreverent Warriors, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 47-4789126) under parent Grunt Style Foundation, whose mission is to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.
According to numerous studies, including a commonly referenced VA Suicide Data Report conducted in 2012, at least 22 veterans and military service members commit suicide daily. Although this statistic has become very well-known, it is often considered a gross underestimation of the reality. Irreverent Warriors has stood up to fit an unmet demand by introducing its members and participants to a life-saving network of support through their events and community.
Everyone fights their battles and heals from trauma differently, but one thing is consistent: no one should have to do it alone.
On July 27, 2024, veterans and military service members took to the streets of Indianapolis for the Irreverent Warriors (IW) Silkies Hike. During the 2024 season, IW events brought thousands of veterans together across the United States. Veteran and military participants hike anywhere from eight to 14 miles, some carrying heavy packs, some in wheelchairs, but all in a spirit of support and camaraderie with a singular mission – to eliminate veteran suicide. Veterans normally hike wearing only their combat boots and “Silkies,” traditional military physical training shorts full of nostalgia that help promote an environment of humor and camaraderie.
Irreverent Warriors takes on an unconventional approach to mental health. Over our 10-year history, we have discovered that the best support network for veterans is other veterans. We bring a community of warriors together through therapeutic events across the country. We also work with other veteran organizations that provide services such as job placement, training, housing, service dogs, and more.
We started out with our Silkies Hikes and have recently expanded into providing integration retreats. In May 2025, Irreverent Warriors and Grunt Style Foundation hosted 64 veterans at McCormick Creek State Park for an integration retreat where we had instructors for different modalities for mental health. These modalities ranged from breath work and cold plunges to mandala nature hikes.
This Friday, July 25, we are having this year’s Irreverent Warriors Indianapolis Sequins & Silkies 10th anniversary gala bringing together Veterans and supporters for an unforgettable night of inspiration and impact. The event will start at 6 p.m. at The Foxhole, 670 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis. Register at this link.
Coming up, IW will host Operation Firewatch, a male Veteran retreat from Aug. 29 to 31 at McCormick Creek State Park group camp – Camp Nawakwa, 250 McCormick’s Creek Park Road, Spencer, Ind. The cost is only $75 for meals and lodging, and scholarships are available, as well as many other resources and activities. Register here at this link.
For more information on Irreverent Warriors, go to irreverentwarriors.com. For more information on Grunt Style Foundation, go to gruntstylefoundation.org. You can connect with Irreverent Warriors Indianapolis on Facebook, and you can contact the local coordinator at indy@irreverentwarriors.com.