Welcome Aboard!
Irreverent Warriors is a proud program of the Grunt Style Foundation, committed to tackling veteran suicide through camaraderie, connection, and authentic community.
Our signature events, Silkies Hikes and Silkies Retreats, bring together hundreds of veterans in combat boots and the iconic military “silkies” shorts. These gatherings are filled with laughter, banter, and genuine connection, recreating the sense of platoon brotherhood and sisterhood that so many lose after leaving the service. We believe there is a gap in modern mental healthcare; rebuilding the "emotional safety net" that the platoon provided on active duty.
We cut through the red tape. There are no pity parties, no lectures... just real veterans supporting one another in ways only we can. Whether it’s through humor, shared miles, cold plunges, or moments of reflection, we create spaces where healing is empowered and happens naturally.
At Irreverent Warriors, we believe that the bonds forged in sweat, laughter, and shared struggle can do more for mental health than any sterile waiting room ever could. Together, we are building a tribe that saves lives.
Mission, Vision, and Core Values
IRREVERENT: ir·rev·er·ent - adj. – A deliberate departure from conventional or solemn attitudes, often characterized by humor, light-heartedness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo or traditional expectations in a respectful and mindful manner.
WARRIOR: "Warrior" refers to a member of a tribe or community who is experienced in demonstrating courage, discipline, and strength. Warriors fight for a cause and in defense of others, embodying resilience, determination, and sacrifice for the protection and advancement of their tribe.
In the context of Irreverent Warriors, "irreverence" implies a refreshing approach to addressing serious issues affecting veterans, such as mental health and suicide prevention, through unconventional means that prioritize camaraderie, empowerment, and empathy while using humor and community support to break down barriers and stigma. It signifies a commitment to celebrating the unique spirit and resilience of veterans while fostering a supportive environment that encourages openness and healing.
MISSION
We bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.
VISION
Our vision is to unite, empower, mentor, and heal the veteran community while driving a healthy culture throughout its membership. We will disrupt the status quo through impactful events, innovative engagements, and robust support networks to enhance the well-being of veterans worldwide. Irreverent Warriors is a catalyst for positive change within the veteran community, striving to become the most effective veteran-focused organization in the world.
CORE VALUES
- We heal the veteran community and prioritize its needs in everything we do.
- We believe that humor and camaraderie empower veterans to share, heal, and connect.
- We foster a culture of love, respect, and belonging, ensuring all veterans feel valued and included.
- We commit to honest and transparent communication, building trust and accountability with veterans, supporters, and stakeholders alike.
- We believe that healthy and enduring veteran-based support networks provide an environment of peer support, mentorship, and accountability.
Our History
In 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs released a staggering report: an average of 22 veterans were dying by suicide every single day. That same year, the 1st Marine Division in California was hit by a devastating wave of suicides. Among those deeply affected was Captain Donny O’Malley, an infantry officer with the 5th Marine Regiment, who decided that something had to change.
Capt. O’Malley and a small group of Marines organized the first Silkies Hike near Camp Pendleton, California. The concept was simple but powerful: a 22-kilometer ruck in combat boots and military-issued “silkies” shorts, each veteran carrying 22 pounds, honoring the 22 lost each day. What started as a grassroots gathering quickly went viral. Veterans across the country recognized themselves in the mission, and almost overnight, volunteers began hosting Silkies Hikes in city after city.
This momentum sparked the formation of Irreverent Warriors, officially organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to unify these local efforts under a single flag. The movement spread like wildfire, built not on red tape or lectures, but on shared laughter, dark humor, and the deep bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
Since 2015, Irreverent Warriors has grown and matured. Hundreds of thousands of veterans have participated in Silkies Hikes nationwide, creating a living, breathing network of peer support. In 2024, IW entered a new chapter by joining forces with the Grunt Style Foundation, expanding our capacity to heal. Today, in addition to our signature hikes, IW offers retreats, peer-led emotional support groups, and holistic healing classes, integrating practices such as breathwork, meditation, cold immersion, sweat lodges, and equine therapy to address the whole veteran: body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Irreverent Warriors has become more than an organization... it is a tribe. A grassroots community where veterans rediscover the camaraderie of their platoon, find strength in connection, and, most importantly, choose life together.
Our Outcomes
A study of qualitative before-and-after survey data was conducted in 2025, with a 90% confidence level and a 10% error margin. The results demonstrate the substantial positive influence IW has had on veteran mental health:
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57% of veterans reported their suicidal ideation fully stopped or significantly improved after attending IW events.
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65% of veterans saw their feelings of despair fully stop or significantly improve.
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41% of veterans who previously struggled with substance abuse saw major improvement after joining IW.
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40% of IW participants are female (11% of veterans are female)
Veterans who attend IW events report a renewed sense of purpose, belonging, and resilience. The ability to connect with others who truly understand their struggles, without stigma or judgment, has been life-saving for many.
Survey participants shared their experiences, revealing just how much IW has meant to them:
"IW helped me rediscover the sense of brotherhood and purpose I had lost since leaving the military."
"I went from barely having anyone to talk to, to having more people than I can count who I can depend on."
"IW is not just an organization; it’s a family. A tribe that lifts each other up."
"Before IW, I had no sense of purpose, no clear direction. Now, I’m stronger, more confident, and surrounded by people who truly care."
By building an organic, peer-driven support system, IW is making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served. In 2024, the Dept of Defense spent an additional $200 million in funding on suicide prevention through traditional methods. The results? A 12% increase in active-duty military suicides. The status quo in suicide prevention is not working.
We believe in the power of camaraderie and collective strength. Every Veteran has the potential to embrace their experiences, define their future, and positively impact the world.