What is Irreverent Warriors?

If you’ve ever seen a group of veterans in tiny, silky shorts hiking through your city, you might have done a double take. It’s not every day that grown men and women march together in short shorts, laughing, carrying flags, and creating a spectacle. It might seem strange—maybe even a little chaotic. But beneath the surface, something much deeper is happening.

Irreverent Warriors (IW) exists for one reason: to bring veterans out of isolation and back into a community where they belong.

The Problem We’re Solving

One of the earliest signs of a veteran struggling with suicide risk is isolation. The transition from military to civilian life can be brutal. Veterans leave behind a close-knit brotherhood, only to find themselves in a world that doesn’t speak their language. Relationships change. Careers shift. That once-solid support system disappears, leaving an emotional void that, for too many, leads to feelings of despair and hopelessness.

We’re here to change that.

The Power of the Silkies Hike

So why silkies? Why hikes?

Because they break down barriers.

For those with an infantry background, you know how hard it is to bring together a group of strong-willed, competitive veterans without the immediate posturing, one-upping, or sizing each other up. But when you put everyone in silkies—the ridiculously short, silky PT shorts worn in recruit training—those walls come down instantly (just like bootcamp).

It’s impossible to take yourself too seriously in silkies. You laugh. You reconnect with the part of yourself that feels joy, humor, and camaraderie—things that might have felt lost in the fog of post-service life.

For many veterans, this is the first step out of isolation—the first time in years they’ve felt truly connected again. It’s a Disneyland experience for veterans, a day where they can drop their guard, be themselves, and remember what it feels like to belong to a tribe.

More Than Just a Hike

In the past decade, Irreverent Warriors has helped over 75,000 veterans reconnect—many of whom were experiencing suicidal ideation. But we’re not stopping there.

Our next evolution is focused on mental health, mentorship, and healing.

We want to equip every veteran with a Triangular Compass—a mental and emotional first-aid kit filled with healing experiences, resources, and peer mentorship. We’re not just bringing veterans together for a fun day; we’re helping them build lifelong relationships and discover healing strategies that work.

A Different Approach to Healing

Traditional approaches—medications, VA therapy, and crisis hotlines—have their place. But they’re not enough. Since 9/11, over 150,000 veterans have died by suicide, and despite hundreds of millions in federal funding thrown at the problem, the numbers keep climbing.

We believe in exploring alternative paths to healing.

For some, it’s meditation, prayer, or silent hikes. For others, it’s cold plunges, plant-based medicine, or reconnecting with nature. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but veterans deserve to be educated on their options. That’s why we focus on peer-led referrals—IW members who have personally found healing sharing their experiences with others.

We don’t run therapy clinics. We don’t charge membership dues. We’re simply veterans helping veterans, introducing them to the tools and experiences that have changed our lives.

A Grassroots Movement, Not a Traditional Nonprofit

IW isn’t backed by government grants, Fortune 500 sponsors, or massive foundations. We are 100% grassroots-driven, powered by the support of veterans, volunteers, and small business sponsors who believe in our mission.

• 90% of every dollar raised goes directly to programs and events.
• No membership fees. No bureaucracy. Just impact.
• Every chapter is led by volunteers—veterans helping veterans.

We take pride in how lean we run. This is a movement, not a corporate charity.

The Future of IW

We started with hikes. Now, we’re building something bigger—a nationwide tribe dedicated to helping veterans heal, reconnect, and thrive.

Whether you’re a veteran looking for your next platoon, someone who wants to support our mission, or just a curious onlooker wondering why a bunch of veterans are marching down Main Street in silkies—you’re welcome here.

This is Irreverent Warriors.

Together, we bring veterans out of isolation and back into the community to lead and serve others.