STAY IRREVERENT, JACKSONVILLE

JACKSONVILLE, NC

Jacksonville Events

  • Jacksonville, NC

    April 13, 2024

    Calling veterans in Jacksonville! We bring veterans together to create a life-saving support network. The bonds formed at our events are often lasting. Our events not only pull veterans out of isolation, they are sure to give your mental health a boost in the right direction.

MEET YOUR COORDINATOR

Christal Dunaway

Marine Corps

I’m Christal “Dway” Dunaway, and I’ve had the privilege of serving as the local Silkies Hike coordinator for nearly a decade. Through these events, we focus on suicide prevention within the veteran community—a cause that is deeply personal to me. As a 10-year Marine Corps veteran, I see Irreverent Warriors as family. This organization helped me through one of the darkest times in my life, and I’m forever grateful. Once someone who needed these hikes, I’m honored to now serve as their host.

Originally from Louisiana, I’m also a fun-loving mother of one, a dedicated business owner, and a passionate cook who finds therapy in the kitchen. As I always say, you haven’t had real gumbo until you’ve had Dway’s gumbo.

GET AHOLD OF US

WARRIOR VOICES

“The Irreverent Warriors network has saved my sanity and life on numerous occasions…”

Jon, USMC

“The Irreverent Warriors network pulled me out of a dark place and gave me a safe space to talk about my issues.”

Kayla, USAF

“Being involved with Irreverent Warriors helped me to focus on helping others and not dwell on the negative side of what I was dealing with at home.”

Mari, USN

“It was amazing, and I can’t wait for my next hike!””

Anonymous

“For the longest time, I was lost. I had no purpose, no drive, no joy in life. Irreverent Warriors has become my family.”

Andrew, USMC

“Irreverent Warriors pulled me in when I felt like an outcast. Even when I wanted to be, they never once let me feel alone.”

Corey, USMC

“I attended one hike and saw how even if I felt alone, I wasn’t. I found great friends that I consider family.”

Brendan, USMC

“Irreverent Warriors is that brother and sisterhood that I thought I would get while I was in.”

 Aaron, USMC Aaron, USMC

“The demons don’t go away, but they’re easier to face when you have back up.”

Danielle, USAF

“IW saved my life by giving me a family of people who understand and care about me.”

Nicholas

“Seeing IW in action is empowering and amps up my motivation to make sure my friends/shipmates are really doing okay.”

Sarah, USN

“The Irreverent Warriors network has saved my sanity and life on numerous occasions…”

Jon, USMC

“The Irreverent Warriors network pulled me out of a dark place and gave me a safe space to talk about my issues.”

Kayla, USAF

“Being involved with Irreverent Warriors helped me to focus on helping others and not dwell on the negative side of what I was dealing with at home.”

Mari, USN

“It was amazing, and I can’t wait for my next hike!””

Anonymous

“For the longest time, I was lost. I had no purpose, no drive, no joy in life. Irreverent Warriors has become my family.”

Andrew, USMC

“Irreverent Warriors pulled me in when I felt like an outcast. Even when I wanted to be, they never once let me feel alone.”

Corey, USMC

“I attended one hike and saw how even if I felt alone, I wasn’t. I found great friends that I consider family.”

Brendan, USMC

“Irreverent Warriors is that brother and sisterhood that I thought I would get while I was in.”

 Aaron, USMC Aaron, USMC

“The demons don’t go away, but they’re easier to face when you have back up.”

Danielle, USAF

“IW saved my life by giving me a family of people who understand and care about me.”

Nicholas

“Seeing IW in action is empowering and amps up my motivation to make sure my friends/shipmates are really doing okay.”

Sarah, USN

All The Ways You Can Help

Donations don’t have to be monetary. If you are looking for more ways to help, consider donating your time towards an event. View our events page or email us. Many events are organized by volunteer veterans on Facebook.

You can also donate directly to our chapter, purchase gear or sponsor a Veteran attending the event.

We are incredibly grateful for your donations and support, and guarantee it aids in saving veterans lives EVERY day. We are a public charity, with 501(c)3 tax exemption. Your donations are tax-deductible. The tax ID number is 47-4789126.

Sponsors & Partners

TOGETHER WE’RE UNBREAKABLE