STAY IRREVERENT, KNOXVILLE

KNOXVILLE, TN

Knoxville Events

MEET YOUR COORDINATOR

John Shawhan

Marine Corps

Hey y’all, I’m John from Knoxville, Tennessee. After 21 years in the Marine Corps, specializing in avionics for AH-1/UH-1 helicopters, I envisioned retirement as the time to open my own woodworking shop, work on my own terms, and enjoy motorcycle rides and time with my family. However, five years in, I felt a void. It’s often said that you miss the camaraderie and the people more than the job itself, and I found this to be true.

Joining Irreverent Warriors reconnected me with that sense of fellowship. The unique bond shared among veterans is indescribable and can only be fully understood by those who have served. The individual who introduced me to IW has become like a brother to me, even more so than my own.

Being involved in IW and the veteran community in Knoxville over the past few years has been extraordinary. Our mission is to bring veterans together and remove isolation, so come and join us. We’ll meet you wherever you are and welcome you into our family.

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