Gunny’s Warriors works to expand its services to support veterans

Local nonprofit Gunny’s Warriors has launched the Warriors Collective, a cooperative initiative connecting veterans with immediate assistance from community members and businesses.

Founders Jan and Mike Pieraccini created the program after years of informally helping veterans in crisis, recognizing what they call “a crack in the system” of veteran support.

“We take care of the immediate need and then we keep in contact with the family, make sure that they’re contacting the long-term needs organizations that can help them long term,” Jan Pieraccini said.

The Warriors Collective addresses urgent situations ranging from food insecurity to transportation emergencies. In one instance, they rented a car for a veteran whose vehicle broke down, enabling him to travel to North Texas following a family member’s death.

Funding for the initiative came from proceeds awarded at the Hill Country event two years ago, according to Mike Pieraccini.

The organization actively recruits community volunteers and tradespeople. Current volunteers include an air conditioning specialist who has donated service hours. The Pieraccinis emphasize that many support roles require no specialized skills.

“No technical skills needed to rake leaves,” they noted, explaining that volunteering happens on an as-needed basis with no minimum hour requirement.

The nonprofit carefully vets all volunteers through background checks and works with a VA social worker who refers veterans to their services. When direct assistance requests come in, the organization verifies both the need and the veteran’s status.

Beyond the Warriors Collective, the Pieraccinis organize the annual 500 Flags event, scheduled for September 6-8 at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. The display features 500 American flags flying continuously for three days, illuminated at night, with an opening ceremony on Saturday.

Community members can contact Gunny’s Warriors through their website at gunnyswarriors.com.