Nonprofit Week 2025: Gunny’s Warriors

Jan and Mike Pieracini represent Gunny’s Warriors, which primarily assists veterans and their families with expanded services following community disasters.

During the recent flood, they received numerous calls from veterans who had lost everything, helping them secure safe places to stay, including hotels and temporary housing. They established three ConX boxes to accept and distribute supplies, which remain available to anyone in the community.

The Pieracinis personally experienced the flood, having to evacuate their own riverfront home at 4:30 a.m. on July 4. The organization has expanded its mission beyond blast traumatic brain injury to address general veteran needs through the Warriors Collective program, assisting with moving, car repairs and rent.

They also host “The Smoke Pit,” a social event twice a month for veterans to foster camaraderie. Their annual Flags of Honor event, which honors personal heroes, has been rescheduled to Oct. 18-20 due to the flood.

This year’s event will feature a special tribute to flood victims with green ribbons on flags, alongside yellow ribbons for gold star families. The event includes an opening ceremony, guest speakers and the playing of Taps every night.

For more information about Gunny’s Warriors, contact the organization through local veteran resources.