Ryan Gunning's Guide to Veterans Day 2026 in Jacksonville
Ryan Gunning on Jacksonville's free Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11 at 11:01 a.m.: the route, where to watch, road closures and more veteran events on the First Coast.
The Blog
Ryan Gunning's Blog
Thoughts on veterans, the water, and community.
Ryan Gunning on VA's Hiring Push: 2,000+ Claims Jobs and a Way In Before You Get Out
Ryan Gunning on VA's plan to hire 2,000+ claims processors, its record FY2026 claims year, and WARTAC, a way to train for VA claims work before EAS.
Gung Ho on Guadalcanal: Carlson's Long Patrol, November 1942
Ryan Gunning on the 2d Marine Raiders' month-long Long Patrol on Guadalcanal, which began in November 1942, and how Carlson's Raiders gave us “Gung Ho.”
College Credit Inside the Gate: Quantico's New National Testing Center
Ryan Gunning on Quantico's new National Testing Center: free CLEP and DSST exams for Marines, and how veterans can use the GI Bill for test fees.
A Pass You Already Earned: Veterans, Public Lands and Veterans Day 2026
Ryan Gunning on free national park and refuge entry on Veterans Day 2026, and how veterans can claim the free Military Lifetime Pass.
Surf, Swamp and Devil Dogs: The Marines at Bougainville, November 1, 1943
Ryan Gunning on the 3d Marine Division landing at Bougainville on Nov. 1, 1943: a rough surf, 12 beaches, and the first Marine war dogs in combat.
The Real Mail Call: Getting a Care Package to a Deployed Marine This Holiday Season
Ryan Gunning on why mail call still matters to deployed troops, and the 2026 USPS deadlines for APO/FPO/DPO holiday packages, starting Nov. 4.
Keen Sword 27: What 56,000 Troops in Japan Are Really Practicing
Ryan Gunning on Keen Sword 27, the Oct. 19-29 exercise in Japan with about 56,000 troops from nine nations, and the logistics and casualty care behind it.
A 3.6% Raise Is Coming: What Veterans Should Know About the 2027 COLA
Ryan Gunning on the 3.6% cost-of-living increase for 2027: when it reaches VA disability and military retirement pay, what it covers, and what to check now.
Beirut-Bound, Then Grenada: The Marines of Urgent Fury
Ryan Gunning on the 22d MAU, the Beirut-bound Marines who turned south and landed on Grenada on October 25, 1983, during Operation Urgent Fury.
The 22nd of the Month: Why a Buddy Check Still Matters
Ryan Gunning on the veterans who meet for a Buddy Check on the 22nd of every month, VA's simple tips for checking in, and why one text can matter.
Strike and Move: The Paramarines on Choiseul, October 1943
Ryan Gunning on the 2d Parachute Battalion's Choiseul raid, Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, 1943: paratroopers who went in by sea, and the air delivery job they left behind.
A Faster Way Into VA.gov, and a Screening Worth Asking For
Ryan Gunning on VA's new pilot at six VA medical centers, including Orlando, that sets up a VA.gov account in minutes, plus the PACT Act toxic exposure screening.
One Week Out: The 51st Marine Corps Marathon
Ryan Gunning on the 51st Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Arlington and Washington, D.C.: start times, race weekend, and why it matters.
All-Marine Sports Wants Athletes and Coaches for 2027
Ryan Gunning on MARADMIN 479/26: Semper Fit is looking for Marine athletes and coaches for the 2027 All-Marine teams, from cross country to rugby.
Marine Corps Opens Its Fourth AI Fellowship Class
Ryan Gunning on the Marine Corps AI fellowship, a five-month program with the Naval Postgraduate School that puts Marines to work on real command problems.
Marine Corps Updates Its Adoption Reimbursement Process
Ryan Gunning on MARADMIN 501/26: how active-duty and Reserve Marines can get up to $2,000 per child back for qualifying adoption expenses.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Securing the Next 250
Ryan Gunning on MARADMIN 496/26 and why Cybersecurity Awareness Month matters for Marines and veterans online.
Marine Corps Hits Its FY26 Recruiting Goal
Ryan Gunning on the Marine Corps meeting its FY26 recruiting mission—31,250 enlisted, strong retention, and a head start on FY27.
Remembering Beirut: October 23, 1983
Ryan Gunning, Marine veteran in Jacksonville, FL, remembers the 241 Marines, sailors, and soldiers killed in the Beirut barracks bombing on October 23, 1983.
The Marine Corps Turns 251 on November 10
Ryan Gunning, Marine veteran in Jacksonville, FL, on the history and traditions of the Marine Corps birthday, celebrated every November 10 since 1921.
Operation Iron Ruck Day in Alabama
Ryan Gunning reflects on Operation Iron Ruck and the Governor of Alabama proclaiming Operation Iron Ruck Day in Alabama, as covered by CBS 42.
From the University of Alabama to Jacksonville
Ryan Gunning, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, on serving with the University of Alabama Campus Veterans Association and building a life of service in Jacksonville, FL.
Why We Fish: What the Research Says About Group Fishing Trips for Veterans
Ryan Gunning on what peer-reviewed studies and VA research say about group fishing and outdoor trips for veterans, four days before The Calm Seas Project's Jacksonville, FL retreat.
One Week Out: Why the Table Matters as Much as the Boat
Ryan Gunning on the shared meals at The Calm Seas Project's Jacksonville, FL veteran retreat, Nov 6–8, 2026, and what research says about eating together.
Ryan Gunning on Sound Baths: What Veterans Can Expect at the Calm Seas Retreat
Ryan Gunning on the sound bath at The Calm Seas Project's Veteran Wellness Retreat in Jacksonville, FL, Nov 6–8, 2026: what it is and why it's on the schedule.
Breathe In, Breathe Out: What Research Says About Breathwork for Veterans
Ryan Gunning on what the research says about breathwork for veterans, and why The Calm Seas Project builds it into its Jacksonville, FL retreat, Nov 6–8, 2026.
More Than Fishing: Wellness on a Calm Seas Trip
Ryan Gunning on the wellness side of The Calm Seas Project—movement, time in the water, and recovery—ahead of the Jacksonville, FL weekend, Nov 6–8, 2026.
What to Pack for a Calm Seas Weekend
Ryan Gunning's packing list for The Calm Seas Project veterans fishing weekend in Jacksonville, FL, Nov 6–8, 2026: what we cover and what to bring.
Three Weeks to Jacksonville: How We Prep a Calm Seas Trip
Ryan Gunning on trip prep for The Calm Seas Project’s Nov 6–8 Jacksonville weekend: boats, gear, food, and getting eight veterans on the water.
Cold Water, Open Water: What the Research Says About Veterans and Time Outside
Ryan Gunning on what the research says about time in nature, on the water, and in a cold plunge, and why The Calm Seas Project builds trips around it.
Three Ways to Support The Calm Seas Project This Fall
Ryan Gunning on The Calm Seas Project mission and three simple ways to support veterans and first responders on the water this fall in Jacksonville, FL.
Three Weeks Out: The Calm Seas Project Heads to Jacksonville
Ryan Gunning on The Calm Seas Project's mission and the countdown to its veterans fishing weekend in Jacksonville, FL, Nov 6–8, 2026.
Why I Started The Calm Seas Project
Ryan Gunning, Marine veteran and founder of The Calm Seas Project, shares why he started a nonprofit taking veterans and first responders out on the water.
Upcoming Veterans Fishing Event in Jacksonville, Nov 6–8, 2026
Ryan Gunning and The Calm Seas Project host eight military veterans for a weekend of fishing, camaraderie, and mental wellness in Jacksonville, FL, Nov 6–8, 2026.
Marine Raider Reunion in Pensacola
Ryan Gunning and The Calm Seas Project hosted a Marine Raider Reunion in Pensacola, FL, April 9–12, 2026, in honor of a fallen Marine Raider brother.
American Valor: First Lieutenant William Deane Hawkins at Tarawa
American Valor by Ryan Gunning: 1st Lt. William Deane Hawkins led his scout-sniper platoon onto Betio at Tarawa in November 1943 and received the Medal of Honor.
American Valor: Corporal Jason Dunham and the Grenade at Karabilah
American Valor by Ryan Gunning: Cpl. Jason Dunham, who covered a grenade with his helmet and body in Karabilah, Iraq, in 2004 and received the Medal of Honor.
American Valor: Sergeant Major Dan Daly, Two Medals of Honor
American Valor by Ryan Gunning: Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly, the only enlisted Marine to receive the Medal of Honor twice, at Peking in 1900 and Haiti in 1915.
American Valor: Sergeant John Basilone at Guadalcanal
Sgt. John "Manila John" Basilone held the line at Guadalcanal in October 1942, earning the Medal of Honor, then returned to combat and fell at Iwo Jima.
American Valor: Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter on the Rooftop at Marjah
Ryan Gunning's weekly American Valor series begins with Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, who received the Medal of Honor for shielding a fellow Marine from a grenade in Marjah, Afghanistan.
Black Drum Around Jacksonville: Docks, Bridges, and the FWC Slot
Ryan Gunning on black drum around Jacksonville, FL: where they feed, baits that work, the late-winter spawn, and the FWC 14 to 24 inch slot.
Jacksonville Boat Ramps: A Trailering and Launch Guide for the First Coast
Ryan Gunning's guide to Jacksonville public boat ramps: where to launch near Mayport, the ICW, and the St. Johns, plus ramp etiquette and Florida boater rules.
Reading the Tides in Jacksonville: St. Johns River, ICW, and Marsh Creeks
Ryan Gunning on reading tides and currents for Jacksonville inshore fishing: picking the right NOAA station, how timing shifts up the St. Johns, and fishing moving water.
Sheepshead Around Jacksonville: Structure, Bait, and FWC Rules
Ryan Gunning on targeting sheepshead around Jacksonville docks, bridges, and jetties, plus FWC size and bag limits for 2026.
Ryan Gunning on Alabama's Bye Week: The Texas A&M Comeback and the Road to LSU
Ryan Gunning, Marine veteran and UA grad, on the Crimson Tide's fourth-quarter comeback over Texas A&M, the bye week, and the road to LSU and Bama Salute.
FAFSA and Pell Grants for Veterans: Why You Should File Even With the GI Bill
Ryan Gunning on why student veterans should file the FAFSA: independent status, Pell Grants up to $7,395, and keeping GI Bill benefits off the income lines.
Ryan Gunning on Student Veteran Life at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Ryan Gunning on student veteran life at the University of Alabama: Veteran & Military Affairs, the Campus Veterans Association, Operation Iron Ruck, and owning your benefits.
Translating Military Experience Into a Civilian Resume
Ryan Gunning on turning military experience into a civilian resume: the JST, VMET, O*NET Military Crosswalk, results-focused bullets, and internships.
Ryan Gunning on the Crimson Tide: Tuscaloosa Game Days, the 2026 Season and Bama Salute
Marine veteran and University of Alabama graduate Ryan Gunning on the Crimson Tide's 2026 season, Bryant-Denny game days in Tuscaloosa, and Bama Salute.
SkillBridge: Civilian Job Training Before Your EAS
Ryan Gunning on DoD SkillBridge—civilian job training before EAS—and how Marines can start looking at opportunities while still on active duty.
Ryan Gunning in Tuscaloosa: From the Marine Corps to the University of Alabama
Ryan Gunning on his Tuscaloosa years: from four years in the Marine Corps to operations management degrees and President's List honors at the University of Alabama.
Making 36 Months Count: Planning a Bachelor's and Master's on the GI Bill
Ryan Gunning on planning a bachelor's and master's around 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement, plus Yellow Ribbon and the Rogers STEM Scholarship.
From the Marine Corps to College: Use Your Benefits and Build Your Resume
Ryan Gunning, Marine Corps veteran and University of Alabama graduate, on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, VR&E, Pell Grants, VA work-study, and why internships matter.
Soldier of Fortune: Wally Amos, the Air Force Veteran Behind Famous Amos Cookies
Famous Amos founder Wally Amos served in the Air Force at Hickam in Hawaii, then turned his aunt's cookie recipe into a national brand and a literacy mission.
Soldier of Fortune: Sam Walton, the Army Captain Who Built Walmart
Walmart founder Sam Walton served as an Army officer in World War II, then used his Army savings to buy one Arkansas variety store. Here is how he built Walmart.
Soldier of Fortune: Mike Ilitch, the Marine Who Built Little Caesars
Marine veteran Mike Ilitch founded Little Caesars in 1959, owned Detroit sports teams, and built a veterans franchise program after his service.
Soldier of Fortune: Bob Parsons, the Marine Rifleman Who Built GoDaddy
GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons went from Marine rifleman in Vietnam to building Parsons Technology and GoDaddy, and credits the Corps for his success.
Soldier of Fortune: Fred Smith, the Marine Who Built FedEx
Ryan Gunning launches Soldier of Fortune, a series on veterans in business, with FedEx founder Fred Smith, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran who received the Silver Star.