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.
← All Blog Series
Daily · 7 PM
Mail Call
Military and Marine Corps news, history, VA updates, and opinion from Marine veteran Ryan Gunning.
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.