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.
Nonprofit · Founded by Ryan Gunning
The Calm Seas Project
Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen on the water.
The mission
The Calm Seas Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers all-expenses-paid fishing and diving excursions for veterans and first responders facing PTSD and mental health struggles, creating space to breathe again, together, on the water.
It began as an idea among friends on a fishing trip and was founded by Ryan Gunning, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran (2014–2018) based in Jacksonville, Florida. It's not simply about fishing. It's about bringing veterans and first responders back together, rebuilding connections, supporting mental wellness through shared experiences on the water, and reminding them they're never alone.
In its first four months, The Calm Seas Project raised more than $40,000 to support veterans and first responders.
The Marine Corps taught me that no one gets through the hard days alone. That truth didn't expire when I hung up the uniform, and The Calm Seas Project is how I keep faith with the men and women who still carry the weight of service.
Where we've been, and what's next
Pensacola, April 9–12, 2026. The Calm Seas Project hosted a Marine Raider Reunion in Pensacola, held in honor of a fallen Marine Raider brother. Marine Special Operations veterans came from across the country for fishing, remembrance, and brotherhood.
Jacksonville, November 6–8, 2026. Next up is a veterans fishing weekend in Jacksonville, Florida, with eight military veterans.
Watch
Videos from The Calm Seas Project
Trips, time on the water, and updates from the veterans nonprofit Ryan Gunning founded. More on Ryan Gunning's YouTube channel.
More from the Pensacola trip
Three ways to help
- Give. Every trip is all-expenses-paid for guests, so donations go directly to getting veterans and first responders on the water. Give at calmseasproject.org, or email ryan@calmseasproject.org.
- Spread the word. Follow @calmseasproject on Instagram, follow on Facebook, and share the posts.
- Know someone who should come? Point a veteran or first responder who's struggling to calmseasproject.org.
Latest
The Calm Seas Project News Bulletin
Updates from Ryan Gunning on trips, events, and the mission.
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.
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.