On October 2nd, over 300 veterans and volunteers gathered in San Antonio to hike for the Irreverent Warrior cause - prevent Veteran suicide through connection, camaraderie, and humor.
VET Tv is the proud National Sponsor for Irreverent Warriors in 2021. In addition to a $25,000 donation matching initiative, every ticket to an IW Silkies Hike comes with a free month subscription to VET Tv. REDEEM yours using code 2021SANANTONIO.
The Hike
The hike began at Grunt Style headquarters in downtown San Antonio, and the route took hikers all throughout the downtown area and through Breckenridge Park, stopping along the way at San Antonio's most historic landmarks like the Alamo and Memorial Plaza. Each stop was an experience, but none better than our first Alamo stop where we got a full performance by a drumline... where a few hikers even got to join in. Other milestones along the way included Maverick Park, Lions Fields and Kohler Pavilion.
This was the second year for the San Antonio hike, and this year's route was extended almost 7 miles from last year. It gave hikers a chance to experience more of the downtown area, more local stops, and a broader view of San Antonio's really stunning parks. We wrapped up the hike at our final stop - the local VFW - where we were, of course, warmly welcomed.
The Mission
The mission of every IW hike is the same – prevent veteran suicide by bringing vets together with humor and camaraderie. This hike was the perfect representation of that mission.
For only the second year of the San Antonio hike, to have over 300 attendees was incredible. Not only was the turnout substantial, but we actually had more first-time hikers than we did veteran hikers. That means it was a full day of new connections, new friendships, and new additions to the IW family.
Special Thanks
Thank you to all the local businesses and individuals who provided generous donations, hosted us for stops along the hike, or were there with us at step-off to support the cause!
Back Unturned Brewery
Backyard on Broadway Bar
San Antonio VFW
Sponsors & Donors
Every year, we are fortunate to receive massive support for local businesses that help make the San Antonio hike what it is!
Veteran Television (VET Tv) - our National Presenting Sponsor this year who donated Free Silkies to giveaway at the hike, and handed out a free month of VET Tv (seriously, did you redeem yours yet?? 2021SANANTONIO to every hiker.
Who Made it Possible
Lawrency Gilley - Lead Coordinator
Stephanie Gilley- Lead Coordinator
Ed Eaton- Assistant Lead Coordinator
Betsey Ingram - Volunteer
Karina Miller - Volunteer
JOIN THE DEBAUCHERY
We're planning even bigger and better things for the San Antonio hike next year. If you're looking to get involved, reach out via the IW- San Antonio Facebook page, or reach out to sanantonio@irreverentwarriors.com
If you're looking for more hikes to attend this year (we certainly wouldn't blame you) you can find events in your area on the Irreverent Warriors website.
97% of the proceeds we raise at Irreverent Warriors goes directly to our mission - prevent Veteran suicide through connection, camaraderie, and humor. We're not into spreading awareness - we're into making a difference.
One Shared Mission
VET Tv is the proud National Sponsor for Irreverent Warriors in 2021. In addition to a $25,000 donation matching initiative, every ticket to an IW Silkies Hike comes with a free month subscription to VET Tv.
Want a FREE month of VET Tv? Use code 2021SANANTONIO
***Blog Photo Credit***
The photos featured here in this blog were featured on the IW- San AntonioFacebook page, with specific credit given to Toby Hutchens. If you see a photo that's yours you'd like specific credit for, please reach out to info@veterantv.com so we can make sure you receive it!
