Photo Courtesy of Justin Duff
This Event Has Ended.
Veterans Unite for Camaraderie and Healing
Through Humor and Hiking
DETROIT, MI – August 2025 On Saturday, August 30, Veterans and Active service members will gather in Detroit for the Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike, where the streets of Detroit will fill with laughter, camaraderie, and short shorts – creating a unique atmosphere for participants to open up, connect, and heal together through humor.
The roughly eight-mile hike will kick off at IBEW Local Union 58 (1358 Abbott Street, Detroit),
with raffles, snacks, and a moment of gratitude. Starting at 9:30am, participants will weave through the city, making multiple stops at local establishments, including a provided lunch break at The Old Shillelagh.
Silkies Hikes are exclusive to Veterans, Active Duty, Guard and Reservist service members. This exclusivity fosters a unique environment of openness, camaraderie, and shared understanding for those who have served in the military—what Irreverent Warriors calls “healing through humor.” Their mission is to improve mental health and prevent suicide by creating spaces where veterans can truly be themselves.
“Irreverent Warriors exists to unite the veteran community through humor and camaraderie, because we know that isolation is one of the most dangerous challenges our brothers and sisters face after service,” stated Scott Robbert, Coordinator for the Detroit Silkies Hike. He continued with, “The Silkies Hike isn’t just a walk through the city – it’s a walk through each other’s stories. By walking together and sharing experiences, it reminds us that we’re not alone, that our shared experiences matter, and that humor and connection can be a powerful form of therapy.”
This is the only Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike in Michigan and has been organized entirely by volunteers since the state chapter began hosting it in 2022.
“Bringing the event to Detroit carries special significance,” stated Robbert. “Detroit is a city with grit, resilience, and community spirit – values every veteran can relate to. Hosting Michigan’s only Silkies Hike here not only strengthens our veteran community, but it also shows our city’s commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who have served. This is about building bridges and bonds that last.”
This event is free for service members, but registration is required at www.IrreverentWarriors.com (selecting “Detroit”). Registration remains open until the day of the event. A pre-party meet and greet will be held for all hikers on Friday, August 29 at The Old Miami in Detroit.
Silkies Hikes are not competitive athletic events but rather leisurely-paced walks with frequent stops for fellowship, games, and refreshments. This year’s theme is “The Vikings Have Landed.” Participants are encouraged to “come as you are,” whether that’s in silkies, military packs, tactical vests, boots, or in horned helmets.
About Irreverent Warriors
Irreverent Warriors is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated to improving mental health and preventing veteran suicide by bringing veterans together through humor and camaraderie. Founded on the belief that the best support network for veterans is other veterans, IW organizes therapeutic events across the country that allow participants to build lasting bonds, find renewed purpose, and combat isolation. Working alongside other veteran service organizations, IW helps connect veterans with resources for employment, housing, service dogs, and more. To learn more, visit www.IrreverentWarriors.com or follow @irreverentwarriors on social media.