06/19/2026
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Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Pieraccini
KERRVILLE, Texas — Recent public statements and social media posts have circulated inaccurate information regarding the death of Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Pieraccini.
To honor his legacy and ensure the facts are accurately represented, the following information is provided.
Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Pieraccini honorably served the United States Marine Corps for 19 years before medically retiring in 2015. Throughout his distinguished military career, he served as a Combat Engineer, Military Police Marine, Combat Instructor at Quantico, Recruiter, Security Company Platoon Sergeant during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah, Iraq, and Bulk Fuel Platoon Sergeant during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was widely respected as a dedicated leader who deeply cared for the Marines under his charge and devoted himself to their welfare and success.
Following his retirement, Ryan continued his service to others by advocating for veterans and raising awareness about the long-term effects of combat-related injuries. He served as a court-appointed Veteran Advocate in Bexar and Comal Counties, co-founded the San Antonio chapter of 22 Until None, was an active member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and worked as Ranch Manager for the SS American Memorial Ranch in Seguin, Texas. At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a degree in counseling with the goal of establishing a resource center dedicated to helping veterans access employment, housing, and mental health services.
On November 8, 2020, at the age of 47, Gunnery Sergeant Pieraccini passed away suddenly as the result of a massive stroke related to injuries sustained from blast-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) exposure.
Prior to his death, Ryan chose to donate his brain to the Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM) Brain Tissue Repository for Blast Traumatic Brain Injury to advance scientific understanding of the lifelong effects of blast exposure on service members. His donation continued his commitment to serving fellow veterans even after his passing.
Subsequent neuropathological examination identified severe Interface Astroglial Scarring (IAS) within his brain tissue. IAS is a unique pattern of scarring associated with blast-related brain injury and has been observed in military personnel exposed to explosive blast events. Researchers believe this damage may contribute to many of the chronic symptoms experienced by blast-exposed veterans, including cognitive difficulties, headaches, sensory overload, sleep disturbances, depression, isolation, mood changes, and other neurological challenges. Ryan's case has helped advance ongoing research into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of blast-related brain injuries.
Ryan's life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow Marines and veterans. His legacy continues through the research made possible by his donation, as well as through the lives he touched during and after his military career.
His family, friends, fellow Marines, and veteran advocates remain committed to ensuring that the circumstances of his passing are accurately understood and that awareness continues to grow regarding the often invisible and lasting effects of blast-related traumatic brain injuries.
About Gunny's Warriors
Gunny's Warriors is dedicated to providing assistance, education, and awareness regarding the physical and emotional consequences of blast-related traumatic brain injuries. The organization works to improve the quality of life for veterans and their families while advancing understanding of the "Invisible Wound" suffered by many who have served in combat environments.
Media Contact:
[Gunny’s Warriors]
[830-356-0990]
[[email protected]]
gunnyswarriors.com
