Calm Water. Strong Community. A New Kind of Mission.

Ryan Gunning

Ryan served in the United States Marine Corps as an Airborne and Air Delivery Specialist, working within Marine Special Operations Teams as an enabler. During his time in service, Ryan deployed to the Middle East and Africa, supporting Marine Raiders through airborne operations, precision resupply, and mission-critical air delivery capabilities. His work within Marine Special Operations Teams gave him a deep appreciation for the demands, sacrifices, and tight-knit community found across the military.

After completing his service, Ryan attended the University of Alabama, where he became deeply involved in the veteran community. He served as a board member of the Campus Veterans Association and was a strong advocate for student veterans, speaking up when veterans on campus were not receiving the educational benefits they had earned. This experience solidified his commitment to standing up for those who served and sparked his drive to continue serving veterans beyond the university setting.

As an avid fisherman and diver, Ryan has always found clarity and purpose on the water. Today, he is the President and Founder of The Calm Seas Project, where he channels that passion into helping veterans reconnect, reset, and find peace through meaningful outdoor and ocean-based experiences. Ryan remains dedicated to ensuring veteran issues are genuinely addressed, not overlooked, minimized, or used for empty publicity, while building a community where veterans are truly supported.

Kyle Terry

Rooted in the discipline and service mindset he developed at the United States Military Academy, Kyle is passionate about helping military veterans successfully transition into the civilian world. He uses his leadership experience and business acumen to help The Calm Seas Project empower individuals and build pathways to long-term success for those who have served. He is dedicated to ensuring veterans have the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive after their service.

Conrad Bartenstein

Conrad served in the United States Army, where he developed the discipline, leadership, and mission-focused mindset that continues to guide his work today. During his time in service, he deployed overseas and gained firsthand insight into the challenges, sacrifices, and resilience that define the veteran community. These experiences shaped his commitment to serving others long after leaving the military.

After completing his service, Conrad attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Economics and Management. At UNC, he strengthened his analytical foundation, deepened his understanding of organizational decision-making, and remained supportive of fellow veterans navigating their academic and professional paths. His education provided him with a strong framework for understanding how financial strategies and organizational structures impact communities and long-term outcomes.

Conrad now works for Morgan Stanley, where he has gained experience in wealth management, financial planning, and risk assessment. His work in the financial sector has prepared him to bring rigorous fiscal oversight, transparent accounting practices, and long-term strategic thinking to the nonprofit space.

As the Chief Financial Officer of The Calm Seas Project, Conrad draws on his military background, academic training, and financial expertise to ensure the organization remains financially strong and mission-driven. He is dedicated to supporting veterans with the same honesty and purpose that characterized his time in uniform, and he remains committed to building a nonprofit that genuinely serves those who served.

Bryan Babb

Bryan served as a Machine Gunner in the United States Marine Corps Infantry, within the 2nd Marine Division.

After completing his service, Bryan attended the University of Alabama, where he became actively involved in supporting fellow veterans. He served as Secretary of the Campus Veterans Association, helping coordinate events such as Operation Iron Ruck, strengthening community engagement, and advocating for student veterans across campus. He also worked with the university’s Veterans and Military Affairs office, assisting military-connected students, guiding them through benefits and resources, and helping create a more supportive and streamlined veteran experience.

Bryan continues his commitment to veterans as the Operations Director of The Calm Seas Project, where he helps create meaningful opportunities for veterans to reconnect, reset, and build community through shared experiences. Outside of his professional work, he is passionate about helping others, fostering strong relationships, and staying connected to the veteran community that shaped him.

Blake Moreland

Blake served as an Infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, completing deployments to Jordan, Iraq, and Afghanistan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel. His time in the Marine Corps strengthened his leadership, resilience, and dedication to serving others.

After transitioning out of the military, Blake earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Alabama. While on campus, he worked in the Veterans & Military Affairs Office, assisting veterans, dependents, and military-connected families with navigating their GI Bill benefits. He also collaborated with the Campus Veterans Association to plan events that fostered connection and community among student veterans.

Blake continued his commitment to public service during graduate school at American University, where he expanded his understanding of national policy and gained hands-on experience on Capitol Hill. As a Congressional intern, he supported veterans-focused legislation through policy research, constituent outreach, and legislative preparation—further deepening his dedication to advocating for the veteran community.

As the Director of Strategic Partnerships at The Calm Seas Project, Blake is committed to helping veterans rebuild the sense of community that many lose after leaving the military. His own experiences drive his passion for fostering a strong, supportive community where veterans feel understood and have the opportunity to reconnect and reset together.

Cameron Long

Cameron is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served with the 3rd Marine Division, Combat Assault Battalion, Combat Engineer Company. Having spent much of his service overseas, he understands firsthand the disconnect many veterans feel when returning home and transitioning into civilian life.

After leaving the military, Cameron earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama and completed graduate studies at The University of Texas at Tyler. His own transition journey sparked a passion for supporting veterans and first responders facing mental health challenges, PTSD, and substance abuse.

As Veteran Support Director of The Calm Seas Project, Cameron is dedicated to building authentic connections and ensuring veterans and first responders have access to the resources, community, and support they deserve. He believes no one who has served should navigate their struggles alone and is committed to helping others find stability, purpose, and healing long after their time in uniform or on the job.