Throughout our Flags for Heroes campaign, we've had the privilege of learning about the incredible veterans who have served our country with courage and dedication. These stories, filled with sacrifice and resilience, serve as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of patriotism.
We’re honored to share the story of Stanley K. Gunno, a dedicated veteran whose decades of service span from the Air Force to his current role as the Department Judge Advocate for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Story submitted by Carma K Gunno “Stanley K. Gunno, a service-connected veteran who served in the Persian Gulf War, was most recently elected as the Department Judge Advocate in 2023. His service in the Air Force spanned from 1977 to 1996, after which he retired. In 2000, Mr. Gunno became a member of the Disabled American Veterans and was elected to the Finance Committee at his first State Convention in 2000. He has since held numerous voluntary and elected roles within the Department, including a term as the Department Commander from 2008 to 2010. As the Department Judge Advocate, Mr. Gunno ensures adherence to the National Constitution and By-Laws, safeguards the reputation of the DAV, and provides advice to the Board of Directors. He also supervises the Department and Chapters’ fundraising activities. For many years, he served as a Chapter Service Officer. Mr. Gunno has also been a key figure in several Veteran advisory committees in King County for over two decades. He contributed to the drafting and introduction of a Veterans Levy, which voters approved to provide approximately $20 million annually to support Veterans and their families. He has been appointed by two National Commanders to the National Interim Employment Committee, where he assists Veterans, their spouses, and transitioning service members in finding employment. The Committee also collaborates with employers to highlight the benefits of hiring Veterans. Mr. Gunno supports the Patriot Boot Camp, a program aimed at helping Veteran business owners expand their businesses through classroom instruction and mentorship. An active member of the DAV’s Commanders and Adjutants Association, Mr. Gunno has also served on the State of Washington’s Veterans Legislative Committee. Raised in Vero Beach, Florida, he joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Vero Beach High School. He received training as an Information Manager at Keesler AFB, MS, and his first assignment was with the 1st Operations Wing Hurlburt Field, Florida. He later retrained as a Special Agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Later in his career, he returned to Information Management, serving with several units, including the Special Operations Command Central in Kuwait during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His military career is decorated with numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, AF Commendation Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Achievement Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Navy Unit Commendation, Humanitarian Service Medal and more. Mr. Gunno is a member of Seattle Chapter 2 and lives in Sammamish, WA."
Thank you, Stanley, for your honorable service, sacrifice, and dedication.