About Us
Origins & Mission
Guns Up! was born from a simple but powerful idea: healing happens best in community. After returning from combat deployments, our founder, Marine veteran and rice farmer Daniel Job, discovered the peace and camaraderie of waterfowl hunting. Wanting to share that same lifeline with others, he and his cousin, former pro baseball pitcher Caleb Balbuena, created a program to bring combat veterans together in the field. What began as a small initiative has grown into a nonprofit dedicated to offering veterans a safe space, lasting friendships, and access to vital resources—all through the shared brotherhood of the hunt!
What Makes Us Unique
At Guns Up!, we believe the hunt is just the beginning. Our mission extends beyond a single trip: we invite veterans to return year after year, join preseason barbecues, and help maintain blinds in the offseason. This continuity fosters relationships that stand the test of time, providing stability when challenges such as PTSD resurface later in life. More than an outdoor adventure, Guns Up! is a brotherhood where veterans find honor, healing, and hope through camaraderie and connection
Looking Ahead
Since hosting our first duck hunt through a simple raffle fundraiser, Guns Up! has grown into an independent 501(c)(3) with a vision for the future. We continue to expand opportunities for veterans—adding overnight fishing trips, upland bird and wild pig hunts, and even a Tahoe vacation rental reserved for those who give back through the program. Our heart remains the same: to provide a supportive circle where veterans know they are valued, remembered, and never alone!
About Our Founders
Daniel James Job
Daniel James Job
Daniel James Job
Daniel James Job is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, ranch manager, and founder of Guns Up Waterfowl, a nonprofit built on resilience, healing, and a deep love for the outdoors.
Caleb Balbuena
Daniel James Job
Daniel James Job
Caleb Balbuena is a former professional baseball pitcher, dedicated coach of close to 22 years, and passionate advocate for veterans and founder of Guns Up Waterfowl with his cousin Daniel.
Our Partners
