The National Veterans Golden Age Games has a rich history of celebrating camaraderie, resilience, and competition among Veterans. This year, in addition to traditional sports like archery, bowling, and horseshoes, a new element emerged quietly - online gaming.
Regiment Gaming, a community of Veterans focused on promoting camaraderie and well-being through online gaming, introduced gaming computers and virtual reality headsets from their partner Esports Virtual Arena (EVA) to the Golden Age Games. Their aim is to pave the way for a broader inclusion of online gaming and eSports in future events tailored for Veterans.
Established in 2020 by Marine Corps Veteran Christopher Earl, Regiment Gaming was inspired by a personal experience that involved a fellow Marine contemplating suicide due to the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Earl founded Regiment Gaming with the goal of preventing Veteran suicide by providing a platform where Veterans can find support, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging through gaming.
Teaming up with the Veterans Resource Community Network (VRCN) under the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) of the VA, Regiment Gaming has collaborated closely with VA representatives to enhance the connection between Veterans and VA resources. Through live Q&A sessions on the Discord platform, Veterans have gained a better understanding of their benefits and access to essential healthcare services.
The online gaming community is diverse, encompassing Veterans of various ages, military ranks, and backgrounds, highlighting gaming as a universal language that fosters connections and saves lives. Regiment Gaming has been credited with helping members through difficult times, with testimonials attesting to the positive impact of the community.
Looking ahead, Regiment Gaming aims to expand the presence of eSports in Veteran-centric events, envisioning eSports as an official competition at future Golden Age Games and VA gatherings. By showcasing the value of eSports in promoting camaraderie and competition among Veterans, the organization seeks to demonstrate the potential of online gaming as a meaningful activity.
Beyond the Golden Age Games, Regiment Gaming will host an online event in partnership with VA on September 12, 2024, focusing on education benefits. Veterans can access the Regiment GG Discord platform to participate in the event, where VA Gaming Outreach Team members will be available to provide guidance and answer questions. Registration is not required; Veterans only need to set up an account to join the event.
Comments