American Legion Gaming celebrated Veterans Day by delivering and installing five thousand dollars in video game equipment at New Directions for Veterans at the West Los Angeles VA campus. The new gaming lounge is designed to offer recreation, connection, and stress relief for veterans participating in recovery programs.
The installation is part of a ten-thousand-dollar grant from the National American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, which is funding similar gaming lounges for veterans in both Southern and Northern California.
“I’m on my way to New Directions at the West LA VA, where American Legion Gaming is gonna be installing $5000 worth of video game equipment for the veterans there,” said Jared Morgan.
“We’re going to go set up a new gaming lounge for New Directions. Be a cool new event for us, for American Legion Gaming,” said Andre Andrews. “I’m really stoked about it. Get ready with me on my way to VA,” he added as the team headed in.
Jared explained that the equipment was the same build installed for veterans in Palo Alto as part of the grant effort.
Although the team hit a small obstacle when the building’s elevator was out of service, they continued up the stairs with the equipment.
“Unfortunately, the elevator’s out. We’re huffing it up the stairs,” Jared said while documenting the delivery.
Jared then asked Dr. Carter, “What do you think for you for these vets in their path to recovery?”
Dr. Carter of New Directions for Veterans said the gaming space would serve as an important outlet for the veterans.
“I think it will give them the opportunity to not Only Connect with other people, but it will give them a Way to relieve some of the anxiety, as well as getting the opportunity to just focus on something different than the everyday real-world situation.”
American Legion Post 283 Auxiliary President Ruth Kahn said gaming can help reduce isolation for veterans in the program.
“So they can have fun, they can connect with other veterans, it will make them feel less isolated, just engage with others, and have something to look forward to every day. Because gaming is fun,” she said.
Larry Williams of New Directions added that the shared experience strengthens ties among participants.
“And because the veterans in this program and another program up north, they have a common bond,” he said.
Dr. JJ Spinner of the All in Won Rehab Housing Program said the timing adds even more value.
“Especially the time of Thanksgiving and Christmas. They’re feeling a bond. So I think this is something that can be a very good therapeutic aid.”
Air Force veteran Matthew Nunez said gaming can help veterans reconnect after years apart.
“A lot of us are spread out in our relationships we made over the years. You may find one of your old buddies that you served with while you’re gaming, so it’s pretty cool to look at it that way,” he said.
The new gaming lounge will serve as a welcoming space where veterans at the West LA VA campus can relax, connect, and enjoy a sense of community throughout the year.
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