Two Alaska American Legion posts completed a game marathon for the USA 250 Challenge, surpassing their goal while raising money for the Veterans & Children Foundation, as reported by American Legion National Headquarters.
On April 11, Henry “Gene” Burton Sr. Memorial Post 13 in Sitka and Spenard Post 28 in Anchorage worked together to complete the challenge through a shared gaming event. The two posts are separated by nearly 600 miles, but leadership at both locations found a way to connect members, families, and their communities around a single effort focused on gameplay, outreach, and fundraising.
The event centered on Magic: The Gathering, a long-running card game that has been played by millions worldwide since 1993. Players build decks using collectible cards to compete against opponents, with formats ranging from one-on-one matches to larger team-based games. For this effort, Post 13 Commander Vince Winter and Post 28 Commander Henry Pagan focused on team play to keep more participants involved throughout the day.
Their “Magic: The Gathering-a-thon” combined gameplay with fundraising and community engagement. Teams gathered sponsorships, provided snacks, and supported youth participation through MagiKids. The event also tied in all parts of the USA 250 Challenge. Each hour included time to talk about mental health and the benefits of staying connected with others. Funds raised supported community needs. Players also took short breaks to stretch and move between matches.
The event began at 8 a.m. and quickly built momentum. At one point, 41 players were participating at the same time. By the end of the day, the two posts logged more than 300 combined hours of gameplay, well beyond their original goal. Early fundraising totals reached at least $1,221, with additional pledges still being collected.
Winter shared the results on social media, saying the outcome was an example of what can happen when posts work together despite distance. The event also brought attention to the Legion’s Be the One effort, which focuses on mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging veterans to seek help when needed.
Gaming has already been part of Post 13’s regular activities, with weekly game nights that include both tabletop and video games. Across Alaska, that interest has expanded through the Department of Alaska’s Morale Gaming Committee, led by Winter and Pagan. The group shares guidance on hosting events, choosing games that encourage participation, and balancing competition with teamwork. It also focuses on how gaming can help build connections and support mental well-being among veterans.
With pledges still coming in and interest building, organizers say this will not be the last event of its kind. Both posts are already looking at ways to build on the turnout and keep the momentum going through future gaming events tied to outreach and support efforts.
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