For Jordan, better known online as Jmar41, video games have always been more than just a way to pass the time. They have been a constant source of connection, creativity, and comfort. Today, as the Streaming Manager for American Legion Gaming, he is using that lifelong passion to bring veterans together through shared play and community.
“It all started with my parents back in the 80s,” Jordan said. “They got us a regular Nintendo. We had Super Mario and Duck Hunt, and it just kind of blossomed from there.”
From those early days with the NES to exploring PC gaming on his dad’s Macintosh in the 90s, Jordan’s love for games grew alongside the technology. He laughed about being “an OG when it comes to Counter-Strike,” having played since it was only a mod for Half-Life.
“It’s amazing that the game is still out and popular,” he said. “I’ve been there since the beginning.”
Gaming remained with him throughout every chapter of his life, including his time in Iraq.
“During my first tour, one of the guys had a PlayStation 2,” he recalled. “Whenever we had downtime, it was great to just forget for 10 or 20 minutes that we were in a war zone. It helped us build camaraderie because we would play fighting games against each other.”
After leaving the Army, that bond through gaming continued to mean a lot. When he discovered American Legion Gaming, he knew he had found his mission.
“I found out about ALG through an American Legion email,” Jordan said. “It’s grassroots, but we’re growing, and I’ve been here since the beginning. There’s nothing more enjoyable for me. I have a passion for veterans because I am one, and video games bring us together.”
Jordan helps lead the organization’s stream team, recruiting new veterans and keeping the content fresh on Twitch. His role is about more than streaming games. It’s about building trust and connection among veterans who understand each other.
“With the technology we have now, it feels good to talk with other veterans who understand,” he said. “We’re all around the same age range, people who have gravitated toward technology over the years. I feel like I can share my experiences while we’re gaming and just be a lending ear.”
Before joining ALG, Jordan had already started streaming on his own.
“I started from scratch and made sure I streamed throughout the week,” he said. “It was enjoyable to watch my channel grow when it was just me marketing it. Once I found ALG, it was perfect. I already had the experience with the software and being on camera, and now I had a community that shared my background.”
Jordan streams a variety of titles, but Dead by Daylight has become a favorite, especially because it gives him time to play with his daughter, who is also part of ALG as a Pathfinder.
“It’s just a good game where you can throw out a bunch of funny clips and make content,” he said. “Our Friday special used to be Call of Duty Nuketown, but after months of that, we switched to Dead by Daylight, and it stuck. We’ve been doing it for about a month and a half now.”
Streaming with his daughter, Jalyn, makes it even more rewarding.
“There aren’t many dad-and-daughter duos out there,” he said. “Within our community, most people know who she is. It’s been great to share that experience together.”
Jordan hopes ALG can modernize how many veterans see the American Legion.
“A lot of the folks running posts are older,” he said. “That’s why we’re pushing for a more progressive movement to get the Legion out of the 1940s and 50s. The goal here is to find as many veterans and get them all in as many involved with playing video games and just the camaraderie and, you know, connecting with one another.”
That sense of connection is what keeps him going.
“I’ve known Keens, our Director, for about a year now,” he said. “If I’ve got something on my chest, I can talk to him. I’ve gained that rapport, and I know a lot of our streamers feel the same way. We feel safe here.”
Looking ahead, Jordan hopes ALG will continue to expand across the country and reach more veterans who may not yet know it exists.
“We just really want as much help as we can to just blast the word out there,” he said. “And you know, I feel like there are veterans out there that are unaware of this, and maybe they’re struggling. So to be able to find them and to bring them into the fold and realize that, you know, you can play video games and have the community that you want, people like you, and that’s here at ALG.”
Jordan believes reaching more veterans through gaming can strengthen both the Legion community and its mission to support those who have served.
“We want to change the perception of the American Legion into something that’s present and positive,” he said. “It’s not just about going to a post for cheap drinks. It’s about connection and support.”
He also hopes ALG will one day be tied to the National American Legion’s Be the One campaign.
“2026 would be beautiful if we could be tied to the American Legion’s Be the One slogan, ‘cause that will really help to put us on a pedestal,” he said. “We want people to see that gaming is another way to help veterans and save lives.”
For Jmar41, gaming has always been about more than just playing. It’s about purpose and people. Whether he’s streaming with his daughter, managing the team, or welcoming new veterans into the fold, his passion comes from the same place that guided him during his time in the Army.
“It doesn’t matter your branch, your background, or your beliefs,” he said. “If you’ve worn the uniform, you belong here. We’re here to connect, play games, and support each other.”
This is a good thing my friends!
Heartwarming too see this work out as it did.
This is wonderful!
Nice article
This was a great article
DBD with the daughter is awesome!
Nice article
Inspiring how Jmar uses gaming to connect and support veterans!
Good stuff. Always awesome to find a sense of purpose.