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Auxiliary Unit 283 Secures $10,000 Grant to Bring Gaming to Veterans Homes

by | Apr 29, 2025 | ALG Foundation, American Legion Gaming, Gaming Giveaways, News, Veterans, Video Games | 36 comments

Iraq War veteran Andre Andrews, left, gears up to pilot a helicopter in the PC game Squad as Vietnam Huey pilot and Flying Cross recipient Dave Borgeson shares real-world cockpit stories at Post 283 in Pacific Palisades on May 7, 2024.

Pacific Palisades, CA — American Legion Auxiliary Unit 283 has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation’s Veterans Projects Fund to equip four California veterans homes with state-of-the-art video game systems, monitors, and peripherals. The project, titled Comfort & Connection in Veteran Homes, is part of a growing initiative by American Legion Gaming (ALG) to bring camaraderie, entertainment, and therapeutic engagement to veterans through modern multiplayer gaming.

The grant will fund equipment for veterans homes in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and two additional locations to be identified in the coming months. Each facility could receive gaming consoles such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch systems, paired with monitors and accessories. The aim is to give veterans access to high-quality gaming experiences and build bridges between facilities through online multiplayer tournaments.

“This is about more than entertainment—this is about mental wellness, social connection, and building a new kind of community for our veterans,” said Jared Morgan, Adjutant of American Legion Post 283 and one of the driving forces behind the ALG initiative. “Gaming can reduce isolation, boost morale, and open up new forms of engagement for veterans who might otherwise feel isolated and forgotten.”

The initiative is more than a one-time installation. It lays the foundation for a larger plan to launch inter-home gaming tournaments, where veterans across the country can compete and connect virtually. These competitions can be hosted and supported by ALG’s nationwide network of service member and veteran gamers, some of whom are streamers or esports competitors.

The grant comes at a crucial time for Post 283 and its Auxiliary unit, which has been actively supporting its community following the devastation of the Palisades fire. Despite the challenges, Unit 283 has remained committed to innovation and veteran care. Its success in securing this funding represents a shift toward modernizing American Legion programming for younger generations of veterans while reinforcing the Legion Family’s mission.

As the equipment is installed and veterans begin training and playing, ALG plans to capture the experience through livestreams and events that highlight the positive impact of gaming in veterans’ lives. Plans are also underway to host future charity tournaments to support other American Legion Family programs.

For more information on American Legion Gaming, visit www.americanlegion.gg.

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36 Comments

  1. CB

    As someone who enjoys gaming as a way to deal with stress from service connected injuries, I think this is fantastic & will help many veterans.

    Reply
    • Dalton kiesiner

      Wow can’t wait

      Reply
    • Leron Jamesfranklin

      How you enter for the grant?

      Reply
    • Leron Jamesfranklin

      How you enter for the grant?

      Reply
    • Johnny R Palacio

      I myself, 100% agree with you. What a great opportunity for some Veterans to have a chance to finally win something. What American legion Gaming is doing for its Veterans’, is fricking amazing!

      Reply
    • Tom Graham

      Nice real nice

      Reply
  2. Dalton kiesiner

    Wow can’t wait!

    Reply
  3. Jack J Epley

    This is super news! Keep this up and help more folks with PTSD or a Gold Star Family like ours. There is a ton of healing that playing a favorite game can provide. Oh and promote above and beyond his peers Jared Morgan, Adjutant of American Legion Post 283.

    Reply
  4. Kimberly Robbins

    I would love to have my own gaming console. I have to share with the kids and then they usually kick me off. I am 100% disabled and don’t get out of the house much. During the day I am always looking for something to do and I have insomnia so having a distraction would be amazing and a blessing.

    Reply
  5. Bollen L. Hamilton

    Gaming is one of my favorite ways to relax.

    Reply
  6. Emilee Von Elling

    This is great for veterans who enjoy gaming.

    Reply
  7. Emilee Von Elling

    This is great for veterans who enjoy gaming.

    Reply
  8. Andrew Bazydlo

    Thanks for all the good work!

    Reply
  9. DeAhjane prescott

    I enjoy gaming a lot , it brings so much relaxation. For somebody like me that deals with anxiety and depression it helps me cope better.. it’s my escape. I think giving gaming away to veterans families will change so many people lives in a good way. You never know what somebody is dealing with and one little thing can make an huge impact!

    Reply
  10. Tom Currie

    Great work

    Reply
  11. George Powell

    I love this. Gaming helps a lot of veterans and having a good set makes it even better. Hope to get a set up like this one day

    Reply
  12. Jeff Masser

    Thank you for getting involved with Gaming! I love this!

    Reply
  13. Jeffrey Skogstad

    Thank you guys for what you do. God Bless you all and your families.

    Reply
  14. Sean

    This is great! I am glad someone is doing this. Gaming is therapeutic for some of us vets. And it helps to keep us connected with other, veterans and non-vets.

    Reply
  15. William Navarro

    This is so awesome that you guys are connecting like this

    Reply
  16. Patrick Clark

    I’ve heard of American Legion Gaming, but only because of past giveaways. I wasn’t aware of their dedication of equipping fellow veterans and current service members with gaming equipment, such as consoles, PCs, and other accessories. Shout out to you guys for boosting morale, reducing isolation, and helping to keep us entertained!

    Reply
  17. Adalberto Santiago

    These days, I only get to game with my sons. I use itto stay connected with them, so I can see the value in this project. Great job! I’m sure that the veterans who are getting the gaming setups are going to be very grateful!

    Reply
  18. JoAnna Spry

    This is really great! Gaming can be so much more than just playing the game for entertainment. For myself it’s a great way to connect with other ls and unwind after a long day.

    Reply
  19. Michael

    Appreciate the giveaway, thanks.

    Reply
  20. Dustin Beene

    Nice

    Reply
  21. Dan

    This is amazing

    Reply
  22. Shannon Huey

    This is awesome

    Reply
  23. AW

    Commenting for Entry!

    Reply
  24. erebus79

    Commenting for Entry!

    Reply
  25. Kyra K

    Great help for veterans and promoting mental wellness! Thank you for your service!

    Reply
  26. Stephan Arnold

    Amazing way to give veterans a way to cope.

    Reply
  27. Ayana B

    I hope they consider more states for this!

    Reply
  28. Casey Floyd

    This is wonderful.

    Reply
  29. Lily

    Hopefully more states follow and give healthier outlet alternatives to vets!

    Reply
  30. Joseph Sanders

    Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  31. Tewanda

    I love this!

    Reply

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