For ALG streamer CD0M, video games have always been more than entertainment. They began as a way to bond with his two older brothers around a shared Nintendo console when he was seven or eight years old.
“We used to kind of sit around the Nintendo, just play games together,” he said. Over time, as I got older, playing video games became more of a rest and relaxation for me to kind of just de-stress from the normal day.
For CD0M, gaming evolved into a personal outlet for stress relief, and eventually, during his military service, gaming developed into an essential tool for maintaining his mental health.
“Aside from the gym, video games became a sanctuary for me,” he said. “They help put me in a better headspace.”
Now a consistent streamer with The ALG Veterans & Video Games Foundation, CD0M credits gaming with helping him maintain balance amid the demands of military life, family responsibilities, and personal challenges.
CD0M first began streaming during COVID, though military and family obligations initially limited his consistency. His decision to stream was influenced directly by mental health counseling. A therapist encouraged him to turn his passion for watching streamers into an active pursuit.
“She challenged me,” he said. “She told me, you enjoy playing video games, what else could you do with it?”
Despite initial hesitation, he accepted the challenge and discovered that streaming offered not only personal fulfillment but also a platform for advocacy.
“Ever since then, it’s been something I really enjoy,” he said. “I got really into it because I know I want to advocate for mental health.”
Through streaming, CD0M found a way to support others navigating similar struggles. He stresses the importance of community and connection, particularly for people who feel unheard or isolated.
“Sometimes people just need someone willing to listen,” he said. “Even a complete stranger can make a difference.”
His introduction to ALG reshaped his perception of The American Legion. Like many, he initially associated it with older veterans gathering at local posts to drink.
After discovering ALG’s Twitch channel while watching another military-related stream, he reached out and connected with the organization’s leadership. He joined early in ALG’s development and has remained an active contributor as the community has grown.
“I was one of the early people involved, and it’s been awesome ever since,” CD0M said.
CD0M currently serves in the U.S. Army National Guard for the state of New Hampshire and has nearly 13 and a half years of military service. His background includes four years of active duty stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, followed by a transition to the National Guard after the birth of his daughter in 2015. His service includes an overseas deployment to the Middle East, with time spent in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
Domestically, he was also deployed during the COVID response, helping operate vaccination sites that served thousands daily, distributing personal protective equipment statewide, and supporting testing operations. By trade, he is a 92G culinary specialist and currently holds the rank of Sergeant First Class, focusing primarily on logistics and leadership.
As a variety streamer, CD0M plays a wide range of games, with a particular passion for post-apocalyptic titles, survival games, RPGs, and shooters. He streams with ALG once a week on Thursdays, typically between 8 p.m. and midnight Eastern time.
“I love anything that’s post-apocalyptic,” he said. “In the video game world, I absolutely love it.”
To aspiring streamers, CD0M stresses authenticity and consistency. He advises creators to develop a niche that aligns with their personality rather than chasing trends, to publish content across platforms, and to have fun regardless of audience size.
“The market is saturated,” he said. “Develop a niche that’s true to who you are, be consistent, publish content, and have fun. Even if you have one viewer, act like you have a hundred.”
Above all, CD0M believes strongly in ALG’s mission to support veterans, families, and survivors through connection and resources.
“Everybody has struggles and sacrifices that deserve to be recognized,” he said. “If someone is having a hard time connecting, don’t be afraid to reach out. If we can’t help directly, we will help find the resources that can.”
This bro brings the game!
Keeping building these platforms ✨️!