A U.S. Army veteran says American Legion Gaming helped change the course of his life after he reached a breaking point during his transition out of military service.
Channel 2 WMAR News interviewed retired Army medic Anthony Potter, who described the challenges he faced after leaving the military following eight years of service. Medically retired, Potter said adjusting to civilian life became difficult after losing the structure and daily purpose he once relied on.
“It was a little bit difficult because you’re in this environment where you know everything you’re doing every day… And then once you get out, you don’t really have a direction.”
After returning home to Maryland, Potter struggled to replace the camaraderie he experienced in the Army. Feelings of isolation grew as he worked different jobs and tried to rebuild his routine.
During the interview, Potter recalled reaching a crisis moment when he stood on a bridge contemplating suicide before an unexpected interaction with a stranger interrupted the moment and pushed him to seek help.
“There was a point in my career where I was on a bridge and right there about to jump off…”
Today, Potter studies mental health and serves as an ambassador for American Legion Gaming, a program that connects veterans through shared gaming experiences through Discord, allowing service members and veterans to talk, play games, and support one another online.
Clayton of American Legion Gaming explained to the reporter that the initiative began as a marketing effort within The American Legion before growing into a larger outreach program focused on connection and peer support.
“So it started off as a marketing initiative with the American Legion… and it’s kind of grown exponentially in the last few years to where what we try to do is try to find veterans where they are.”
The network now connects thousands of members nationwide and provides a space where veterans can build friendships and check in on one another beyond gameplay.
Potter said finding the community helped restore a sense of belonging and gave him a new purpose in supporting others facing similar struggles.
“Once I found ALG, it was more of a family, and I talked to these people about real-world issues that I’m having, and people are there for you because these people care.”
Outside of the online community, American Legion Gaming is also growing its in-person presence. At American Legion Post 175 in Maryland and other posts around the country, dedicated gaming spaces are being created where veterans can gather, take part in events, and connect with resources, including benefits assistance and scholarship information.
For Potter, sharing his experience is now part of helping other veterans understand they are not alone and that connection can make a meaningful difference.
Veterans in crisis or anyone concerned about a service member can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling or texting 988 and pressing 1 for confidential support.
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