At this year’s National Veterans Golden Age Games, Regiment Gaming introduced a new dimension to the event by bringing online gaming to the forefront. Traditionally known for its focus on sports like archery, bowling, and horseshoes, the 2024 Golden Age Games featured digital activities that engage Veterans in a different kind of competition. Earl and his team, in partnership with Esports Virtual Arena, provided gaming computers and virtual reality headsets, setting the stage for future inclusion of online gaming and eSports at Veteran events.

The Golden Age Games, founded in 1985, have long celebrated the resilience, competition, and camaraderie among Veterans aged 55 and older. This annual event offers a variety of sports and wellness activities that emphasize the importance of staying active and healthy. With the addition of Regiment Gaming’s online platform, the Games are now embracing a modern twist that appeals to a new generation of Veterans.

Regiment Gaming, a community founded in 2020 by Marine Corps Veteran Christopher Earl, has quickly become a lifeline for Veterans seeking camaraderie and support through online gaming. What began as a deeply personal mission to prevent Veteran suicide has grown into a vibrant community that connects Veterans from all walks of life. Earl’s inspiration came from a distressing phone call with a fellow Marine on the brink of suicide, struggling with the isolation of civilian life.

“I created Regiment Gaming to help prevent Veteran suicide,” Earl told the reporter. “I wanted to build a community where Veterans could find camaraderie, support, and a sense of belonging through gaming.”

During the Golden Age Games, two participants had the chance to experience the benefits of online gaming firsthand. Jimmy Sansom, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, and Dave Beaumont, a Navy and Air National Guard Veteran, teamed up to tackle a virtual escape room challenge.

“I’d never met him before,” Sansom said, “but here we are working together to figure out solutions.”

Beaumont added, “It was enjoyable to work as a team to break free from the escape room and defeat the final challenge.”

Regardless of age, the essence of Regiment Gaming lies in fostering camaraderie and connection among Veterans through the shared experience of gaming.

Earl’s partnership with the Veterans Resource Community Network, an initiative of the Veterans Experience Office, has further expanded the reach of Regiment Gaming. Through weekly live Q&A sessions on the Regiment Discord platform, VA representatives help Veterans navigate their benefits and access essential health care services.

“Many Veterans have started their disability claims and accessed VA health care services through these sessions,” Earl said, noting the importance of these digital connections.

Looking ahead, on September 12, Regiment Gaming will host an online event focusing on education benefits, with VA Gaming Outreach Team members available to provide guidance. This collaboration is a step forward in engaging Veterans and fostering connections through the power of gaming.

As the National Veterans Golden Age Games continue to evolve, the inclusion of online gaming represents a new frontier for Veteran engagement, proving that competition and community can thrive in both physical and digital arenas.