Author: Vince Winter, The American Legion Post 13 Commander and Department of Alaska Morale Gaming Chair
In 2021, at Post 13 here in Sitka, Alaska, I started a gaming night in which a primary focus was to battle isolation. You see, we are located in remote Alaska, and the everyday battles grew harder with the inclusion of the dreaded COVID. Isolation is not good anyway you look at it, and it was critical to focus on what brings people together: food and gaming. After my time in the military I worked in the video game industry and TCG (Trading Card Game0 realms, (Dynamix – Tribe/Starsiege, Max Gaming-Dark Horizon Lore/ Dark Horizons-Mechanized Corps, Garage Games – Torque Engine, TC Digital – TCG Chaotic/ I was a “CodeMaster”) as well as a seasoned Alpha/Beta tester and for a short time on the “Pro” tournaments before it was a “thing”, my Moniker is still around, QRFVoyager. So, I came to this idea with a vast amount of knowledge. In the military, I served in the US Army, and I worked on Nike Hercules and HAWK Missiles as a Tactical Control Assistant. This involved tracking and engagement of hostile targets. I am a dual member in both SAL and TAL. I have been a proud member of TAL going on 19 years.
The Power of Gaming as a Platform
First, let’s recognize the profound impact that gaming has in our lives. It’s more than just a pastime; it’s a community…an avenue where we connect, collaborate, and create bonds that transcend screens and pixels. For many, gaming offers a safe space to express themselves, relieve stress, and find camaraderie. But beyond entertainment, gaming can be harnessed intentionally to address serious issues like mental health and suicide prevention.
The American Legion Be The One Initiative
One exemplary platform leading the charge is The American Legion’s “Be The One” initiative. Launched with the goal of empowering peers to support mental health awareness, the program was perfect to adapt to include gaming interactions. Through our dedicated membership and community engagements, “Be The One” encouraged us to look out for each other, recognize signs of crisis, and act decisively to help friends in distress. By integrating “Be The One” into the fabric of our gaming, we transformed online and in-person platforms into safe spaces where conversations about mental health are normalized. When we play together, we learn to listen, support, and act—fostering a culture of openness and care among peers.
Breaking Isolation Through Community Building
Isolation is a silent contributor to mental health struggles and suicide risk, especially in rural areas where access to mental health services might be limited. We believe that gaming communities can help bridge this gap. When we invite others to join our game nights, we foster a sense of belonging. We show that no one is alone, that there’s always someone willing to listen and support. In this regard, our efforts in building connections became our priority. Reaching out to friends, encouraging participation in gaming events, and creating inclusive communities can help break the cycle of loneliness. When individuals feel seen and valued, their resilience is strengthened. We were able to develop bonds between veterans, active military, their families, and our community. This was especially important with our youth. We discovered that Alaskan youth experience the same type of isolation as military personnel have.
Partnerships with MagiKids and Krieger Gaming
Our initiatives are strengthened through partnerships with organizations like MagiKids and Krieger Gaming. These collaborations have proven essential in expanding our reach and deepening impact. MagiKids, with its focus on nurturing mental wellness among youth through creative and engaging activities, has been instrumental in bringing young people into our fold, helping them find outlets for expression and connection. Their program incorporates Magic the Gathering in ways that promote mindfulness, resilience, and understanding. By putting the resources to “play” in the hands of our youth, these young ones now build relationships with others hoping to create a deck to “battle” each other on the tabletop. These simple cardboard cutouts can be expensive, but MagiKids is there, offering this free service, and we at Post 13 have been partners with them since 2022. The measure of success comes from the families of the youth and the veterans/active. We know for a fact since 2022 we have successfully thwarted 15 incidents that could have led down a different outcome. But due to our success in engaging and partnering with veterans/active with students, we have seen a complete 180 as now they are focused on strategic thinking, friendship, and just good clean fun. The times when a parent or spouse calls to have a 1 on 1 with me and then proceeds to share what “could have been” or “what it was looking like” and then the positive impact we have had on those individuals still shake me to my core.
Krieger Gaming, on the other hand, provides a platform where gaming tournaments and community events create a lively, inclusive atmosphere all through Discord. Krieger Gaming was founded by a USCG veteran who was stationed here in Sitka, Alaska, and reached out to Post 13 to be more involved. This simple platform now boasts a seasoned, well-trained group that targets veterans, active duty, and first responders. These gaming gatherings serve as launching points for meaningful conversations about mental health, allowing peers to speak openly and share experiences. Together, through these partnerships, we are transforming gaming from mere entertainment into a catalyst for positive change. You can set up for games, and just social hangouts online, or you can get immediate “Buddy Help” by certified volunteers, available 24/7.
Starting Small: The 2021 Game Night to Now
Our journey began in 2021 with a simple game night. It was initially just a casual gathering among friends. We invested in board games, two Xbox gaming stations, darts, and pool. But that evening sparked something much larger: an ongoing movement that has evolved into regular meetings centered around the popular game Magic: The Gathering. What started as a small gathering in a rural Alaska community has grown into a vital support network connecting veterans, active service members, and youth. These relationships are vital, especially in rural Alaska, where geographic isolation can increase mental health challenges. Through these game nights, we’ve built a unique bond, shared experiences that transcend age, background, and circumstance. Veterans share their stories, youth find mentors, and everyone learns that they are not alone in their struggles. The environment is relaxed, supportive, and focused on mutual well-being.
Building Bonds in Rural Alaska
In the vast and remote landscapes of Alaska, the importance of community cannot be overstated. We’ve seen how these gaming sessions help bridge distances, literally and figuratively. They create accessible spaces for connection, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Our goal is to continue nurturing these relationships, expanding outreach, and ensuring that no one feels disconnected or unheard. By doing so, we are actively saving lives and strengthening our communities.
A Call to Action
In 2023, I was appointed chair of the Department of Alaska’s Gaming, later renamed “Morale Gaming”. With the committee, we reported on a Morale Gaming Guidebook in which we focus on our Core Values and Mission Statement. It was adopted in April 2025 after two years of detailed work. I urge each of you to view gaming not only as a source of entertainment but as a powerful tool for change. As peers, friends, and community members, we hold the key to creating environments where someone feels safe to open up, seek help, and find hope. Together, through initiatives like the “Be The One” platform, partnerships with organizations like MagiKids and Krieger Gaming, and our dedicated efforts to build bonds, especially in rural areas, we are forging a formidable frontline against suicide.
Let us continue to leverage our shared passions, to support one another, and to build bonds that matter. Because in the end, no one should face their struggles alone. We can be the difference in someone’s life, whether through a game night, a kind word, or a thoughtful gesture.
The American Legion Department of Alaska Morale Gaming Committee Guidebook.pdf
Post 13 “Deck Building Night”:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C46FyXKYb/
Our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLegionSitkaPost13
Magikids:
https://magikids.org/
Krieger Gaming:
https://kriegergaming.com/
Vince Winter (Dual Membership)
Detachment SAL – 1 Vice Commander
Post 13 TAL – Commander
Department of Alaska Morale Gaming Chair
Detachment of Alaska Social Media Admin
NALC, Class of 2025
The foundation for gaming in American Legion posts usually exists in a game night. Expanding that to group table-top board games and/or electronic gaming with consoles or computers is the next step in involving more members including those who are homebound.
Cool.
Applause, keep it up.