Gaming Innovations: A Beacon of Hope for Mental Health Support

New York Post 282 aims for gaming to evolve into a program that lures younger veterans, nurtures future leaders.

A concept that has been in development for eight months materialized in late December for American Legion Post 282 situated in upstate New York.

On December 21, five gaming stations were set up at Post 282 in West Bloomfield. This initiative was a partnership with the nation’s foremost veteran gaming community, Regiment Gaming, and custom PC manufacturer Paradox Customs – stemming from an idea proposed by first-term Post 282 Commander Anthony Gaiter.

In March, Gaiter, a 31-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran, contacted Chris Earl, the CEO and founder of Regiment Gaming, which has worked with Paradox Customs to help establish gaming stations at various American Legion posts. He conveyed his vision for the gaming program at Post 282.

“He responded, ‘That sounds amazing. Go ahead. Let me know what you’ll need from me,’” Gaiter stated. “From that point, it was about presenting it to the members. It was actually received very positively. They embraced it and authorized me to move ahead.”

Between March and December, Gaiter engaged both Post 282’s Legion Family and local businesses and organizations to raise funds for the gaming stations. This endeavor successfully secured $20,000 to establish the stations by December 21.

“I believe what it was… it was innovative,” Gaiter expressed regarding the successful fundraising. “It was nothing anyone had mentioned, proposed, or discussed. I think many in the community, numerous veterans, and a large part of the Legion Family were somewhat ready for something different. Something new. Something that could truly make an impact. Something we hadn’t attempted before. And I think that was the primary attraction: We need something to break free from this stagnation and genuinely make a change. This was it.”

Contributions came from community members, as well as within the organization itself. “In our area, we are quite remote,” Gaiter noted. “It was quite an achievement. We were very lucky to find support within our community, among our Legion Family, and even from some of the other Legion posts that lent their support. It was truly wonderful to witness that solidarity come together for this initiative.”

Gaiter expressed his desire for gaming to be established as a consistent American Legion program that expands throughout the department, “Treating it like a program akin to (American Legion Riders). Appoint or elect leaders for this initiative. Allow the group to steer the program’s direction. In turn, it will help instill that sense of belonging we aim to create. To then provide these resources and effect change, particularly regarding the mental health of veterans and their families. This will serve as an opportunity for the Legion Family – to unite in this initiative, operate it as a program, guide it as a program, and enhance it as this would engage and attract younger veterans. Cultivating their leadership abilities, and consequently possibly fostering future (leaders).”

Gaiter himself is a gamer and recognizes the importance of how it fosters connection among veterans.

“It’s a common ground for all of us, offering an escape from reality, immersing into a single shared mission. All aspects that we were trained for during basic training,” he stated. “We engage in one collective goal. Dedicate ourselves to that. Connect with it. It serves as an icebreaker when we are playing this game, and the individual beside us is engaged in the same activity. It’s an instant icebreaker. It removes that potential awkwardness in communication.

“Engage with them. Converse with them. Build that relationship with them. That’s something many veterans can undoubtedly resonate with.”