A unique and competitive event is bringing together veterans and their supporters as they “game with a purpose” in order to support Wounded Warrior Project.
Capture the Flag is a three-week gaming and livestream campaign that runs through June 16. It allows streamers and gamers to raise money while connecting veterans through the web.
“For three weeks, we’re talking about video games, ways you can get involved with Wounded Warrior Project,” said Jackie Green, WWP’s Livestream Fundraising Manager.
Throughout the campaign, WWP will host livestreams from its official Twitch channel about mental health, employment services and physical wellness.
Green said live streaming and gaming is one of the few projects at WWP that is open to any era veteran and the general public.
“Our warriors and family are looking for direction in how they can give back, especially those that have done a number of programs with us,” she said. “Some have a passion for gaming and streaming and this is a way they can give back to their brothers and sisters.”
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In WWP’s most recent annual survey of veterans who participate in its programs, 76 percent reported living with invisible, mental health wounds such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.
The Livestream schedule is as follows: May 31 - Fight for the Nite; June 2 - Your Mind Matters; June 5 - CTF Tailgate Party; June 7 - Last Person Standing; June 9 - Leveling up Equality; June 12 - Fight for Fitness; June 14 - Top of the Heap and une 16 - CTF Wrap Up.
Ricky Olguin, who lives in Phoenix, Arizona, said he felt “totally useless” after being medically retired from Army until he decided to get involved with WWP.
“They gave me the support I needed at that time,” he said. “I started going to more events and became more comfortable with myself.”
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Green said you don’t have to be a gamer to participate in the event. You can simply tune in.
“People are sometimes intimidated to go to a peer support group,” she explained “They may not want to talk about mental health. We are really seeing this as an additional gateway for initial support.”
Next up on the Capture The Flag Tournament Schedule is the Fall Guys Tournament on June 7. That will be followed by the APEX Legends Tournament on June 14.
Olguin, who now hosts community gaming events for his fellow wounded warriors, said the worse thing a veteran can have is no support.
“I’m looking forward to playing, meeting new people and having a good time,” he said.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.