I was in the receiving end of an IED in Afghanistan in mid-2019. I lost a few fingers and a lot of my palm on my left hand. When Stack Up found me, I was alone and rotting in the hospital doing rehab and recovery. They flew me to a game convention in Texas, all the way from Maryland, to connect with people who understood what I was going through.
It was three days, expenses paid, of hanging out with other vets and the video game community getting reacquainted with gaming and gamer culture.
I thought I would never game again after my injuries. Since hanging out with Stack Up, I’ve beaten half a dozen games and I am going through a few more now.
On the surface it just looks like gaming, but it’s more than that. It gets me out of my own head. Gaming gives me a goal to focus on and an entertaining way to rehab my hands. Stack Up gave me that.
The people over at Stack up are awesome, caring individuals who go above and beyond to give back to our Service members and veterans! Their programs are unique and work to meet the community they are serving where there are needs in a way that aims to promote mental health! FANTASTIC organization! 5 Stars!
as a vet i was in a down and deep dark place as a friend recomended me to stack up now i am enjoying the company of vets and program available to me and now i am in a program that allows me to be a volunteer for stack up to others as well
I am just a general member of the public, not a veteran at all. And I live up in Canada. I was told about the group through a member and their Twitch channel. Even if you are not a member of the military, this group is one of the most honest, friendly, and funny groups I have ever been a part of. They do regular game / movie nights on their Discord. Open weekly meetings ANYONE can listen in on. And do LOTS of charity work for veterans (and not just in the US either). Find them on twitch, say hi. and join their Discord. Amazing group.
I've worked with Stack Up for years now. My family is full of veterans receiving mental health care so it means a lot of be able to make sure these services are available. The transparency, dedication of the staff, and love in the community make Stack Up one of the best to work with!
Being part of Stack-Up allows me to reach out and interact with Veterans like me instantly with Discord, in-game chat, on stream. They have game nights and more. A great group doing great things.
This was an amazing experience. StackUp is a wonderful team to be a part of. I loved finding, and encouraging streamers to make things they thought impossible happen in their communities and raise funds for StackUp. The Team, and everyone involved all share the same passion, raising awareness of the importance of mental health, and making sure our Veterans are taken care of in our own little way, sharing our love of gaming and the sense of community it invites.
Came across Stack UP a few months ago while watching a Call to Arms stream, delved straight into exploring who they were and what they did. The Overwatch Program stood out to me as something I really wanted to get involved in so I jumped at the chance! Using lived experience and qualifications to support those who come into Stack Up. I recently jumped at the chance to further my work with Stack Up and secured a paid job. They are really dedicated to veterans and the community, very down to earth and lovely people - who are an absolute joy to work with! Their determination and passion for their work is amazing. I am blessed to be a part of something so awesome and meaningful!
I found Stack Up during a bad time in my life. They helped me out tremendously, offering advice, resources, and just empathy in general. Their selflessness and effectiveness inspired me to contribute to their operations, and I have been consistently impressed with how professional and robust their programs are.
Their StOP program has helped me with loss and other problems I had with transitioning into civilian life.
Really grateful for this organization and how hard they work to support veterans. I'm happy to have been a member of the community for a few years and see all the great stuff these folks do.
I found Stack-Up last year when I was working on trying to find ways to connect with more vets in the gaming community. I absolutely love what these guys do and how much they provide for the community. Their Overwatch Program has provided so much support for so many people, veterans and civilians alike.
Stack Up has been a pillar of my support system for several years now, especially through their StOP Overwatch Program. It’s hard to find the words... But I’ll try.
I was recently able to attend E3 2019 as an Air Assault guest. It was a pleasure to finally meet everyone in person, and great venturing outside of my comfort zone. I returned home tired yet refreshed for the daily battles against PTSD and TBI.
Without Stack Up watching my six an event like this would have never been attempted. A fun opportunity is nice and all, but it was more than that. I needed that morale boost to kickstart getting myself out there and involved with other veterans and civilians after a year of isolation.
Found them through an old friend, seemed like a really great non-profit organization and wanted to join in on the support of fellow veterans, military personnel and show others how gaming benefits them.
These guys are amazing! They are truly doing something wonderful and amazing. I have learned quite a bit about what they do and it is amazing! This organization is absolutely amazing, look them up yo!
I volunteer for StackUp, an awesome Org. I believe in what they do. I am a Nam era vet and have always believed in what John Nash had said.. "In helping others, we help ourselves".
I constantly volunteer for Stack Up, they are such an amazing charity organization. They have help me more than words can describe. They have helped me break out of my "social bubble" and helped me learn that I can do more then what I thought I could. They really make me feel like part of a family.
I was very lucky and was chosen to be an Air Assault - a veteran who gets flown out to geek culture events, in my case PAX East 2019. It was an amazing trip to say the very least! While I was there, I had the opportunity to hang out with some members of the organization and I can tell you: there is a genuine passion for what they're doing.
For instance, their Stack Up Overwatch Program or StOP, an initiative to bring awareness to suicide prevention and promote positive mental health, has been recognized by the CDC. (By the way, did you know that you don't have to be a veteran to pop in if you're having a hard time? It's open to *anyone*)
They work hard to get Supply Crates - think "Christmas for gamers" - out to active duty folks that are deployed, so they can use some of their precious downtime to relieve stress, laugh and bond instead of making less-healthy choices, both physically and mentally.
This is just a small example of the time, energy and other resources this team has dedicated to the cause of helping veterans, and it is just the tip of the iceberg!
Thank you for taking the time to read my feedback, and I hope you take just a few more moments of your time to read more about Stack Up and what they do, and possibly how you can support them.
Stack Up is probably one of the greatest resources I've found in dealing with PTSD. We lose 22 Veterans to suicide a day in America alone. PTSD is a serious issue, and it takes all types of approaches to combat it. I love volunteering for them.
A very small team with a giant impact on soldiers all over the world. They continue to deliver and are branching out to find new ways to help soldiers. Their new mental health program is amazing.
I am a Disabled Vietnam Combat Veteran that has played some sort of video game since 1981. I started to play PC Online games in 2001. For whatever reason, video gaming has helped me basically stay out of trouble and deal with my disability. I am not sure where I would be if I did not have video games to occupy my time, especially now that I am retired. I just recently heard of StackUp and am so happy that someone is supporting video gaming for Current and former Military Personnel to help them in anyway that is required. Speaking with the members of StackUp has given confidence that they care very much about what they are doing. So I have decided to help them continue their efforts in ways that I am able to do.
This is honestly one of the best nonprofit organizations I've ever come across. They focus 100% on helping our veterans. They provide assistance, community, brotherhood, fun and a positive environment. They give our veterans a safe and fun place to meet with others that have similar likes and interests and have this entire gaming community so that everyone feels right at home, from the first minute that they arrive. Their programs have helped so many veterans all across the country and I can't wait to see what other great things they do, in the years to come!
They are highly involved in everything that their name is apart of. Constantly going out of their way to ensure things are being taken care of. It's a real family friendly feeling and a place veterans can call a home or a great place to get help or help out. Amazing org.
Stack up has help'd me as a veteran, They made my experience great and showed me an entirely new world as well help coupe with medical issues! AMAZING GROUP!!!!!!!!
Being part of Stack-Up enables me to reach out and interact with Veterans like me instantly with Discord, in-game chat, on stream, etc. They are constantly active (gaming & in the community) and always welcome a helping body. They are an amazing organization
Found these guys through a post on PC Part Picker and I dropped into their discord. Nice folks who help out veterans and just hang out with you so you're not at a loss for finding someone to play games with and talk about things that not many other folks will understand.
StackUP is a great charity that completely believes in their mission of helping deserving Veterans, and Active-Duty Servicemen and Women through video games.
It’s been another awesome year supporting these guys and girls. The STOP programme has exploded like the flash bang and the leadership have openly and transparently grown the influence it has in the community building a positive force for vets, active servicepersons and gamers in general!
Previous Stories
I'm a New Zealander /ex-military and found Stack-Up through their work with Bungie and Destiny. It's an awesome community and Ive started a New Zealand based Stack! It really helps to enrich the lives of deployed people and helped service persons who have come back. It's a great cause that can reach out to young people and help them in a unique way.
Been working with these guys as a volunteer for a while after seeing firsthand the support they give to our veterans. As a veteran myself it has been a blessing in disguise of the support they give and showing others how to pay it forward
These guys are so amazing. They have helped me so much, my words cannot describe what they have done for me. They welcome everyone with open arms and treat everyone fairly.
Being part of Stack-Up allows me to reach interact with other veterans on Discord. They are constantly active and are more than welcoming to new people who are willing to help. The Stack-Up community is awesome, they send, what they call, Care packages to troops and veterans.
when i needed them most, they were there. when i called, they answered. when i reached, they touched.
Stack up is whats for dinner, lunch and breakfast
they are the standard for mental health and suicide prevention training
I have supported this organization since its founding, but I became very actively involved when they started offering non-clinical crisis intervention and suicide prevention. The need for mental health in the veteran community is at an all time high and having a new and different way to reach out is a wonderful thing.
I met these guys as they worked with Critical Role to bring to light their work with Veterans and service members. They send veterans to industry events and send care packages to veterans and service members.
These folks have accepted me and keep tabs on me.
A great community with a worthy cause. Its primary mission its vets but its willing to accept anyone who wants to help or just hang with the community. I only just joined this group and already feel like one of the gang.
The people with Stacked-Up have been amazing, they go above and beyond what i expected when i reached out trying to get help for a personal friend of mine who was suffering after his separation from the service. They have really made a difference in his life and i CANNOT repeat how much their help has ment to me and him
As I started my transition out of the military I became involved with Stack Up, doing so has allowed me to link up with other veterans! Because of Stack-Up I have met some awesome people and get to spend time with them gaming and decompressing from the day to day stress.
These guys are awesome! They put a lot of effort into making things happen for veteran gamers all over the globe. Care packages to troops sending veterans to big-game events and just hosting a great community.
Stack-Up puts their money where their mouth is. These folks are helping our vets through gaming, overcoming PTSD issues, re-integrating and reconnecting with civilians and having a great time doing it. Take a look at some of their videos and if you don't put a lot of stock in online reviews, then let these vets tell you themselves. They send gaming care packages to folks currently deployed to help relieve the stresses associated with combat operations, organize and support groups of civilians and veterans who come together for camaraderie and fun and bring wounded and deserving vets to awesome gaming conventions for once in a lifetime experiences.
As a veteran I struggled to come to terms with being back. Feeling like I was stuck between two lives. Military. And civilian. Running into Stack-Up at PACEast was a surprise. They felt like family. From there I learned about their efforts to help veterans and active duty service members. All over the globe. It is truly inspirational, and I am proud to be a part of their community. The aid they give is truly beyond measure. Both publicly and behind the scenes.
I'm one of the team leads for the DFW stack. I'm also a combat veteran who believes that video games can be a tool to help people struggling with PTSD cope. When I found stack up, I fell in love with the community. I felt like I belong. It was the same feeling when I was apart of the military family. This organization is GREAT.
Being part of Stack-Up enables me to reach out and interact with Veterans like me instantly with Discord, in-game chat, etc. They are constantly active (gaming & in the community) and always welcome a helping body. They create opportunities and give purpose to some of us who have lost our way.
my name is Daniel I am from the island of Puerto Rico. i've always been a gamer but video games never was, what it became about a year ago. Never had I needed video games more than I do, now. Couple years ago I was going through a crisis existential and otherwise. Spent a week or so in suicide watch due to attempted suicide. After a few weeks of recollecting myself and looking for new purpose in life, I came across Stack-Up.org through a game call Squad last year during a charity event. I am no soldier just a volunteer but some might say I've earned my stripes. During that time conventional medicine was not working for me. Till I seen a video of Stephen talking about how "video games saved his life" I was moved by his message and found new purpose in life, being alone since I had lost a lot of my family and friends due to my mental state, what I had left I lost, due to previously being into the music business and being so focused in that. Stack UP or SUDO for short is an amazing community of volunteers, gamers, military personnelle and veterans from across the world. Joining to together to help each other and most importantly, raise awareness and help out veterans in need, through the power of video games.
