It is once again that time of year Red Shirts! This Labor Day weekend, thousands of gamers, geeks, and nerds will arrive in Seattle Washington for the biggest of all the PAXes, PAX West! For four amazing days, games and geek culture will be the focus of our attention and the source of amazing fun!
We here at Stack Up are gearing up for another great Air Assault experience at the convention. We want to take just a moment to introduce you to the Veterans who we will be bringing along with us to Seattle so that they can experience this amazing event.
Jonathan S. Delacy
Favorite Video Game Franchises/Studios/Publishers: Bethesda Favorite Twitch/Mixer Streamers: PatrckStatic, JackSepticEye, Mini Ladd
I joined the Army in February 2007 and medically retired in April 2013. My MOS in the military was 31B (Military Police). During my time in the Army, I deployed once to Baghdad, Iraq for 14 months. My company’s job while in Iraq was to train the local police about proper procedures and route security.
I am an avid gamer. I have been playing video games ever since the Atari 2600. A hobby that I have picked up recently is streaming video games on Twitch. Playing games is important to me because it has greatly helped my PTSD and issues being around people.
It has helped me connect with so many kind people and it has given me a way to further connect with my kids. I am a father of five Army brats. Also, since my retirement back in 2013 I have continued my college education, to the point, I am close to getting my Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services.
Lillie “Sahara” McGirt
Favorite Video Game Franchises/Studios/Publishers: Bethesda, Bioware, CD Projekt Red, Ubisoft, Bungie. Mass Effect, Dragon Age, The Witcher, Elder Scrolls, Destiny, Assassin’s Creed, Fallout. Favorite Twitch/Mixer Streamers: The Baker Twins
Serving in the Navy from March 2011 to October 2014, I was designated a Fire Controlman and was determined to make second class Petty Officer before my time was cut short. I made long-term friends with other servicemembers over the things I connected to, video games, general nerdy activities, and sometimes hardship. Currently, if I’m not taking college classes in pursuit of a Creative Writing degree, I’m gaming, and if I’m not gaming, I’m writing.
I picked up a controller at 7 years old and haven’t exactly put it down since. Video games were always my escape and the place where I could be anyone and do anything. In the military, they were my haven after a long day at work and the friends I made were often other gamers. After the military, video games were what eventually inspired me to write, as I realized, what if I could write the plots, characters, and stories of the games I love to play?
Louie Valdez
Favorite Video Game Franchises/Studios/Publishers: Madden, CS: GO, League of Legends, Fortnite, PUBG Favorite Twitch/Mixer Streamers: Dr. Disrespect, Summit1G
My name is Louie Valdez. I have been an active duty infantryman since 2005. My first duty station was Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. From there I deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a squad automatic rifleman from 2006-2007. I returned and lead a team back to Iraq in 2008-2009.
I then changed duty stations to Fort Carson, Colorado in which I lead a 13 man section through Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010-2011. I was selected as a detailed recruiter from 2012-2016 in which I received the Meritorious Service Medal. After recruiting I was sent to Fort Drum, New York where I am currently a Weapons Squad Leader returning from Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel 2017-2018.
During my entire time in the Army, I have relied on Video Games as the ultimate stress relief. Whether it is competing at the highest levels of CS: GO, League, or Fortnite or simply making a dynasty in Madden. Video Games allow so many to escape the ugly of the world and I am now different.
Stack Up is honored to be able to give back to these great Veterans through our Air Assault program! Make sure to stand by right here on StackUp.Org for our PAX West coverage and to check in with our Air Assaults to hear what they thought of the convention!
If you’d like to make a donation that helps support our Air Assault program or if you would like to answer the Call To Arms with you own charity stream and help us make an impact during this upcoming Veterans day, hit the link below for intel on how you can sign up!
