It is that time of year again, where hundreds of streamers and their communities head down to enjoy the sunny weather of Southern California and of course all the gaming fun of TwitchCon! This year the event is being held at a new location in the Long Beach Convention Center, but it promises to bring the same Twitch flavored action over the course of three awesome days.
We here at Stack Up had an opportunity to work with Twitch Streamer Trick2G to find some fantastic veterans who would appreciate this streaming themed event. These veterans, chosen from Trick’s community, are our TwitchCon 2017 Air Assaults! Take a few moments to read below as these awesome veterans share a bit about their service and what gaming means to them!
Sean Heide
U.S. Navy
I joined the Navy after High School in 2009. I was never too sure of what I wanted to do after graduation. But what I did know is that I grew up with a strong military family and that joining couldn’t be far off from something that I should do. My father had been in Iraq for six years up until my graduation, so I thought just maybe this was a way we could relate to one another. My training led me to be an Intelligence Analyst for an Expeditionary Warfare Unit. Over the next six years, I was sent on multiple deployments, two years of those being spent in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It was the military where I learned about myself and what my true self was, That was the ability to be personable, and understand all people from all aspects of life, and be the ear that fellow serviceman and civilians could turn to, to be understood as a human. I got out in 2015 to be able to pursue my collegiate goals and gaming dreams.
Gaming has been around in my life since I could remember. My first console was an N64 my dad got me when I was sick in the hospital, playing StarFox 64. And I never looked back. Being on deployments was a stress on my life that I could not avoid. It was the path I chose. But the one thing that was always a huge relief was being able to grab a controller and get lost in games. A judge free zone that allowed me to play as I wished. It got me through much of the downtime that otherwise would have been spent with my thoughts. Fast forward to now, I stream every day in hopes to reach those who need that same zone to feel a part of and to get away from whatever stress they may have. Being a video game player, and a streamer is more than nerding out. It is about building a community of people who can relate to one another and be comfortable.
Trick2G’s channel has brought much of what I am a believer in, into life. Being open with your viewers and fans, being yourself, and being accepted for that. Being an open ear, and caring enough to be involved with your community is a huge aspect a lot of people lose sight of, especially at his level of gaming achievements. He has set a standard for someone I can look up to in the Twitch community, and can follow his lead for my own streams. There are no false interpretations with his channel. What you see is what you get. And that is something that means more to me than someone faking the love and losing focus on the things that matter.
Steven Turmel
U.S.M.C.
I served in the Marine Corps for 5 years, from August 17, 2017, to August 16, 2014. While I was in, I deployed to Afghanistan, where I performed routine security operations and convoy security and then later to Spain, where I served in SPMAGTF-CR as the communications chief for the Air Combat Element. Since I left the Marine Corps, I have been pursuing my degree at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
When I was in the military, I played video games like Pokémon Silver on my phone to pass time when deployed and there was little else to do. However, when I got out of the military I started playing League of Legends and watching streamers on Twitch. They gave me a sense of community and friendships when I moved to south Florida – where I didn’t know anyone. Now, I am very involved in my school and don’t have as much time for
Now, I am very involved in my school and don’t have as much time for video games but I still stop in whenever I can to try to improve my league game or watch the Trick2g feed and yell at the computer. It never fails to make me laugh.
Ian Carman
U.S. Army
I joined the Army on April 26, 2010. I went to basic training at Ft. Sill, OK and received my first MOS as 13P, Fire Direction Control Specialist. I was later stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC and was assigned to 3rd Battalion 27th Field Artillery Regiment, Bravo Battery.
During my time there I was assigned to the Global Readiness Force for 6 months in case of any and all global disasters, include hurricane recovery and what not. In March 2012, I re-classes to 15Q, Air Traffic Controller where I received my Certificate of Grades at Ft. Rucker, AL. I was then stationed at Ft. Carson for the remainder of my service.
In April 2013 I was awarded the Citizens Award for Heroism from the city of Colorado Springs. Four other soldiers and I were the first responders to what could have been a fatal civilian shooting. The shooting involved two victims that were critically wounded, one receiving over 30+ entry bullet wounds. I, as well as the other soldiers, saved the man by applying all the medical treatment we learned in the field. He did survive.
Currently, I am streaming daily to work towards my goal as a full-time streamer. Gaming has affected my life in many ways. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety. Gaming helps me focus and get my mind off of things. I also met my wife through gaming.
Finally, I have been lucky enough to be introduced and create great real-life friendships with people like FaZe Jev and SoaR Ry and of course an amazing person known as SoaR AbstractSweater. Gaming is important to me because it is something that I try my best at. I can really focus and learn things that are only for me. I am able to create friendships and bonds that I would most likely never have without it.
Keep an eye out after the convention as we will be sharing all the fun these Veterans will experience at TwitchCon with our post-convention video shortly after we return to the offices after the weekend. If you are going to be in Long Beach and at the convention keep an eye out for the Red Shirts and Stack Up with us at our booth in the Charity Plaza near the main stage. We hope to see you there!
If you would like to find out more about how you can help us support Veterans through our Air Assault program, or would like to know more about our other programs and how to get involved click on the banner below and Stack Up with us!
