The Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3 is nearly upon us and we are gearing up and getting ready to roll out but we are not going alone. As we descend upon LA for a week long extravaganza of all things video games we have a few special guests coming along for the ride, our E3 2017 Air Assaults.
We are proud to be able to give back to veterans through our Air Assault program in which we hand-pick deserving veterans and pay for them to attend life-changing video game and geek culture events, whether it be a Comic-Con, an Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) or even a game developer studio tour. With the help of our local Stacks providing support, we make sure those veterans have a weekend that they will never forget!
Joining us for E3 2017 are some of the best, that not only exemplify service, duty, and honor but are also rabid fans of video games.
Richard Glass
I served 14 years with the Navy SeaBees. I was/am an Equipment Operator Second Class. I went to KFC for lunch in 99 and when I finished it was 2013, what a meal. I don’t miss sand, but I do miss my community. Funny thing though. While serving to operate a forklift was a punishment and now it is my livelihood.
I can no longer run with my son and gaming allows me to share excitement and heartaches with him. The ability to turn on a new world then explore its wonders with my son are moments I cherish.
Michael Jones
Entered the Marines in 2001. Went to Recruit Training in San Diego MCRD. Deployed to Iraq in 2003. and 2004. Honorably Discharged from Marines in June 2005. Joined Army in September 2005, Deployed to Afghanistan in 2010-2011. Honorably Discharged in June of 2015. Currently I work at the postal service.
I believe that gaming has influenced me both before, during and after the military. It is a great way to unwind while I was still in, and currently, it is a great way to take my mind off of the troubles and challenges since getting out. I currently have started a youtube channel and am active on Twitter.
Heath Stevens
I was in USMC from June 98 to June 02 as an 2532/0622 Mobile Multichannel Equipment Operator and got out with an Honorable Discharge, also a 60% disabled veteran. Spent a year with 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa Japan & 2 years at Mirimar in San Diego.
I’m a life long gamer from Atari to Nintendo to Sega to PlayStation 1,2,3 & 4. I’m a Battlefield junkie, EA Gamechanger and Battlefield 4 DICE Friend. Member of many great Battlefield communities like Don’t Revive Me Bro and DICE vs Community. Without gaming I don’t think I would be alive today.
In November I will be clean from heroin and opiates for 10 years. And I can say that I don’t think I could have done it without having my PS3 & PS4 to help keep me occupied and also is just great fun.
Michael Anthony Carrasquillo
Joined Army (Active Duty) at 18 in January of 2003. Enlisted as Airborne Infantryman. After basic, was stationed with 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza Italy. Deployed to Iraq in 2003, then deployed to Afghanistan in 2005. Was wounded in combat on August 9th 2005. Ended up in Walter Reed, where I underwent 40+ surgeries (actually died twice) over a 2 year span before I was finally medically retired as a Sgt. On September 20, 2007.
Since retiring, I’ve tried to stay active in Veterans circles, joining many non-profits that seek to help disabled veterans. I took an IT job with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I run a disabled veterans support group just outside Baltimore. I’ve tried very hard to not let my disability be something that holds me back in life. Just recently I began doing stand-up comedy. It’s been something I’ve always been fascinated by, but never thought I would get into myself. I use comedy as not only a way to spread awareness to veteran issues but as a form of therapy for myself.
In regards to gaming, I’ve always been a gamer. Ever since my original NES, it’s always been a part of who I am. I can remember having huge Halo LAN parties in the barracks, wires running in and out of everyone’s room. When I got injured, I sustained major damage to both of my hands and both arms. There was even talk of amputating one or both of them. During my recovery, especially during physical/occupational therapy, I would always tell people “I need to get back to gaming!” Finally, in the Physical therapy ward, they set up a little gaming station. I wasn’t able to hold controllers yet, but there was a guitar hero set up. I used that as a way to supplement my therapy and get in some gaming. So gaming has always been involved in my life. Including now, when it’s just a little stress relief and a way to hang out with guys across the country.
We are looking forward to spending time with these amazing people and thanking them for their service. We hope they enjoy E3 as it is certainly an epicenter of video game culture and an experience like no other.
Stand by as we will have details of the trip after the convention this June 13th through the 15th.