With PAX South 2017 rapidly approaching we wanted to take a moment to introduce to the incredible Veterans who will be joining us on what will be the first of many Air Assault missions in 2017! Our Air Assault program is where Stack-Up hand-picks deserving veterans and pays 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! This year at PAX South will be no exception, so read on to learn about the amazing veterans who will be making the trip alongside us!
Mary Dague
I grew up in Montana and joined the Army at 19. I enlisted as an EOD tech, that’s how I lost my arms. While deployed to Iraq in 2007, I was blown up after disarming an IED. I received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and some other shiny stuff. They could take my arms, but they couldn’t take the gamer out of me.
I still play, with my feet though. I couldn’t stay away. It’s how I “recharge my batteries”. Started off on a laptop and then moved onto Xbox 360. Then, I went to a PC that my husband built, and I’ve been glued to the PC ever since. I mostly play RPGs, and I love adding mods after a couple of play-throughs. I play regularly, but I only stream about three days a week as WonderNubs. Mostly, because I would rather play without my pants on.
Currently, when not gaming, I write. I also do some public speaking about resiliency and veteran suicide, often involving how video games can be a viable, sustainable form of escapism and can help with PTSD and depression.
James Cribbett
I grew up in Mesa, Arizona. I join the Army at 18 right out of high school in 2004. I originally enlisted as an NBC operations specialist but switched over to EOD in 2008. I’ve deployed to Afghanistan 3 times for a total of 31 months. After 12 years I’m still in the Army today and have committed to a full 20 years already.
I’ve gamed obsessively since I was little and it’s only gotten worse since I’ve had the money to buy my own gear and equipment. I gamed on console till I built my first PC in 2011.
Since then I’ve built more and more pc’s every year, even becoming the go-to guy for all my friends and colleagues looking to break into PC gaming. Since I found Twitch, I’ve wanted to make bigger and better streams for myself and my wife. I stream on Twitch 3-5 days a week under the name Jimmycrib or also Drinkinbros_nerds. Mostly World of Tanks or The Division.
When I’m not gaming or spending time with my wife, I’m an instructor at the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School in Niceville, Florida. Gaming has had a large influence on my life here and overseas as an escape from daily stress or less than enjoyable living conditions.
There is also something extra special about this Air Assault as Mary and James are married! We are honored and privileged to be able to give back in some small way to these two people who through all aspects of their lives exemplify service and sacrifice. Thank you, Mary and James, for your service and for Stacking Up with us for PAX South!
Judging from the pics, it is shaping up to be a very good time for everyone involved. We have a fun filled weekend filled with gaming and geekery for these two amazing Air Assaults, and we will share it all with you so check back after the convention for our PAX South Air Assault wrap-up!
If you are attending, make sure to stop by our booth #10483 and learn more about how you can get involved with Stack-Up and help us bring even more amazing veterans like Mary and James to great conventions like PAX South!