Supply Crate – Joel

Marine Corps Veteran Joel requested a Supply Crate because gaming is one of the ways he enjoys social time with friends and fellow Veterans when his physical limitations make it difficult for him to go out.

I’m a medically retired veteran who has spent the past several years navigating a series of orthopedic surgeries, including two knee replacements, a hip replacement, foot surgery, and more. These procedures have taken a significant toll on my mobility and day-to-day functioning. While I’ve adjusted to life with assistive devices like braces and a cane, the emotional and mental weight of recovery, pain, and isolation has been just as challenging as the physical. Gaming has always been a therapeutic outlet for me—it's not just entertainment, it’s connection, distraction from chronic pain, and a way to stay mentally engaged. I’m applying for a Supply Crate because access to a current-generation gaming console and games would be more than a gift—it would be an emotional lifeline. My wife and I live a fairly disciplined life, and gaming is one of the few ways I can still engage socially with friends and fellow veterans, especially on days when my pain or physical limitations keep me homebound. I’ve given everything I had during my time in service, and I continue to work on improving my physical and mental health each day. I participate in Wounded Warrior Project events, adapted sports, and therapeutic routines like cold plunges, red light therapy, and aromatherapy to manage pain and promote healing. But when the day winds down, having the ability to relax, game, and reconnect with others in a virtual world would make a tremendous difference. A Supply Crate would directly support my recovery, boost my morale, and bring joy to my everyday life. Thank you for considering me—and for all that Stack Up does for veterans like myself. Respectfully, Joel

Gaming is indeed a great way to chill out and have fun with friends when a Veterans' physical ailments are keeping them at home. We're glad Joel reached out for a Supply Crate so that we can get him a new gaming console to have fun with on the physically tough days!

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I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the incredible support. Receiving the PlayStation 5 and games through Stack Up means more to me than I can fully express.

Over the past several years, I’ve dealt with multiple surgeries and ongoing recovery, which has significantly changed my day-to-day life. There are long stretches of time where physical limitations and pain make it difficult to stay engaged, connected, or even distracted in a positive way.

This kind of support directly impacts that.

The PS5 and the games you provided give me something meaningful to look forward to each day. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a way to stay mentally engaged, decompress, and step outside of the constant focus on recovery and limitations. Games like The Last of Us provide immersive, story-driven experiences that help shift my focus and create a sense of normalcy and enjoyment that can be hard to come by.

Beyond that, this also opens the door to connecting with others. Whether that’s through online gaming in the future or simply being part of a broader community, it helps reduce the sense of isolation that can come with long-term recovery.

What you all are doing truly matters. This isn’t just a package—it’s an investment in quality of life, mental well-being, and connection.

Thank you again for your generosity and for supporting veterans like me.

Respectfully,

Joel

Thank you for the kind words, Joel. Have fun gaming.

PenguinzPlays sponsored Joel's Supply Crate. PenguinzPlays is a U.S. Airforce Veteran who plays Star Citizen and does some music production and software development. It's great to see Veterans supporting Veterans! Check out his channel on Twitch: Twitch.tv/penguinzplays

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