The Stacks - Fall 2026
18 minutes ago
5 min read
Our in-person volunteer pods, the Stacks, have exploded in growth, with 34 pods located across the US, four in Canada, one in New Zealand, one in American Samoa, and another in the Philippines! With so many new Stacks locations, that's more in-person game nights, more local convention meetups, local fundraising, and informing people about Stack Up and our mission. We're excited to see what these new Stacks do. In the meantime, our already existing Stacks have kept their fall seasons busy.
From Cardfests to Baseball games, conventions to golf, there's plenty for our Stacks to do!
Augusta, GA Stack - Augusta Cardfest7 | August 15, 2026
We chose to participate in Augusta Card Fest 7 because it provided an opportunity to reach veterans in a setting that naturally brings people together through hobbies and shared interests.
The event was particularly valuable because gaming and collecting communities overlap heavily with the veteran community. While trading cards and sports cards may not traditionally be considered “gaming” in the video game sense, they demonstrate exactly what makes gaming and hobby communities valuable: they give people a reason to gather, talk, build relationships, and find common ground.
Working alongside VFW Combat Tested Gaming – Georgia also allowed us to reach veterans who may not otherwise encounter Stack Up. The VFW partnership is particularly valuable because it creates a bridge between the two organizations and allows us to engage veterans regardless of whether they are eligible for VFW membership.
During the event, we spoke with hundreds of veterans and members of the CSRA community. Two individuals were identified as potential future Stack Up members, and we also identified a potential alternate Stack Lead who could help strengthen Stack Up’s local presence.
One of the biggest takeaways was that the interest is there. Veterans were receptive to the idea of connecting through gaming and hobbies, and the conversations at Augusta Card Fest demonstrated that there is an opportunity to build something sustainable in the CSRA rather than treating this as a one-time outreach event.
As a direct result of the event, Stack Up and CTG-GA are moving toward monthly game nights at VFW Post 12190 on the fourth Sunday of each month at 6:00 PM. This gives us a consistent opportunity to continue the relationships started at Card Fest and create a regular gathering point for veterans and the broader gaming community.
The most important outcome wasn’t simply the number of people we talked to. It was leaving the event with new potential members, potential local leadership, stronger relationships with the veteran community, and a concrete plan for continued engagement.
Morgantown, WV Stack - Veteran Appreciation Night | Black Bears Baseball Game | August 30, 2026
I chose this event for multiple reasons. First was to get out and enjoy the ball game with the family. Second was to get a veteran (Josh) out, as well as introduce him to some of the local on-the-ground veteran support services. He made some good contacts, and I am hoping it gives him the support he needs to build a better life. Third was to represent StackUp for the flag display on the ball field during pre-game events. I volunteered for and took the lower anchor corner in the formation. Fourth, I was to make contact with the other local veteran organizations, many of whom I have already gotten to know, but this was an opportunity to do it 'in uniform' and provide the StackUp postcards for reinforcement. Lastly, I was also able to talk to the WV National Guard and regular military (Army, AF, and Marine) recruiters about the benefits of StackUp to their units' morale and readiness, highlighting the mental health support and supply crates. A good evening was had by all.
Washington, D.C. Stack - NOVA Open | September 2-6, 2026
I originally reached out to get a table, and the Partnership Director is a veteran and asked if we could do more. It turned into a partnership where Stack Up was one of 3 partnered charities for the event. I'd been looking to find more convention and event opportunities for the DC Stack when I discovered NOVA.
I loved attending the event because of the reactions to Stack Up. So many people stopped by the booth to ask questions about how they could volunteer, and I made some great connections while there. It was also fun because I ran into a few people that I'd met before randomly, so there were people who attended the event that were already familiar with Stack Up and supported me at the booth throughout the convention.
I also loved participating in the actual table gameplay that I was invited to, and the staff was very welcoming and supportive. It's like a big family there, and I really felt included and welcomed for it being my first time! I'm super excited that they want to continue to partner and have me come back next year.
College Park, MD Stack - Games Day at Games and Stuff | September 26, 2026
I chose this event to participate in as it is a good way to help the community and be on the lookout for homeless veterans and render assistance.
This week saw the presentation of coffee, fruit, brownies, and cold cereal to our customers. This was because the kitchen was needed for food preparation for the monthly 'Greek Lunch' put on by another group. Conversation was made with our customers to make them feel welcome. Tables were kept clean. Josh (a veteran and prospective Stack member) was there, and transportation for him to the game Demo tomorrow was arranged.
Afterwards, Brian and I went over and participated in a 5k run along the Monongalia River put on in part by the WVU ROTC. There I was able to speak to one of the cadets and informed him of Stack Up and our mission. We exchanged information, and he will be introducing me to his RO and CO to see what assistance we can be to each other in preserving the health, morale, and welfare of our troops.
NorCal Stack - Golf | Indian Creek Country Club | October 17, 2026
Was invited to attend by American Legion Post 775. Never having golfed before in my life, I was like, why not. It was a blast; I talked with veterans about Stack Up and what we do. Met the District leader for District 4 of the American Legion and started talking about events.
McAllen, TX Stack - All Valley CardFest | October 17, 2026
I set up a table at The All Valley CardFest at the Pharr Development & Research Center to help bring Stack Up to the Rio Grande Valley. The local military and gaming community does not currently have a dedicated resource like this nearby, so I wanted to change that. I went out to the event to spread awareness, connect with local folks, and start building a local chapter that supports veterans through the power of gaming.
To fit right in with the card show atmosphere, I printed custom playing cards that doubled as business cards with all of the McAllen Stack contact information (me). Handing out actual playing cards at CardFest turned out to be a great icebreaker, and it opened the door for many genuine conversations.
Almost everyone who stopped by had no idea that an organization like Stack Up existed. They were surprised and excited to learn that I'm working hard to bring these veteran resources directly to the RGV. Although I didn't connect with local veterans or military families, spreading awareness made the day a huge success and showed just how much the RGV needs this support.
Want to start a Stack or join an already existing one? Hit the button below to learn more about our Stacks program and get in on building community among Veterans and supportive civilians with Stack Up.
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