Veteran Notes – Organizations
For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life can be challenging. Feelings of isolation, combat-related stress, PTSD, and the loss of military camaraderie often create barriers that are difficult to overcome. One nonprofit organization has found a unique and highly effective way to address these challenges: video games.
Stack Up is a veteran-focused nonprofit that uses gaming and geek culture to bring veterans together, promote positive mental health, and help combat veteran suicide. Founded in 2015, the organization has grown into a nationwide community that connects service members, veterans, and civilian supporters through shared interests and meaningful support networks.
How Stack Up Started
Stack Up was founded in 2015 by Army veteran Stephen “Shanghai Six” Machuga after recognizing the positive impact gaming had on military personnel during deployments and after returning home. The organization’s goal was simple but powerful: create a community where veterans could reconnect, build friendships, and find support through a shared passion for gaming.
The name “Stack Up” comes from the military term “stack,” referring to a formation used by military and law enforcement teams before entering a room. For the organization, the term symbolizes people coming together with a common mission: supporting veterans.
Stack Up’s Mission
Stack Up’s mission is to support U.S. and Allied veterans by promoting positive mental health and helping combat veteran suicide through gaming and geek culture. The organization believes that gaming can provide more than entertainment. It can help veterans build friendships, reduce stress, maintain social connections, and create a sense of belonging.
Their motto says it best:
“Veterans are our mission. Gaming is our passion.”
Stack Up’s Four Core Programs
Stack Up operates four primary programs designed to support veterans at different stages of their journey.
1. Supply Crates
Supply Crates are care packages filled with video games, gaming consoles, accessories, and gaming-related gear.
Who Can Apply?
- Active-duty service members deployed overseas
- Veterans facing hardship
- Veterans in need of social outlets and recreational opportunities
Process
- Complete a Supply Crate application through StackUp.org.
- Provide military service verification.
- Explain your need and how gaming will benefit you.
- Applications are reviewed by Stack Up staff and volunteers.
- Approved applicants receive gaming equipment based on availability and sponsorship.
These packages help deployed troops stay connected and give struggling veterans a positive outlet for stress relief and social interaction.
2. Air Assaults
Air Assaults are all-expenses-paid trips that send deserving veterans to major gaming and geek culture events.
Purpose
These experiences help veterans:
- Reconnect with others who share similar interests
- Reduce feelings of isolation
- Build lasting friendships
- Experience community support and appreciation
How It Works
- Veterans are nominated or apply through Stack Up.
- Applications are reviewed based on service history and personal circumstances.
- Selected participants receive travel and event accommodations.
- Veterans attend events alongside fellow members of the Stack Up community.
Air Assaults create memorable experiences while helping veterans rebuild the social connections many lose after service.
3. The Stacks
The Stacks are local volunteer chapters located throughout the United States and abroad.
What They Do
- Community service projects
- Veteran outreach
- Fundraising events
- Local meetups
- Support activities for military families
How to Join
- Visit StackUp.org.
- Locate a Stack chapter in your area.
- Connect with local leadership.
- Participate in community events and volunteer opportunities.
The Stacks allow veterans to maintain the teamwork and camaraderie that many miss after leaving military service.
4. Stack Up Overwatch Program (StOP)
The Stack Up Overwatch Program (StOP) provides peer-to-peer mental health support through the organization’s online community.
Services Include
- Peer support
- Crisis intervention
- Community engagement
- Resource referrals
- Safe online spaces for conversation
How to Access StOP
- Join the Stack Up Discord community.
- Connect with moderators and peer supporters.
- Participate in discussions and support channels.
- Reach out when additional assistance is needed.
The program operates as a community-driven support network where veterans can find understanding from people who have faced similar challenges.
Why Stack Up Matters
Veteran suicide and social isolation remain significant challenges within the military community. Organizations like Stack Up address these issues by meeting veterans where they are. Rather than expecting veterans to fit into traditional support systems, Stack Up leverages a hobby that millions already enjoy.
Gaming provides:
- Social interaction
- Teamwork
- Stress reduction
- Community building
- Positive mental engagement
Through its programs, Stack Up creates opportunities for veterans to reconnect with others, find purpose, and access support in a comfortable environment.
How You Can Help
Supporters can get involved by:
- Donating to Stack Up
- Volunteering with a local Stack chapter
- Sponsoring a veteran through one of the organization’s programs
- Fundraising through gaming streams and community events
- Spreading awareness of the organization’s mission
Every contribution helps provide resources, connections, and support to veterans who may be struggling in silence.
Final Thoughts
Stack Up has built something unique within the veteran nonprofit space. By combining gaming, community engagement, and mental health support, the organization has created a welcoming environment where veterans can reconnect, heal, and thrive. Whether through Supply Crates, Air Assaults, The Stacks, or the Overwatch Program, Stack Up continues to demonstrate that sometimes the strongest support network begins with a shared controller, a headset, and a community that understands.
For veterans looking for connection, support, and camaraderie, Stack Up offers far more than games. It offers a place to belong.
Visit their website: https://www.stackup.org/
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