Twin Galaxies has very much enjoyed speaking with charities from all over the country who help those struggling with complications due to illness or treatment. This time, however, we’re directing our focus on Stack-Up, a charity that helps the brave men and women of our armed forces, both former and active, as they struggle with the trials and tribulations of military life during service and afterwards.
The organization was started by former Army Captain Stephen Machuga, who ended his active service role in 2006. Still connected to the military by friends, Machuga was looking for ways to help his fellow brothers and sisters in the armed services in whatever way possible, but couldn’t quite figure out exactly how. It was only when a friend was sent to Afghanistan and asked for “an Xbox or something” to break up the monotony of life on-base that Machuga realized how he could help his former comrades in arms. Machuga tapped into the contacts he made working as a video game journalist and found former Activition social media manager Dan Amrich, who was willing to part with some items from what Amrich called his, “prize closet.”
“That experience gave me the courage to ask for more.” Machuga said.
It was at that point Machuga started Stack-Up, which at first was only a luxury care package service that delivered video game consoles, software, and accessories to active and former veterans. After some time, Machuga said, the scope of their organization was able to grow from simply a care package service to something more.
“We discovered that many active service members were using video games as an escape method from the realities of combat and get through treatment or interviews,” Machuga said. “It was like Law and Order: SVU where the detectives talk to the kids while they’re coloring. We noticed that gaming helped veterans open up and not be so guarded to the interviewers."
Another relatively new but awesomely successful initiative the organization has created is called the “Air Assault” program, where Stack-Up flies veterans of the armed forces to various video game trade shows like PAX South, E3, and more.
"StOP" Swoops In When Needed Most
They’ve also created the “StOP” program, which aims to raise awareness for suicide prevention among current and former service members. The group has an active Discord server that serves as a safe place for anyone struggling with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to come and escape their issues, even if it’s just for a little while. Machuga told me a story of one young man who came into the Discord server, who was really struggling with a multitude of issues. Through the group’s dedication, they were able to assist the young man and keep from self-harm through the power of video games.
“As our community grows,” Machuga said, “we need to be in front of negativity in case someone needs us.”
One case Machuga remembers was an ex-military member who was bed-ridden for 18 months. A supply crate was sent to his home, which not only helped the man’s PTSD, but his son’s Tourette’s.
“There were less issues in the household,” Machuga said, “and lessened their dosage of medication.”
Volunteers are already set up nationwide, and the group is always looking for more to assist them in their various efforts. The group runs two major fundraisers annually - one in May for Military Appreciation Month, and another in November in honor of Veterans Day. For more information, you can visit Stack-Up’s website. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch.
If you’d like to learn more about other gaming charities TG has covered in the past, check out our interview with Cybersmile CEO Scott Freeman or our feature on Child’s Play!
