Improved mental wellness resources and virtual reality experiences will help vets connect
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce a series of groundbreaking relationships aimed at expanding its Combat Tested Gaming (CTG) league, furthering the available mental wellness resources and strategic tech relationships with gaming and VR industry leaders like Healium, Omnic.AI, August Interactive, Alexander PCs and The Realms of Asgard – reinforcing the VFW’s commitment to supporting veteran mental wellness and community engagement through innovative technology and gaming.
Since its launch in 2023, the VFW’s CTG league has cultivated a thriving and supportive community. It offers not just organized gameplay, but also a competitive and welcoming Discord, providing a space among those who have served and are seeking camaraderie through shared interests. These collaborations mark a significant step forward in the VFW’s mission to provide veterans with modern tools and platforms that foster connection, healing and purpose.
“Leveraging these new relationships helps ensure Combat Testing Gaming can continue to foster a strong, welcoming virtual community that meets veterans where they are,” said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. “This expansion represents a powerful convergence of technology, community and purpose, and by embracing innovation and supporting veteran-owned businesses, we’re creating new pathways for healing, connection and growth for our members.”
Together with Healium, VFW members will gain access to immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences designed to reduce stress and promote mental wellness. Healium’s VR suite will be showcased at the 126th VFW National Convention, Aug. 9-13 in Columbus, Ohio, and made available at VFW Headquarters in Kansas City. Local VFW Posts will be encouraged to integrate Healium’s tools into their wellness programming, offering members a cutting-edge resource for managing anxiety and improving emotional resilience.
“It’s hard to heal what you can’t see,” said Sarah Hill, CEO of Healium. “That’s why we’re honored to team up with VFWs across the country – so more veterans can visualize their feelings and learn to self-regulate their mental well-being. Healium gives users a window into their brainwaves and heart rate, helping them build resilience through immersive, biofeedback-powered experiences.”
The VFW’s collaboration with Omnic.AI introduces artificial intelligence-driven tools to enhance the veteran gaming experience. Omnic.AI’s technology continuously evaluates the real-time gameplay of competitors and provides personalized feedback to help improve their performance in future matches, making gameplay ultimately more enjoyable and thus benefiting the gamers’ mental health.
Shubber Ali, CEO of Omnic.AI, is enthusiastic about this relationship. “As a veteran-founded company, we believe it is our responsibility to support the work of the VFW and CTG, and it is a privilege for us to be able to be part of these competitive gaming events. By giving players the ability to continuously improve and learn, we believe Omnic will improve the overall gaming experience and foster further teamwork, collaboration, and ultimately enjoyment amongst the veteran gaming community. The job of Omnic’s AI coach is to help players to learn and improve but is much friendlier than my drill sergeant ever was.”
In working with August Interactive, the VFW will promote participation in the Gamers and Guardians initiative and the Military Esports League (MEL). These programs offer veterans opportunities to connect through competitive gaming, livestream events and community engagement. VFW members will be featured in weekly streams and tournaments, fostering camaraderie and purpose through shared digital experiences.
Kristin Wood, CEO of August Interactive, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “We’re deeply honored to work with the VFW to bring veterans the opportunity to engage in gaming and esports. At August Interactive, we believe gaming is not only a source of entertainment but also a way to foster community, teamwork and support for those who have served.”
The VFW is also proud to team up with Alexander PCs, a veteran-owned company specializing in high-performance gaming and productivity computers. This collaboration ensures VFW members have access to reliable, custom-built systems designed for gaming, streaming and professional use — all backed by lifetime warranty and support. Together, we’re empowering veterans with the tools they need to succeed in both virtual and real-world environments.
In a powerful step forward to build connection, healing and purpose, the Combat Tested Gaming’s collaboration with The Realms of Asgard (TROA), a mythologically inspired digital universe dedicated to creating safe, inclusive communities for those who need it most, aligns the VFW with a platform that is a mission-driven movement committed to ending the stigma surrounding mental health.
“The Realms of Asgard was built to be more than just a world to play in – it’s a world where warriors of all kinds can find peace, purpose and people who truly understand,” said Icey, founder of TROA. “By joining forces with the VFW and Combat Tested Gaming, we’re reinforcing our promise to create a haven for veterans and players alike – where mental health isn’t hidden, it’s honored, and stories are shared without fear.”
This comprehensive expansion underscores the VFW’s commitment to providing meaningful engagement and vital resources to military and veteran gamers. To learn more about Combat Tested Gaming or sign up for any of the new league, VR and gameplay opportunities, visit vfw.org/Gaming.
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About August Interactive: August Interactive is an AI gaming and esports company focused on creating innovative platforms and experiences that bring people together. Through its cutting-edge technology and passion for gaming, August Interactive is redefining the role of gaming in fostering community and connection.
About Healium: Healium transforms biometric data from any wearable—like EEG or heart rate—into immersive, emotionally responsive stories to reduce anxiety or boost mood in just 4 minutes. Backed by 9 peer-reviewed journals, Healium biofeedback experiences are already generating real impact at VA Hospitals, with the US military, and some of the world’s top health and wellness brands. tryhealium.com
