Miss. (WTVA) – Veterans across the country now have the chance to find a supportive community without ever leaving their homes
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) launched Combat Tested Gaming in 2023, creating a virtual space where service members can connect, relax, and find re
VFW Programs Director Lynn Rolf, an Army veteran and avid gamer, said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how beneficial an online networking environment can be for isolated veterans. Recognizing the opportunity, Rolf approached VFW leadership with a new vision.
“We had to say, hey, you know, there’s this thing called Discord,” Rolf said. “There was a lot of nervousness.”
Over the last few years, those initial nerves have turned into a thriving community.
The program grew to include podcasts, live-streams of gameplay, in-person events, and crucial support rerans directly with potential employers
Rolf said the project has put the VFW at the forefront of the veterans’ gaming space, helping to break down outdated stereotypes.
“It helps us tell the community of veterans that the VFW is not the ‘old guy network,’” he said with a laugh. “Every day I get to get on, talk to young vets, and tell them about the VFW.”
The Combat Tested Gaming Discord server features both text and voice channels, allowing veterans to communicate however they feel most comfortable.
“And there’s always a voice chat going,” Rolf said.
Whether someone wants to listen in while they work or jump on between a child’s nap, fellow veterans are always just a tap away. Beyond casual conversation, the server serves as a vital support network.
“Then of course you throw in the whole mental health aspect. That’s been a game changer,” Rolf said. ”Saving nearly 30 lives personally through [Discord].”
While the virtual space is thriving, the need for physical connection remains. VFW posts around the nation are beginning to set up physical gaming lounges, with some even ensuring traditional tabletop games live on alongside modern consoles.
Rolf encourages any VFW post interested in setting up its own gaming lounge to reach out to him for guidance on analyzing capabilities, setting realistic goals, and building momentum.
“Let’s start small, and then build, get that energy going, and then you can chase them,” Rolf said.
A local lounge can be as simple as a couple of controllers or a virtual reality headset to get started.
For veterans who do not live near a physical lounge, or those who do not even consider themselves gamers, Rolf emphasizes that the Discord server is still a welcoming place to find camaraderie.
“They may not think they’re a gamer, or you could be a serious gamer,” he said. “The network and the community is so powerful in itself that we will spend hours on Discord and probably not even talk about a game, but talk about life.”
At its core, Rolf said, simply being there for each other is the community’s greatest victory.
He shared that they have aligned with Healium VR for mindfulness therapy, allowing veterans in nursing homes to do Honor flights virtually.
VFW Posts: To learn more about setting up a gaming lounge, contact Lynn Rolf at (913) 290-1754 or LRolf@vfw.org , or connect with him
Veterans can join the community online by searching for the VFW Combat Tested Gaming Discord server. Or by tapping this link invite link.
Copyright 2026 WTVA. All rights reserved.
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