Current Events

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA.

Brick by Brick Vets has found an unconventional approach to reach Veterans. The online gaming organization for Veterans is using Twitch, a networking and streaming platform used by gamers, to host two-hour Q&A sessions with VA experts.

In addition, Brick by Brick Vets owner and operator, Army Veteran Justin DiSantis, and Air Force Veteran Eric Gyamfi, host a weekly esports community Twitch stream to build a community of Veterans and supporters promoting mental health, life skills, leadership, successful transitioning and play.

Brick by Brick Vets was founded on the belief that the camaraderie and support experienced in the military should continue beyond service. From networking opportunities to connecting Veterans with essential resources, the organization strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where Veterans can thrive.

In November 2024, Brick by Brick Vets hosted a Twitch livestream with Army Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Earl Plumlee. The event provided Veterans an opportunity to engage directly with one of the nation's most decorated heroes. Plumlee shared his inspiring journey, discussing topics such as service, sacrifice and mental health, while taking questions from the community.

The outreach efforts on Twitch are more than just a new approach to connecting Veterans with resources; they represent a shift in how organizations can directly communicate with and reach Veterans. The success of Brick by Brick Vets' use of Twitch highlights the platform's potential to engage a demographic that may feel more comfortable in an online environment than in traditional, in-person settings.

By hosting live sessions, Veterans are able to interact in real-time, ask questions and receive immediate responses, creating a dynamic and accessible form of support. These live engagements provide an opportunity for Veterans to participate in discussions from the comfort of their homes, bypassing the barriers of travel and geographical constraints. Additionally, these interactions offer more flexibility and immediacy than traditional outreach methods, ensuring that Veterans can access critical information and support when they need it most.

With the online space growing increasingly vital in the Veteran support landscape, platforms like Twitch are not only places for entertainment but also hubs for building communities and providing essential resources.

Veterans can join the Brick by Brick Vets community through Twitch and Discord. Each community offers its own unique brand of camaraderie and support, combined with the love of gaming.