Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. –
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – As our reliance on technology grows and connectedness declines, Airmen are finding new ways to merge the two.
“Many people use video games as a way to get away from other people,” explained U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sebastian Godsey, 633rd Medical Group family health clinic aerospace medical technician.
So Godsey started a club where people can get together, make friends and compete with others who also enjoy playing video games.
“I walked into the Bateman Library and they were wanting to start something that would bring people together,” Godsey said. “We joined together and made a video game night and we had 20 people attend our first night.”
The game night was such a success that Godsey, with the Bateman Library, decided to hold tournaments every other Wednesday. Godsey decided to have trophies and prizes that people could compete for, resulting in even more participation.
“A cool aspect of the game nights is that people who separated from the military by choice, or due to health reasons, are able to come back to what they left and play with U.S. Air Force Airmen and Army Soldiers,” Godsey said. “This reminds them that we didn't forget about them and they can still be connected.”
The concept of the gaming club gained so much support that a gaming club member who recently deployed now holds tournaments for Airmen overseas.
“He has Army members involved also; everyone is jumping on board,” Godsey said. “I send them care packages with trophies and prizes to use for the tournaments.”
Airman 1st Class Ethan Debee, 633rd Medical Group Family Health Clinic aerospace medical technician, helps Godsey with the tournaments and has begun introducing virtual reality headsets to some of the game nights.
“You put the headset on and go into a lobby where everyone is using their avatar, Mario, Homer Simpson or whatever, and you just talk about what's on your mind and what is bothering you,” Godsey said. “It's pretty legit, Debee is looking into all that to see how we can implement it even more to help our gamers.”
According to Godsey the gaming club is preparing for a statewide tournament at the Hampton Convention Center in October.
The gaming concept has grown to Air Force level as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright, prepares play a football video game with three Airmen from Air Combat Command, the showdown can be viewed on the ACC Public Affairs YouTube channel – ACCNewsTV.
The gaming club also has military members sponsored to go out in the community to compete in tournaments, get involved and help strengthen relations with the local community.
For those interested in participating in the tournaments or helping with game nights, there are plenty of opportunities for Airmen, Soldiers, civilians and family members to play with others, go out in the community and support local charities through tournaments and game nights.
“Whether you enjoy audio visuals, managing, want to help start an e-sports team, or you’re just interested in the dynamics of it, you don't have to be a gamer to be part of the club,” Godsey said.
For additional information about game nights, contact the Bateman Library at (757) 764-2906.
Additional information about other gaming opportunities or playing with CMSAF Wright, check out GamerBus, GameOn Gaming Center and Air Combat Command on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.