In the more than 100 years since its founding, DAV has consistently sought innovative ways to connect with veterans, their families and supporters in exciting and meaningful ways. In 2024, DAV has begun to explore the gaming and livestreaming sphere by launching a Twitch channel.

Video games and livestreams are powerful tools and platforms that can bridge the military-civilian divide, provide information sharing and knowledge in a comfortable and relatable setting and give audiences who may be unfamiliar with DAV the opportunity to connect with us through technology that may be more convenient to them.

“We’ve cautiously and thoughtfully approached these channels as a way to further our mission,” said DAV National Adjutant Barry Jesinoski. “For instance, these livestreams will help amplify legislative efforts like our DAV CAN (Commander’s Action Network), which helps members and supporters stay informed and take action to support federal legislation and policies affecting veterans, their families and their survivors.”

According to VA research, “gameplay may promote a mindfulness-like psychological [escape] but can also provide users with benefits of confidence, social connection, personal growth and opportunities for employment or even leadership.” The VA also continues to explore how to best utilize gaming to support veteran wellness and health outcomes.

From DAV’s perspective, the focus is on meeting veterans and those who support them where they are.

In gaming livestreams, viewers can interact and ask questions about veterans benefits or DAV programs and services. Or they can just hang out and learn about DAV.

“For DAV members, veterans and supporters who aren’t gamers or familiar with Twitch, these gaming livestreams are similar to a community outreach booth at a resource fair,” said DAV National Communications Director Rob Lewis, “just in a virtual environment that’s accessible worldwide.”

While Twitch is primarily known for gaming, DAV will also broadcast veterans news, legislative updates and interviews with subject matter experts from members of DAV’s professional staff.

The military and veteran communities are already interacting on Twitch, and now DAV is on the platform engaging with them. So make sure you follow the DAV Twitch channel at twitch.tv/davhq to get livestream notifications.