Gaming has been a big part of my life. It started with Dragon's Lair back in 1983 and continues today with most of the modern games. I consider myself a hard-core life gamer, but there was a short time when gaming almost left my life. When I was 17, I joined the United States Army. There was no time for gaming in Basic Training or AIT and I was almost immediately deployed to Kosovo when I received my first permanent party assignment in 1995. The Army initially changed me as a person. I became more serious and left behind the things I enjoyed in my youth. I was in essence married to the military.

When I returned from Europe, I was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. For those of you who don't know about Fort Hood, it's a total hell hole. The only thing to do there for fun is drink and drink some more. While in the barracks, I overheard some commotion from a few rooms down and went to investigate. There were about 8 guys in the room playing an informal Madden tournament. Winning was certainly bragging rights and became a big part of the unit's social network. Before long, I found competitive nature drawing me to the evening game sessions in the barracks. Competing in Madden became an obsession for me and I was eventually buying systems and was back into gaming full force.

In a way, I really credit video games for bringing me back to my senses. The further into my military career I got, the more I realized I didn't want to be there anymore. It took me 2 re-enlistments to realize I was in the wrong place, but they say "better late than never". Games became a great way to pass the time and ignore reality from time to time. During my deployments to the Middle East, games and music became the best escape from a reality that wasn't so cheerful. Looking back on my Army days, it's hard to believe that for a moment in time, I actually considered giving up something that was a big part of my life. Games amuse me, challenge me, distract me and also serve as a social tool.

Currently, there are many charities on the web that collect games for soldiers in combat zones. I'd highly suggest getting involved with one. You'd be surprised how video games can really make someone's day over there. Plus, it's not like soldiers make much money. Privates in the Army make about $1400 a month these days. Video games have also been a big thing for combat veterans. I currently head up to the VA hospital once a week for appointments, and have talked with some of the younger vets who say playing video games help them with their PTSD issues. The Jack Thompsons of the world always claim games cause violence, but research has been proving that violent games can actual cure problems associated with real life violence.

In the end, I'm glad I am gaming and will probably play video games for the rest of my life. There's no reason to ever give up the things you love the most.