May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor and uplift our military community – not just those in uniform, but also student veterans and military family members who serve behind the scenes. These heroes face unique challenges, from deployments and relocations to balancing college life after combat. Yet, they also demonstrate remarkable resilience. In this inspirational deep-dive, we celebrate Military Appreciation Month by exploring how gamification – turning life into a game – can reduce stress and support mental health for military-connected students and families. We’ll look at how the military has historically used games and serious games for training and therapy, discuss the mental health challenges our veterans, active service members, and their families face (especially in academic environments), and highlight key resources available to support them. Finally, we’ll showcase Digi Dash, a fun web-based 3D runner trivia game (playdigidash.io) that connects military members and families with support programs in an engaging way. Get ready for an upbeat, educational journey into the power of play and community support!
Life in the military community can be rewarding – but it also comes with hidden battles. Veterans and active service members commonly grapple with mental health challenges like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and traumatic brain injuries. According to the RAND Corporation, about 18.5% of U.S. service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan meet criteria for PTSD or depression [3]. Even beyond the battlefield, many carry invisible wounds: one study found 41% of veterans had a potential need for mental health care [4], and 14–16% of Iraq/Afghanistan veterans showed signs of PTSD or depression [5]. Alarmingly, veterans have historically been 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population [6]. These statistics underscore that mental health is a critical front in supporting our troops.
Military families fight their own battles too. Frequent moves, long separations, and worries about a loved one’s safety can take a toll. During deployments, family routines are upended and stress soars – studies show children of all ages experience more emotional and behavioral problems when a parent is deployed [7]. Young kids may have nightmares, bed-wetting, or clinginess, while teens with a deployed parent often report declining grades, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Spouses left at home shoulder the household alone and commonly report higher stress and depression, especially if they’re far from extended family support. Because a child’s well-being is closely tied to their caregiver’s, a parent’s deployment-induced stress can indirectly affect the kids as well. Military Appreciation Month is a reminder that when one family member serves, the whole family serves – and needs support.
Student veterans and military-affiliated students (such as military spouses or children in college) face a unique mix of stressors. Many veterans transition straight from the structured military world into the freewheeling culture of campus – a major adjustment. It’s common for student vets to experience post-deployment transition symptoms like insomnia, difficulty concentrating, or frustration. If these issues persist, they can interfere with academics and daily life. In fact, mental health problems are often cited as a top reason student veterans struggle or drop out of college. Numerous studies have found that student veterans frequently contend with complex health issues – PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or TBI – which can negatively affect their ability to engage in school. Balancing school with other responsibilities is another challenge; close to 60% of student veterans report concerns about juggling coursework with jobs, family, and life obligations [8]. On campus, veterans may feel isolated or “different” from younger classmates [8]. They’re typically older and have seen and done things most students haven’t. It can be hard to relate when your peers stress about trivial things after you’ve experienced life-and-death situations. As one VA toolkit notes, vets might feel they “don’t fit in” and struggle to find like-minded friends [14]. This is sometimes due to perceiving other students as less mature or committed. Bias or insensitive questions about their service can further alienate them.
Yet, despite these hurdles, military students have incredible strengths. Their life experience often makes them resilient, disciplined, and driven to succeed. They’ve led teams, overcome adversity, and developed a strong sense of purpose – qualities that can enrich any campus. By addressing the hidden mental health battles while also tapping into these strengths, we can help our veterans and military families not just survive in academia, but truly thrive. And one surprising tool to do that is play.
Military life is serious business – but the military has long understood the value of play when it comes to learning and coping. In fact, military forces have used games and simulations for centuries to develop strategy and skills. Early war colleges used map-based board games (like the 19th-century Prussian Kriegsspiel) to train officers in tactics. Fast forward to today, and the U.S. Armed Forces employ cutting-edge video game technology for everything from battlefield simulations to pilot training. Virtual reality (VR) combat simulators and augmented reality drills now allow troops to practice missions in immersive scenarios, honing decision-making without real-world risks. Even basic training has gotten gamified with rifle range scoring systems and tactical exercises that feel like live-action video games. The bottom line: turning training into a game boosts engagement and effectiveness. By incorporating points, challenges, and even leaderboards, gamification makes hard work fun – and the military knows motivated, well-trained service members perform better.
But beyond training, games also have profound benefits for mental health and stress relief. For deployed troops and veterans, video games aren’t just entertainment – they can be literal life-savers. A recent national survey found that 86% of veterans say gaming provides a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, and 81% say video games helped them cope with difficult times in life [8]. During active duty, 85% of servicemembers reported that playing video games allowed them to escape the stressors of military life and unwind after duty [9]. Many would gather in barracks or tents for multiplayer matches, strengthening camaraderie – 78% said gaming with fellow troops boosted morale and team spirit while deployed. It’s hard to overstate how important these digital escapes can be [9]. “An idle hobby to some is lifesaving, grounding, and even therapeutic for others,” writes a Navy veteran, noting that for many vets “gaming is much more than just a waste of time – it’s a godsend” [10].
A deployed service member plays on a handheld game console during downtime. Video games offer a valuable stress-relieving escape even in combat zones, helping troops temporarily switch off from danger and find a moment of fun.
Modern military medical research is tapping into that power of play for therapy. Perhaps the most dramatic example is the use of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) to treat PTSD. VRET uses video game-like 3D environments to help veterans gradually face and process traumatic memories in a controlled setting. The U.S. Army has invested millions in VR PTSD treatments that immerse veterans in simulated combat scenarios as part of therapy. This game-inspired approach can make therapy more approachable; because it feels similar to video gaming, it increases warriors’ willingness to participate and stick with treatment, leading to better results. In fact, war video games were the technological foundation for many VR therapy programs – a case of gaming tech being repurposed to heal the very injuries it once only depicted. And it’s working: clinical studies have shown significant reductions in PTSD symptoms using VR therapy, highlighting how gamified treatment can complement traditional counseling.
Even without high-tech VR, everyday video games provide therapeutic benefits. A Veterans Affairs study in 2019 observed a group of vets in recovery from PTSD and substance use disorders and concluded that gaming can “promote a mindfulness-like psychological escape” while also building confidence, social connection, and personal growth [11]. Several vets in the study said games helped distract them from overwhelming symptoms like suicidal ideation or drug cravings when nothing else could. In other words, playing Call of Duty or Minecraft for a while isn’t hiding from problems – it can be a healthy coping strategy that gives the mind a break and the person a sense of achievement and control. Medical researchers and therapists are increasingly recognizing what veterans themselves have known for years: games can be powerful therapy. “My fellow vets and medical researchers are using video games to treat PTSD, depression, and more, and best of all, it’s working,” writes one Wired magazine author, a veteran who credits gaming with preventing his suicide during a dark time [10].
Crucially, games also create community, which is a known protective factor for mental health. Online and in-person, gaming connects people across distances and backgrounds – and military gamers often find a tribe that gets it. Surveys show 74% of veterans say video game communities have positively impacted their mental well-being [9]. There are now thriving veteran gaming communities and esports teams (such as Warrior GMR Foundation’s tournaments and the REGIMENT Gaming community) devoted to bringing vets together through friendly competition. “We are building communities through gaming,” explains Josh Otero, CEO of the Warrior GMR Foundation, which hosts esports events for military members [15]. The mission, Otero says, is to use gaming to forge connections and improve physical and mental health in the veteran community. When a formerly-isolated veteran joins a Call of Duty match with fellow vets who’ve walked the same path, that sense of camaraderie and belonging can be profoundly healing. Play reduces isolation, breaks down barriers, and reminds our military families that they’re not alone.
Gamification isn’t only about video games – it’s about applying fun game elements (points, challenges, rewards, storytelling) to other areas of life. For military families and students, gamification can turn the often daunting task of seeking help or learning new skills into an engaging experience. Research in education has found that adding game-like features to learning can dramatically improve engagement and knowledge retention. For example, one study noted that gamified e-learning led to a 48% increase in engagement and 30% higher retention of material [16]. Simply put, we pay more attention and remember more when we’re having fun! This is especially relevant for student veterans juggling stress – a gameful approach can make wellness and study habits feel less like chores and more like challenges to conquer.
Campus counselors have even explored gamified self-care programs (like wellness quests or resilience challenges) for student vets to help them build coping skills in a more interactive way. And the military’s own Comprehensive Soldier Fitness initiative a decade ago included online resilience training modules with game-like feedback to encourage completion. The idea works because games meet people where they are – on their phones, in everyday life – and reward even small steps. A veteran struggling to fit in on campus might not attend a traditional workshop about stress management, but they might try an app that turns healthy habits into a points game. Gamification lowers the barrier to entry for getting help.
Gamification also resonates with military folks because it parallels military culture in some ways. Think of earning ranks, ribbons, and challenge coins – these are essentially achievements in the game of military life! Reframing support resources as levels to unlock or missions to accomplish can tap into a service member’s innate drive to achieve goals and improve their personal best. For example, a veteran student might set a goal to visit the campus veteran center once a week, and treat it like leveling up their support network. If that sounds silly, consider that the U.S. Navy has used actual video game-like trainers for years (like the Virtual Hospital game for medic training) because younger sailors respond to that format. Likewise, many universities now use online orientation games to familiarize new student veterans with campus resources in an interactive way, awarding badges for completing tasks like meeting with a tutor or joining a study group. The feedback is clear: when support resources are presented in a fun, gameful manner, people are more likely to use them and less likely to feel intimidated by them.
Support for military members and families comes in many forms – and knowing what help is out there is half the battle. Whether you’re a veteran returning to school, an active-duty service member taking evening classes, or a military spouse or child on campus, you have a wealth of resources available. Let’s break them down into two categories: universal federal programs and on-campus support.
Colleges and universities have stepped up in recent years to better serve those who served. If you’re a student veteran or military family member, be sure to explore the military-affiliated services your campus offers. Here are some common ones:
All these supports are there to lighten the load on military students and family members – but finding out about them and actually using them can be a challenge. That’s where an innovative approach like Digi Dash comes into play, turning resource-finding into an adventure rather than a chore.
Imagine if learning about your VA benefits or campus resources was as easy as playing a game. That’s the idea behind Digi Dash – a web-based 3D runner trivia game designed to engage and inform. Digi Dash (available free at playdigidash.io) takes the concept of an endless runner (think Temple Run or Subway Surfers) and infuses it with educational trivia questions. The result? A fun experience that can guide military members and families to the support they need.
Teams from different U.S. military branches compete in a friendly esports championship. This sense of fun and competition exemplifies how gamified activities can bring the military community together and reduce stress through camaraderie (Warrior GMR Foundation event, 2021).
So how can a game like Digi Dash help military students and families? First, it makes learning about resources engaging. Instead of reading a dull brochure about GI Bill rules, you might find a Digi Dash trivia question asking, How many months of tuition does the Post-9/11 GI Bill provide? with multiple-choice answers. Get it right quickly and accurately and earn bonus points. Pick the wrong answer, and no worries – the game will show a hint so you learn and answer again. By weaving important information into gameplay, Digi Dash leverages the power of active learning. You’re not just passively absorbing info; you’re using it to solve challenges, which dramatically improves knowledge retention.
Second, Digi Dash can reduce the intimidation factor of seeking help. Many veterans and family members admit they don’t know what benefits they have, or they feel overwhelmed by the process of accessing support. Digi Dash approaches it from a different angle: entertainment. You might start playing just for fun – maybe your campus veteran center hosts a Digi Dash competition or a Military Appreciation Month event where students and families play the game to win prizes. As you jump over obstacles and collect coins in the game, you’re also collecting knowledge about things like the nearest Vet Center location, what number to call for Military OneSource, or tips like Did you know your campus has a veterans lounge in Building B? It’s like an informative scavenger hunt. By the end of a session, you’ve not only de-stressed by gaming, but you’ve also picked up practical info on where to turn if you need help.
Third, it’s accessible and inclusive. Because Digi Dash is web-based, anyone with an internet connection and a device (phone, tablet, laptop) can play – no special gaming console or expensive gear needed. This is great for military families who are geographically dispersed. A military kid at home could play and learn about, say, scholarship opportunities for military dependents, while their parent who is a veteran plays and learns about VA home loan programs – all within the same game environment, tailored to different content. Digi Dash’s platform even allows organizations to create custom game content, so a university could design a version specifically for their military students, or a unit’s family readiness group could make one for their spouses. The game is fun for all ages, meaning a veteran parent and their child could even play together, turning resource-finding into a family activity. Laughing over who dodged more obstacles or answered more trivia questions correctly sure beats sitting through a PowerPoint briefing!
Finally, Digi Dash embodies the spirit of gamification as a connector. It can be used to foster community by hosting leaderboards or friendly contests. Envision a Digi Dash leaderboard where military students across the country compete – not just for high scores, but in the process, everyone is becoming more aware of support programs. It creates a positive buzz around what is often a dry subject. Additionally, playing a game can simply provide a mental break. A veteran who’s been studying for exams or a spouse dealing with deployment stress can hop on Digi Dash for 10 minutes of play and come away feeling a bit lighter. The game’s upbeat design, music, and quick pace give that little adrenaline and endorphin boost – a natural stress relief. It’s like a quick morale boost session on your phone.
As an example of Digi Dash’s impact, imagine a scenario: A student veteran is feeling isolated and unaware of campus support. He tries Digi Dash and learns that there’s an SVA chapter meeting on Wednesdays at the Vet Center. Intrigued, he decides to show up and ends up meeting new friends. In another scenario, a military spouse playing Digi Dash discovers a question about free counseling sessions through Military OneSource – something she hadn’t heard of. She realizes she can get help for her stress without charge, and reaches out the next day. In this way, Digi Dash serves as a bridge between the military community and the vast network of resources ready to support them, all under the guise of a simple, enjoyable game.
This Military Appreciation Month, let’s remember that supporting our military families and students is a team effort – and it doesn’t have to be tedious or somber. By embracing creativity and gamification, we can make accessing help a positive and even fun experience. The military has long used games to train warriors; now we can use games to heal and empower them. Whether it’s a soldier finding calm in a video game during a deployment, a veteran using a trivia game like Digi Dash to discover a new benefit, or a military child bonding with a parent over a playful quiz, the power of play is transforming how we approach mental wellness and community building in the military world.
As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, take the time to reach out to the military students and families in your life. Encourage them to explore the resources available – perhaps challenge them to a round of Digi Dash to kickstart the conversation! Remind them that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom and strength. Just as important, celebrate their resilience and contributions. Military kids, spouses, and veterans bring invaluable perspectives and leadership to our schools and neighborhoods. By ensuring they have the support (and supporting games!) they need, we’re investing in a brighter future for everyone.
Inspiration and Hope: The journey from combat to classroom, or from base to home front, isn’t easy – but nobody has to walk it alone. With communities rallying in support, a toolbox full of resources, and even a few games to lighten the load, our military-affiliated students and families can overcome any challenge. This month and every month, let’s continue to innovate, engage, and care, turning support into a game everyone wins. After all, when our heroes get the support and understanding they deserve, we all level up together.
Q1: What is Digi Dash?
A 3D runner trivia game that enables anyone to quickly create and deploy games in a few clicks. From military-affiliated individuals learning about support programs in a fun, interactive way, to competitive games with prizes, Digi Dash is great way to enhance engagement and outreach!
Q2: Who can play Digi Dash?
Anyone can play! Whether you are a veteran, active service member, military spouse, child, or civilian, anyone can easily jump in and start playing.
Q3: What kind of information can I include?
Anything! You can use AI to generate trivia by picking any Wikipedia topic, or uploading a PDF or Word doc. So you can create a game about the GI Bill, mental health resources, Vet Centers, Military OneSource, campus support services, and much more!
Q4: How does it help mental wellness?
Through gamified learning and friendly competition, you can destymatize seeking help, mental stimulation, and emotional relief.
Q5: Can universities customize it?
Absolutely! Schools can tailor the trivia, content, 3D heroes and obstacles, branding, and any other content to highlight their own resources and programs.
Q6: How easy is it to customize?
Super simple! There is no coding required. You can bring your own images, videos, and text. When it comes to 3D objects, we have a library of objects you can access or upload your own! We offer services for 3D object creation and animations if you need further customization.
Gamification isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for building resilience, educating communities, and supporting mental health. This Military Appreciation Month, tools like Digi Dash show that accessing help doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can be engaging, fun, and communal.
From barracks to classrooms to homes, military families are discovering that when play meets purpose, everyone wins. Let’s honor their strength with creativity, compassion, and a little gameplay.