IN THE NEWS

VA Secretary Denis McDonough spoke to Veteran gamers at the Warrior GMR Mental Health and Gaming Summit July 12 in Washington, D.C. The summit was held in-person at Howard University’s Blackburn Center and streamed on Twitch and Discord. The summit represented a unique opportunity for participants to engage with the latest initiatives in mental health and gaming culture.

 “The Warrior GMR Foundation was created with a unique vision to craft a platform where gamers, service members, and military Veterans could engage in purposeful play and meaningful interactions that inspire improved mental health resilience,” said Josh Otero, founder and chairman of Warrior GMR. 

The summit hosted insightful panels with leading gaming experts and included topics such as “Gaming for Wellness and Resilience,” “From Virtual Healing to Mission Readiness” and “United Front: From Battlefield to Mindful Engagement.”

During the event, VA Secretary McDonough underscored how VA works for Veterans and how it’s adapting to meet their needs.

“We need to change VA to fit in Veterans’ lives,” McDonough said. “We know that 75% of all households have a gamer, 45% of service members are gamers, and being invited into your gaming spaces allows VA to fight for you where you are at. Taking care of you is VA’s sacred obligation, to connect you with the benefits you earned and richly deserve. Bottom line, Veterans who get their health care at VA have better health care outcomes. Like gaming, we believe keeping score is important and one way we do this is through our trust score. We are proud to say that over the past 10 years, Veterans’ trust in VA has increased from 80% to 91.8%. This is important as we focus on mental health, being there for you in crisis and beyond.”

Through Veteran gaming network Discord channels, VA staff routinely share VA information and answer questions with Veterans.

“The Warrior GMR Foundation hosts Warrior Wednesdays, where a representative from VA hosts a live townhall session to answer questions Veterans have and bring guests from various departments to explore the benefits VA has to offer,” said Otero.

Contact:
Josh Otero
Founder and Chairman

Warrior GMR Foundation
Email: josh@warriorgmrfoundation.org

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Washington, D.C. – Set against the enigmatic backdrop of the International Spy Museum, the Warrior GMR Foundation is thrilled to unveil the “Warrior GMR Mental Health and Gaming Summit.” Scheduled for July 12th and 13th, this pioneering summit is a vibrant homage to our nation’s heroes—veterans and active-duty service members. It's an exploration of the symbiosis between gaming culture and its transformative effects on mental health.

An Unprecedented Fusion of Gaming and Wellness

The summit unfolds with thought-leader panels on July 12th, addressing “Gaming for Wellness and Resilience,” “Unified Front: From Battlefield to Mindful Engagement,” and “Narratives of Transformation in Games”, followed by a distinguished VIP Reception and Auction. The excitement peaks on July 13th with a competitive gaming tournament and an Awards Ceremony that celebrates the therapeutic power of gaming and honors outstanding contributions to veterans' mental health.

Why Partner with Us?
Aligning with the Warrior GMR Foundation positions your organization at the vanguard of a revolutionary cause—integrating mental wellness with the immersive world of gaming. 

Partnership benefits include:

Visibility: Anticipate an in-person audience of 300 and an online viewership ranging between 250,000 to 500,000, ensuring significant exposure.

Engagement: Connect directly with an audience comprising veterans, active-duty members, and HBCU students, showcasing your support for mental health initiatives.
Influence: Join a vital movement and impact positively on the lives of our service members and veterans.

Networking: Engage with key thought leaders and influencers across the veteran, gaming, and mental health sectors.

A Rallying Call for Support:
Prepare for keynote speeches that inspire, gaming tournaments that captivate, and a cause that deeply matters. The “Mental Health and Gaming Summit” promises to be more than just an event—it’s a mission to champion mental health through the universal language of gaming.

Join Us in Making a Difference:
Don’t miss the chance to be part of a transformative journey. Secure your partnership today and play a pivotal role in this empowering cause. For more details on partnership and attendance opportunities, please visit: Warrior GMR Foundation.

Let’s Game for Wellness. Let’s Play to Support. Let’s Make an Impact Together.

About the Warrior GMR Foundation:
The Warrior GMR Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of veterans and active-duty members by leveraging the therapeutic potential of gaming. Our goal is to foster an inclusive community where gaming drives wellness, resilience, and camaraderie.

Contact:
Josh Otero
Founder and Chairman

Warrior GMR Foundation
Email: josh@warriorgmrfoundation.org

Editor’s Note:
High-resolution images, logos, and interviews with Warrior GMR Foundation spokespeople are available upon request. Enhance your coverage with our exclusive resources.Press Release

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Warrior GMR Foundation Presents: The Recon C.A.R.E. Companion Program

Empowering Veterans, Military, First Responders, and Civilians Through Innovation and Empathy

Welcome to a new frontier of support for our heroes and community members. The Warrior GMR Foundation, under the visionary leadership of Josh Otero and the technological prowess of Kairi Jaye Sariah, proudly introduces the Recon C.A.R.E. Companion Program. This pioneering initiative redefines peer-to-peer support, integrating advanced technology with the warmth of human connection, extending its service to veterans, military, first responders, and civilians alike.

About Recon C.A.R.E. Companion Program

At the heart of our program is the Recon C.A.R.E. bot, a revolutionary tool designed to offer immediate support to those facing distress. Operating through Discord, this bot detects signs of distress and swiftly connects individuals to trained peer supporters, ensuring no one has to face their struggles alone, regardless of their background or profession.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We are on a mission to expand our reach and impact, and we invite you to join us. Whether as a volunteer or supporter, your contribution can provide a lifeline to those in need. Together, we can create a community where empathy and innovation create a beacon of hope for veterans, military personnel, first responders, and civilians alike.

Get Involved

For more information on how you can contribute to the Recon C.A.R.E. Companion Program, visit our Discord at https://discord.gg/wgf

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Why Volunteer?

Make an Immediate Impact: Your involvement provides real-time care and support to individuals in distress.
Be Part of a Community: Join a network of compassionate individuals dedicated to making a difference.

Leverage Technology for Good: Help us utilize groundbreaking technology to extend a helping hand to those in need, regardless of their background or profession.

Become a Volunteer Today!

Your support can change lives. Visit Warrior GMR Foundation to learn how you can join our volunteer team and contribute to this life-saving initiative.

Contact Us: josh@warriorgmrfoundation.org, kairi@warriorgmrfoundation.org 

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Warrior GMR Foundation and HomeTeam Forge Partnership to Strengthen Warrior GMR’s new Recon C.A.R.E  Program

Warrior GMR Foundation is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with HomeTeam, a strategic alliance aimed at bolstering the Recon C.A.R.E Program, a peer-to-peer initiative dedicated to supporting veterans. This collaboration will bring about a new era of mental health and well-being support by leveraging the strengths of both organizations.

HomeTeam, under the visionary leadership of CEO Sam Dorison, is known for its commitment to creating impactful solutions for veterans. The integration with Warrior GMR Foundation's Recon C.A.R.E Program is a testament to their dedication to offering innovative and meaningful support to those who have served.

Josh Otero, Chairman, and Founder of Warrior GMR Foundation, remarked, "Our partnership with HomeTeam, guided by Sam Dorison's insightful leadership, is a game-changer for the Recon C.A.R.E Program. Together, we are setting a new standard for veteran support services."

This partnership will enhance the Recon C.A.R.E Program's reach and efficacy by incorporating HomeTeam's advanced resources, including targeted training modules and sophisticated AI technology. These tools are designed to foster an environment of understanding and support among veterans, addressing crucial issues such as mental health, community building, and crisis management.

Sam Dorison, CEO of HomeTeam, added, "Joining forces with the Warrior GMR Foundation is a proud moment for all of us at HomeTeam. We are excited to integrate our platform with the Recon C.A.R.E Program to create a robust support system for our veterans."

The collaboration promises to provide a seamless, user-centric experience that respects the unique needs and privacy of each individual. With a shared commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans, Warrior GMR Foundation and HomeTeam are poised to deliver a comprehensive support system through the RECON Care Program.

For more information on the partnership or to learn how to get involved with the Recon C.A.R.E Program, please visit https://warriorgmrfoundation.org . 

Josh Otero – josh@warriorgmrfoundation.org 

https://hometeam.reflexai.com/contact

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Warrior GMR Foundation Introduces Recon C.A.R.E Companion Program: A Peer-to-Peer Innovative Veteran Support Program

Under the guidance of Founder and Chairman Josh Otero, Warrior GMR Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the Recon C.A.R.E Companion Program. This significant initiative marks a breakthrough in peer-to-peer support, thanks to the ingenious efforts of Kairi Jaye Sarah, the Community Development Director at Warrior GMR Foundation. Her dedication and technological acumen have led to the creation of the Recon C.A.R.E bot, a critical component of the program.

The Recon C.A.R.E Companion Program, fueled by the Recon C.A.R.E bot, provides instantaneous support for veterans and individuals in crisis. Operating through Discord, the bot is designed to detect signs of distress and immediately connects the individual to a trained peer supporter. This swift, empathetic response is vital in providing real-time care and preventing potential crises.

Kairi Jaye Sarah's contribution to the program is monumental. Her innovative approach in developing the Recon C.A.R.E bot demonstrates the foundation's commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good. The bot's ability to provide immediate, human connection is a testament to the foundation's vision of combining technology with compassion.

Josh Otero reflects on the program's inception, stating, "With the launch of the Recon C.A.R.E Companion Program and the incredible work done by Kairi Jaye Sarah in developing the bot, we are ushering in a new era of support for our community. This program embodies our mission to provide a lifeline to those in need and reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and empathy."

The Warrior GMR Foundation is actively seeking volunteers and supporters to expand the reach and impact of the Recon C.A.R.E Companion Program. By joining forces, the community can ensure that no veteran or individual in crisis has to face their struggles alone.

For more information about the Recon C.A.R.E Companion Program, or to learn how you can contribute to this life-saving initiative, please visit https://warriorgmrfoundation.org/.

Winchester, Va. – Shenandoah University, in collaboration with its esports programs, SU’s Veterans, Military and Families Center (VMFC) and the Warrior GMR Foundation, is hosting a two-day esports event in honor of Veterans Day.

The event centers around the Warrior GMR Veterans Day Valorant Invitational and Smash Bros Open, which will be played in Shenandoah’s Esports Arena on the university’s main campus in Winchester, Virginia, Nov. 10-11.

Professional esports teams from the Army, Navy, Space Force, Air Force and Coast Guard will challenge SU’s esports team, Regiment Gaming and the Gold Star Gamers, a team composed of teens who lost a military parent. “We are honored to include the Gold Star Gamers in this event,” said Josh Otero, chairman of the Warrior GMR Foundation. “The kids have paid a sacrifice most of us can’t comprehend. We want them to know on this Veterans Day, and every day, they are supported and included in our military community.” 

Gold Star Gamer teens will travel to Virginia from all over the U.S. to compete. They will receive a VIP tour of SU’s esports program and participate in a special on-campus dedication ceremony in honor of their late parents. 

“Shenandoah University is committed to supporting our nation’s military veterans and their families, and we’re proud to partner with the Warrior GMR Foundation and Gold Star Gamers to provide an opportunity for hope and healing through gaming,” said Shenandoah University Provost Cameron McCoy, Ph.D., who is a U.S. Army veteran. “SU is excited to incorporate this event into our HIVE groundbreaking ceremony on Veterans Day, and we look forward to making the participants a part of the day’s celebration.”

The Warrior GMR Veterans Day Valorant Invitational and Smash Bros Open is being held in collaboration with community and industry partners, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, SHI and Microsoft. Contact Josh Otero at josh@warriorgmrfoundation.org for more information on sponsorship and collaboration opportunities.

The Warrior GMR Foundation has partnered with UKnightedXP to build and amplify its mission of promoting health, wellness, and community-ship through gaming. 

Tragically, every day 22 American veterans commit suicide. Studies show that gaming can help veterans cope with combat-induced trauma, alleviate stress, and help them to socialize and bond with others. According to the USO, about half of active military and veteran video gamers play video games to deal with military-related stress.

Concurrently, we are in the middle of a youth suicide epidemic. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34. 75% of high school and higher education students reported worsened mental health over the past couple of years. Video games have also proven to help reduce stress and anxiety in the youth population, but games alone can’t solve this epidemic. This is where Warrior GMR Foundations mission of community-ship comes in to help connect the dots.

Josh Otero, Founder and Chairman of The Warrior GMR Foundation “The Warrior GMR Foundation was created to help active and veteran military warriors and gamers, by promoting health, wellness, and community-ship through gaming and UKnightedXP is a great partner to help us amplify our message and expand our platform. We are extremely excited to start working with them”.

UKnightedXP, Inc. (UKXP) is a 501(c)3 charity nonprofit organization that offers strategic consultant services in support of our charitable mission of ‘advancing the world through gaming, education, and charity.’

Mitchel Reed, President and CEO of UKnightedXP and retired Army Veteran and gamer ”The Warrior GMR Foundation is a tremendous undertaking, and UKnightedXP is proud to publicly announce this collaboration. We are here to support this incredible effort and mission! #WePlayForTheWorld”

The Warrior GMR Foundation and Clever Health have come together to address two of the most pressing issues facing active duty and veteran military warriors and gamers: anxiety and depression.

Tragically, every day 22 American veterans commit suicide. Studies show that gaming can help veterans cope with combat-induced trauma, alleviate stress, and help them to socialize and bond with others. According to the USO, about half of active military and veteran video gamers play video games to deal with military-related stress.

Concurrently, we are in the middle of a youth suicide epidemic. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34. 75% of high school and higher education students reported worsened mental health during the pandemic. Video games have also proven to help reduce stress and anxiety in the youth population, but games alone can’t solve this epidemic.

The Warrior GMR Foundation was created to help active and veteran military warriors and gamers, by connecting them with the resources and mentorship to cope with mental health challenges. As the organization began touching thousands of lives via their i​​ntergenerational, recreational gaming, and amateur esports competitions, people started reaching out for more help. Seeking a platform their gamers could access for greater mental health support, Warrior GMR Foundation connected with Clever Health. 

Clever Health is a health tech startup based in Scottsdale, Arizona, that has developed an AI- driven smart app that offers 24/7/365 asynchronous virtual care, mental health chat support, and RX savings. The app allows the individual to engage with Bella confidentially and privately, the free mental health chatbot, who listens and intuitively responds to the user. 

A recent study by Johns Hopkins found that 92% of users moved toward recovery using the same technology that Bella leverages. Feedback in testing with soldiers gave Clever Health the confidence the technology was working:   

"Before I talked with you I felt like my world was coming down on me but after we talked and I did that exercise it helped me a lot."

"You were able to help me when most ppl can't"

Bella shares coping mechanisms based on emotions expressed but does not, at any point, diagnose the user. Bella’s protocols are based on American Psychological Association’s PHQ-9 and GAD-7, which work especially well when combined with the anonymity Bella offers. In a recent study conducted by USC, service members reported twofold to fourfold more symptoms and higher interest in receiving care via anonymous virtual human interviewers than from standard assessments. 

“This is a badly needed tool that has been missing for too long. Overcoming the mental health stigma is especially tough in the military, so the privacy and AI chatbot is a great option,” said Dr. John Drozd, Mental Health Committee Chairman of the Warrior GMR Foundation.  “We know gamers really well and they tell us they like the personalized chatbot technology and the flexibility of when and how they want to interact. It seems to be a perfect fit,” said Josh Otero, Founder & Chairman of the Warrior GMR Foundation.  

“We are excited to be helping such an important audience as the military and gamers. We love that the more they use our free tool, the more that can be donated back into the Warrior GMR Foundation to help others. We know this audience likes to win and values paying it forward just like we do,” said Jim Lewis of Clever Health. 

The app will be launched to the military and gamer community at the national Warrior GMR Cup and Brain Health Summit on August 20-22, 2021, at The Jacquard Hotel, 222 Milwaukee St in Cherry Creek, Denver, CO 80206. Click here to download and use the app. If prompted, enter Group # 7045 and Member # 1010.