About VAL

Who we are...

The Veterans Adventure League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings together servicemembers, veterans, and their families through a shared love of tabletop gaming. Our mission is to combat social isolation and prevent suicide within our community. Through collaborative storytelling and shared adventure, tabletop roleplaying fosters connection, creativity, and lasting friendships that strengthen mental and emotional well-being.

Why we exist...

What makes VAL more than simply a gaming group is our mission to combat suicide by reducing social isolation within the servicemember, veteran, and family community. Our Sentinel Team provides training and community support resources for interested members on topics including problem gambling, PTSD, opioid misuse, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges affecting the SMVF community. Most importantly, the team offers Mental Health First Aid–style training to new members. Just as everyone should know CPR or how to respond in a medical emergency, we believe community members should know how to recognize and respond to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. We teach practical tools for identifying warning signs, offering support, and encouraging individuals to seek professional help when needed. Participants who complete this training are recognized as Mental Health Sentinels... individuals who have committed to helping safeguard their community once again.

How VAL is organized...

VAL is organized into individual tables, the term we use for each group of players who gather to game together. Every table has a Table Champion, often the Dungeon Master, though not always. The Table Champion works closely with our DM Committee, which provides support ranging from Dungeon Master training to assistance in securing play locations. The Table Development Team frequently collaborates with local universities, libraries, and statewide partners such as the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. We have also received strong support from local board game and comic stores. Whether you’ve been playing D&D since the 1970s or are brand new and eager to begin, there is a place for you at a VAL table, and opportunities to step into leadership as a Table Champion when you’re ready.

Teams...

• The Sentinel Team - Provides member training and community support resources.
• The Outreach Team - Handles promotion, social media, and table outreach.
• The Steering Committee - Handles behind-the-scenes coordination and operations.
• The DM Committee - Collaborates to support table quality, share best practices, mentor new DMs.

Special thanks to...

Veterans Adventure League began with a simple idea shared by a small group of veteran gamers who believed in the power of tabletop games to bring veterans together. Early conversations among Dusty, Jeremy, John, Matt, James, Ken, and Jean helped spark the vision that would eventually become VAL.

While many people have since contributed their time, effort, and money to build and grow this community, we remain grateful to those whose initial idea helped start the journey. Their inspiration helped lay the foundation for what Veterans Adventure League is today.

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