Today, I salute Army Veteran Melissa Allen. After serving in Afghanistan as a signal systems repair specialist, Allen struggled to find purpose following her 2015 medical discharge. During deployment, she used her tech skills to connect soldiers through gaming, something that later became a lifeline in civilian life. Allen found support and belonging through DAV Chapter 7 in Lincoln, Nebraska, where fellow veterans helped her reconnect and navigate benefits. Now a DAV life member and volunteer advocate, she uses gaming platforms like Discord and Twitch to reach younger veterans, build community, and share resources. Allen says gaming keeps camaraderie alive and helps veterans feel connected, supported, and understood again. Thank you for being there for other Veterans, Melissa, and THANK YOU for your service.