Tinker Airmen Bonding Over E-Gaming, Thanks to AFA Grant

AFA’s Central Oklahoma Gerrity Chapter used an F2 grant to invest in a popular pastime for young Airmen at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City: competitive e-gaming.

The Air Force Gaming League is the official gaming program and competition hub for the U.S. Air and Space Forces, which was launched to promote camaraderie, mental acuity, and competitive excellence among Airmen and Guardians. Until recently, Airmen at Tinker had to drag TVs from their dorm rooms to play games with their friends in common areas. Now, thanks to a $1,000 grant from AFA’s F2 program and $500 of Gerrity’s own funding, Tinker has a dedicated area and equipment for e-gaming.

“The Gerrity Chapter’s support of the Department of Defense’s Air Force Gaming initiative is a unique and exciting way to build resilience and community among our Air and Space Forces family,” said Christine Brown, AFA’s senior manager of community outreach.

In total, the Gerrity Chapter purchased two Nintendo Switch consoles, two multiplayer games, a 65-inch high-definition TV, a 24-inch portable monitor, and durable cables for setup and transport.

“By investing in high-quality equipment, AFA has shown its appreciation for the hard work and dedication of young Airmen,” said Neil Goldstein, Tinker’s Air Force Gaming ambassador and a member of the base’s 72nd Air Base Wing. “As Airmen gather to play games, they will be able to unwind, socialize, and recharge, ultimately contributing to a more positive and supportive community.”

“The Gerrity Chapter was happy to support Air Force Gaming,” said Gerrity Chapter President Tim Frisby. “Causes such as this fall right into our mission of supporting the Warfighter.”

Learn more about AFA’s quality-of-life grants and how they’re impacting Airmen, Guardians, and military families around the world.