In the news

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Mission Daybreak Challenge is a 10-year strategy to end Veteran suicide through a comprehensive, public health approach. In response to a call for proposals in 2022, ICT’s MedVR and Integrated Virtual Humans teams proposed Battle Buddy for Suicide Prevention, an AI-driven mobile health (mHealth) application tailored exclusively for Veterans.

The virtual human (VH) component of Battle Buddy is a computer-based dialogue system with virtual embodiment, utilizing various multi-modal language cues such as text, speech, animated facial expressions, and gestures to interact with users. Inspired by the U.S. military practice of assigning fellow soldiers as partners to provide mutual assistance in both combat and non-combat situations, the name “Battle Buddy’’ symbolizes this app’s mission.

 Veterans are both disproportionately CEO’s and homeless Military officers are over-represented among the ranks of CEOs. Chief executives who served as military officers constitute 8.4% of the S&P 500, compared to only 3% of all US adult males who served as officers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIy1-7L6v-A

American Legion Be the One manager Tony Cross shares advice about how to communicating with veterans - or anyone - who may be in crisis.

Christopher set up his own YouTube channel, Bayonet X-Ray, where he plays video games live for 22 minutes at sunrise each morning—representing the 22 veterans that die by suicide each day.

While gaming, Boehm shares strategies for combating PTSD and depression, daily motivation, and tips on healthy eating and breathing. He also provides general camaraderie for isolated veterans.

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/veteran-transition-to-civilian-life-through-video-gaming/

Connecting with others online through gaming. 

CBS 60 Minutes (June 2024) included a report on children living with veterans with PTSD. Children at War https://youtu.be/ceB5WrkZCls?si=6hqnAvuw3NBt_HkM 

“The US Government is doing a better job of helping over 600,000veterans with PTSD, but less well known are the millions more that are in need, but that remain hidden, they are the children living with injured veterans. PTSD can be contagious.”ness offers? Say it here.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a great example of the power of gaming – and more broadly technology – to help make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Through our partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, we are bringing the Xbox Adaptive Controller to VA rehabilitation centers across the country, enabling veterans with limited mobility to experience the joy of gaming. Here’s the powerful story of one veteran, Michael Monthervil, who is using the Adaptive Controller to once again play video games with his friends.