'VFW Offered Exactly the Kind of Support I Needed'

When he was young, Air Force veteran and VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" recipient Jonathan Huntley became deeply fascinated by the world of video games and computers.

The first game he ever played, the 1989 A-10 Tank Killer, had Huntley instantly hooked on the idea of creating digital worlds. After growing up exploring other video games, Huntley knew that he needed to create his own.

After serving with the 702nd Munitions Support Squadron at Büchel Air Base in Germany, Huntley was deployed to Kuwait, that reinforced to him the importance of teamwork, readiness and resilience which were all skills that he uses in game design today.

"That deployment remains one of the defining chapters of my military career," Huntley said.

Video games have been proven to help veterans struggling with PTSD and feelings of isolation by providing a sense of camaraderie through playing games with others, managing stress and replacement of harmful habits such as substance use.

Huntley, who serves as junior vice commander for VFW Post 7635 in Gustine, California, was able to count on the VFW for financial support when pursuing his dreams.

"As my VA education benefits were nearing the end, I began searching for scholarships that would allow me to continue my education without financial strain," Huntley said. "VFW offered the exact kind of support I needed. The application process was straightforward, and I was honored to be awarded the scholarship not once, but twice."

Huntley is currently finishing his bachelor's degree at the University of Silicon Valley in San Jose, California. His plan is to develop his own video game studio alongside the University.

"My goal is twofold: to build the games and stories I've always wanted to tell and to create a place where struggling students can gain real industry experience, build their portfolios and start their careers with confidence."