Air Force gaming visits the Tango Alpha Lima podcast

The Air Force gaming community is the subject of this week’s American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, featuring guest Erin Rich.

The California native is now a sustainment manager for Air Force Esports and Virtual Fitness. The inclusive gaming community, which is for all airmen and Space Force guardians, allows participants to find common ground through video games. Volunteers run the program, creating tournaments and finding other ways to bolster their community.

Rich, who joined the Air Force in 2008, describes herself as an old school gamer from the late 80s and early 90s era who played on an old Atari, as well as Nintendo and Sega systems.

During the pandemic, the Air Force gaming community expanded and Rich was brought on to oversee it. Right now about 21,000 are participating.

“Gaming is just so much more than just the nerds,” she said. “It is mostly about the community and the camaraderie, and the togetherness that we are focusing on. We don’t focus on recruiting. We focus on retention and community.”

Learn more about the Air Force gaming community, what’s next for Esports in the military community, and more in this week’s episode. Watch on YouTube or listen here

It is among nearly 100 Tango Alpha Lima podcasts that are available at this web page. You can also download them on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or other major podcast-hosting sites. You can also view all of the episodes on the Legion’s YouTube channel.