U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

07/02/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/02/2024 07:42

A Weekend to Remember: Celebrating Regiment Gaming and Meeting Nico Knows Tech

The Regiment Gaming Birthday event in Flower Mound, Texas, was electric, filled with camaraderie and excitement as gamers from all walks of life gathered to celebrate their shared passion. One of the highlights was discovering "Nico Knows Tech," a YouTube channel that has been making waves in the tech community with its in-depth reviews, tutorials, and tips on the latest gadgets and software.

Discovering Nico Knows Tech

Nico Knows Tech stands out for its dedication to delivering clear and concise content, helping viewers make informed decisions about their tech purchases and usage. Known for its thorough analysis and practical advice, the channel has garnered a loyal following.

Nico is a Navy Veteran who served from 1999 to 2003. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, he now resides in Costa Rica. During the event, he shared his motivation for starting the channel. "I started the channel to fill a void in the tech industry. The tech industry likes to gate-keep information and sell it to us. I realized that I knew a lot of these things and decided to just give it away for free in a way that the everyday user could do it," he said.

Nico's journey into the world of tech content creation began with a viral video, "How to Remove ANY Virus from Windows in ONE Step," which has amassed over 2.6 million views. This was a turning point for Nico, prompting him to fully commit to building a tech channel that connects with viewers on a personal level.

A Fortunate Connection: Nico and Sean "Cpl Lefty" Kallis

Nico's passion for tech and helping others led him to Sean Kallis, a Marine Corps Veteran known in the Regiment Gaming Community as "Cpl Lefty." Born just south of Seattle, Kallis knew from a young age that he wanted to join the military. His journey began with the Civil Air Patrol at age 12 before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 2008. He was stationed with MWS 373 Miramar until a life-altering accident in 2011.

The motor-t accident resulted in severe injuries, including the loss of the driver, Cpl. Sylverson Moise, and the amputation of Kallis's left arm. Following his retirement, he found solace and a new purpose in gaming. For over a decade, he adapted to using a two-handed controller with his face until Nico introduced him to the Azeron Cyro, an adaptive gaming controller that transformed his gaming experience.

Watch the inspiring video of Sean's journey: Sean's Journey with Azeron Cyro.

"Gaming is more than a controller and a screen. You can meet amazing people, find great communities, and run into opportunities," Kallis shared, reflecting on the profound impact gaming has had on his life.

Supporting Veterans in Adaptive Gaming

If you or someone you know is a Veteran interested in exploring adaptive gaming, it's worth reaching out to your local VA Recreational Therapist. Adaptive gaming can be a life-changing avenue, offering not just a pastime but a gateway to new communities and opportunities.

The Regiment Gaming Birthday event was a celebration of more than just games; it was a celebration of resilience, innovation and the enduring spirit of community. Meeting Nico and Kallis, and hearing their stories, reminded us all of the incredible potential within the world of gaming and technology.

Stay connected and keep exploring.