Quick Facts:

• LinkedIn Profile

• Military Branch/Service: U.S. Air Force

• Current Gaming Role: Head of Business Development at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming

• Favorite Military Travel Location: Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait

🇺🇸 Military Service Summary

A 1997 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, DJ served in a defense acquisitions finance role in the GPS program office in Los Angeles. He also deployed to Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait during 9/11, experiencing intense, 24/7 operations at the “tip of the spear.”

🤝 Mentorship & Influences

His Air Force Academy head football coach, Fisher DeBerry, was a major role model who significantly shaped DJ’s approach to personal conduct, family values, and managing deep professional relationships.

🎰 First Role in Gaming

DJ entered the gaming sector through of chance and military pedigree. DJ was hired at Roth Capital Partners, a small cap-focused investment bank in Newport Beach, CA, to work on the Sales & Trading team. An Academy classmate, Todd Eilers, was at Roth as an analyst covering Gaming Equipment Suppliers. Given the career overlap at both the Academy and on active duty (both earned the MBA at Loyola Marymount while on active duty) he naturally gravitated to Todd’s work. While at Roth Capital, Todd partnered with industry legend Frank Fantini to launch the industry’s largest quarterly slot manager survey, providing unique insight into slot floor trends and industry developments. Through a series of management roadshows and capital raises, industry relationships developed within the gaming industry. The survey quickly became a must-have for equipment suppliers and institutional investors alike. In 2012, Todd Eilers launched Eilers Research, which would become Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, and brought in DJ to lead business development efforts in 2014.

💡 Advice for Fellow Veterans

Don’t get “myopically focused” on one career lane; broaden your experience across different sectors to increase your value. He also encourages veterans to always mention their service to quickly build rapport, disarm conversations, and level up networking.

Listen and watch our short interview

Thank you DJ for your service to the nation!

Quick Facts:

• LinkedIn Profile

• Military Branch/Service: U.S. Army (2012-2016)

• Current Gaming Role: VIP Relationship Manager at Pavilion Payments

• Favorite Military Travel Location: Arlington National Cemetery

🇺🇸 Military Service Summary

Rob enlisted as an 11 Bravo Infantryman and was selected out of basic training to join the prestigious Old Guard. Serving at Arlington National Cemetery and throughout the National Capital Region, Rob’s unit was responsible for military funerals, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and executing ceremonies at the White House and Pentagon. His time in the honor guard ingrained a strict “no-fail” mission mentality and the importance of practicing until excellence becomes autopilot.

🤝 Mentorship & Influences

Rob credits Staff Sergeant Lane—a Louisiana native who served during Hurricane Katrina and deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq—as a pivotal mentor. Staff Sergeant Lane taught Rob essential leadership principles, the crucial difference between those who work and those who merely watch others work, and how to balance professional duties with raising a family.

🎰 First Role in Gaming

After working as a security guard and in the scrap metal industry, Rob joined the gaming industry during the COVID-19 pandemic as a customer service agent for Barstool Sportsbook at Penn Entertainment. He rapidly worked his way up to managing the customer service department, leveraging his military skills to train new agents and maintaining a number-one-rated customer satisfaction team.

💡 Advice for Fellow Veterans

You are more qualified than you think. Rob stresses the importance of dropping the “chip on your shoulder” and never being afraid to ask for help, noting that 99% of fellow veterans in the industry are eager to support and assist their brothers and sisters in arms. He also encourages veterans to remain calm under pressure, set the standard, and stay focused on the task at hand.

Listen and watch our short interview

Thank you Rob for your service to the nation!

Quick Facts:

• LinkedIn Profile

• Military Branch/Service: U.S. Army National Guard

• Current Gaming Role: Chief of Staff to the Tribal Council at Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation

• Fun Fact: Was a member of the All-Guard Marathon Team

Military Service Summary

Liberty served in the Army National Guard, transitioning from an enlisted chemical specialist into a logistics officer, eventually retiring with the rank of Major. She credits her military service for instilling the discipline, adaptability, and goal-oriented mindset needed to navigate complex challenges in the civilian world.

🤝 Mentorship & Influences

A pivotal mentor in Liberty’s career was Colonel Amy Klima, who provided crucial guidance and support as she transitioned into leadership and navigated the new responsibilities of becoming an officer.

🎰 First Role in Gaming

Before ascending to her current role bridging strategy and execution for the Tribal Council at Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Liberty built her gaming industry foundation working as the Marketing Director for Shoshone-Bannock Gaming and later in product marketing and management for Aristocrat.

💡 Advice for Fellow Veterans

Maintain an open mind and actively cultivate professional relationships. She encourages veterans to appreciate the entertainment-focused nature of the gaming sector and emphasizes that finding a niche where you can thrive is the key to success.

Listen and watch our short interview

Thank you Liberty for your service to the nation!

Quick Facts:

• LinkedIn Profile

• Military Branch/Service: U.S. Navy

• Current Gaming Roles: Owner Morgan Specialties; Consultant at Gaming Capital Group

• Favorite Military Travel Location: Seychelles

Military Service Summary

Casey served as a master helmsman on a destroyer and a surface search and rescue swimmer. His time in the Navy taught extreme responsibility and how to adapt to fast-paced, high-pressure situations.

🤝 Mentorship & Influences

Casey credits boatswain mate Chief Glover for teaching communication and mission focus, and Commanding Officer Derek Granger, whose unwavering belief in his ability to pass rescue swimmer school provided the confidence to succeed.

🎰 First Role in Gaming

He broke into the industry through an unpaid internship at Gaming Capital Group, where the small-company environment allowed for rapid learning and career acceleration.

💡 Advice for Fellow Veterans

Take calculated risks and don’t live with the regret of “what if.” He also highly recommends mastering artificial intelligence tools to level the playing field and stay competitive.

Listen and watch our short interview

Thank you Casey for your service to the nation!

Follow Veterans In Gaming on LinkedIn for great updates!

We will be handing these out at G2E! Get both and be proud!

Veterans in Gaming will host 3 events: a Fun Run/Walk, Happy Hour, Networking on the Floor!

#1: A Fun/Walk Run on Monday morning at 7am at G2E!

Our promise to you:

• We’ll start right on time, since we know people have full days

• We don’t move too fast, since there are no medals awarded after the walk or run! :)

• We’re going just over 1 mile on the walk, 2 miles for the run

When: Monday, Sep 28th, 7am PDT

Where: The Venetian Las Vegas, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV, US, 89109Rat Pack Statue

Route: Google Maps HERE

#2: Monday Happy Hour at Gilley’s

When: Monday 4-6pm PT RSVP here

Where: Gilley’s inside Treasure Island: Map

What: Meet other Veterans in the Industry

#3: Wed Sep 30th 2-3pm Networking at the G2E Networking Lounge

Time: Wed, Sep 30th 2-3pm PT

Where: G2E Networking Lounge. See map below!

Mission: To connect, support and foster the professional development of Veterans in the Gaming Industry and have fun while we do it.

Vision: Create THE connective tissue for Veterans in Gaming

Core Values: Candor with Kindness, Resourcefulness, Responsible Gaming, Member Growth

Quick Facts:

• LinkedIn Profile

• Military Branch/Service: U.S. Navy

• Current Gaming Role: Regional Account Manager at Incredible Technologies

• Favorite Military Travel Location: Malta and Mallorca, Spain

Military Service Summary

Mike served as a sonar technician on the USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55), an Aegis-class guided missile cruiser. Alongside operating and maintaining sonar equipment, Mike was part of the gunnery crew operating 50-caliber and M60 machine guns, and he served on the visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team. After Desert Storm, his unit enforced UN sanctions in the Persian Gulf, famously intercepting a vessel carrying 3,000 metric tons of illegal Iraqi oil. He credits his Navy service for instilling a “trained OCD” for attention to detail, professionalism, and maintaining a sharp appearance.

🤝 Mentorship & Influences

A good friend and neighbor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, who was also a Navy veteran, provided crucial early guidance. This mentor helped steer Mike toward joining the Navy out of high school and, years later, helped him secure his first job in the casino industry.

🎰 First Role in Gaming

Mike transitioned from repairing fax machines in Orlando to working as a slot technician. On his very first day, despite never having worked on a slot machine, his boss handed him a set of keys and told him to go “figure it out”. Fortunately, the technical training he received in the military enabled him to adapt quickly and successfully troubleshoot complex mechanical issues on the casino floor.

Listen and watch our short interview

Thank you Mike for your service to the nation!

Quick Facts:

• Linked In Profile

• Military Branch/Service: U.S. Army (1989-1991)

• Current Gaming Role: Security Director at Prairie Band Casino Resort

• Favorite Military Travel Location: Germany

Military Service Summary

Chuck served in the US Army working with Lance missile systems, which had nuclear capabilities, while stationed in Germany. Military service instilled discipline, the importance of appearance, and the necessity of maintaining “command presence.” Today, Charles continues to serve the veteran community as the commander of American Legion Post 410.

🤝 Mentorship & Influences

Chuck experienced profound mentorship during times of stress from fellow veterans who offered perspective and support. Today, he actively pays that forward, frequently mentoring younger tribal members and viewing the guidance of youth as a critical professional and personal responsibility.

🎰 First Role in Gaming

Following the expansion of Indian gaming in 1996, Chuck started in the industry as a gaming inspector for the tribal gaming commission at Prairie Band Casino. His career began in a temporary building with a bingo hall and 200 slot machines, eventually leading to three decades of leadership.

💡 Advice for Fellow Veterans

Maintain a positive attitude and learn how to navigate and “play the game” to succeed. Chuck also advises that the hardest—and most important—part of management is learning to navigate diverse personalities and understanding human behavior.

Listen and watch our short interview

Thank you Chuck for your service to the nation!

Leave a comment

Veterans in Gaming is now established.

Getting this off the ground while running Chalkline hasn’t been easy… but anything worth while never is!

OUR MISSION

To connect, support, and foster the professional development and success of veterans in the gaming industry - and have fun while we do it.

OUR VISION

To become the connective tissue for veterans across the international gaming industry: casinos, tribal gaming, sports betting, iGaming, technology, media, and suppliers.

Quick ViG update:

• Mission, Vision, Values are clear (Read 1 pager here)

• Most the admin is done (501c3, Bank acct, Social handles, etc.)

• Our LinkedIn Page is up. (Join now if you haven’t!)

• We have been holding events at G2E for years (Happy Hours and Fun Runs)

This spring and summer we expanded and starting holding Wellness Events at every conference that I attended:

• April 2026: Indian Gaming Assoc Expo Wellness Event. Epic. Can’t say enough about this event except I’m grateful to Chairman Bean and the conference.

• June 2026: Class 2 Gathering at Prairie Band Casino. Our first 4 digit donation! Gotta start somewhere and thank you Prairie Band Casino!

• June 2026: Washington Indian Gaming Association held their NW Gaming Expo and promoted our ViG Wellness Event. Thank you!

• July 2026: Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Conference were extra special to ViG. They gave us a meeting room, a education session to share ViG, promotion of our Wellness Event and a meeting room. It was more support that I ever expected. Thank you!

I have interacted with so many Veterans in our industry that have the most amazing stories that need sharing.

Some about their service, some about Gaming, some just about life. All of them have all inspired me keep building ViG and get the word out!

Now I need your help!

• Share your story with the community. They want to hear it, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable sharing it.

  • Read the interview questions. I would love you to fill it in

  • Email me Daniel@chalklinesports.com

  • Book at time in my calendar for 15 mins (very short, i promise)

Spread the word, hit me up on LinkedIn and….

More to come about G2E shortly!

Dan

Service

Branch: Marine Corps

Favorite location visited while serving: My favorite duty station was Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego where I had the honor and privilege of contributing to the Marine making process.

Gaming

First job in gaming: Consultant, Indirect Tax with KPMG LLP

One sentence of advice to other vets making the move into gaming: Be a go-getter, always take initiative, make decisions in the absence of leadership, jump at any opportunity to take on more responsibility, and always be adding value to the team.

Connection

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalanicreutzburg/

Service snapshot: What branch did you serve in, what was your role/MOS, and how many years did you serve?

I served 12 years in the Marine Corps as a logistician and reached the rank of Major.

Why you joined:

I grew up in a Marine Corps household as the son of a Master Sergeant. On my 18th birthday, my dad gave me the ultimate tough-love send-off: “You’re a grown man now. Time to leave the house and find your own way. I would tell you to join the Marine Corps… but I don’t think you have what it takes.” Then he just walked away like he’d dropped the mic.

That line lit a fire under me faster than any recruiter ever could. So much so that I went the Officer route just so my dad had to salute me.

Most formative experience:

Serving as a young Captain at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego was the most formative experience of my career. I had the privilege of working alongside the top 10% of the Corps, transforming young men into United States Marines. Over the course of that tour, I played a direct role in the development of more than 1,800 recruits. Few things in life compare to the weight and satisfaction of knowing you helped build part of America’s warfighting machine.

Skills that carried over:

My time as a logistician in the Marine Corps taught me how to lead people toward a shared mission with urgency and precision. That same leadership style now serves me in the gaming industry: rallying teams, building ownership, and driving results… just with fewer push-ups and slightly better coffee.

Hardest part of the shift:

My transition out of the Marine Corps wasn’t the smoothest. It took me a long time to readjust to life outside the installation gates and stop feeling like the obvious outsider in the room. I worked hard to blend in with others, trading “oorah” for small talk and learning that not every meeting requires a battle rhythm.

These days, I take it as a high compliment when people are surprised to learn I’m a Marine veteran. It just means I’ve come a long way… even if I still instinctively check my watch like we’re about to miss movement.

Advice to other vets:

If you’re a veteran thinking about moving into the gaming industry, understand this first: you already bring something most civilians your age never will - the proven ability to handle real responsibility under pressure. You’ve managed logistics with millions on the line, led teams through uncertainty, and made decisions that mattered. The gaming world needs that exact mindset.

Believe in yourself. Don’t downplay your leadership, discipline, and adaptability just because the uniform is gone. Network with other vets already in the industry, highlight your transferable skills, and be ready to learn the business side. But never forget: you’re not starting from scratch. You’re bringing battle-tested strengths most people your age simply don’t have. Own that confidence; it’s one of your greatest advantages.

You’ve got what it takes. Now go prove it again.

How You Can Help Support Veterans in Gaming

Join the group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-in-gaming-vig/

If you’re a member or would like to support our mission, please connect with us at daniel@chalklinesports.com or kcreutzburg@kpmg.com

Thanks for reading Veterans In Gaming! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

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Our Fun Walk/Runs and Happy Hours have brought together former and current US servicemen and servicewomen in Gaming AND those special people that actively support veterans in one way or another.

Event #1: IGA + Veterans in Gaming Happy Hour

Join us for our Happy Hour Networking Event — a chance to grab a drink, meet great people, and have conversations with other Veterans in our industry.

When: Monday, March 30, from 4-6pm PST

Location: Kansas City Barbeque - 600 West Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101

RSVP: Sign up here (it’s free but please register!)

Sign Up for Happy Hour

Event #2: IGA + Veterans in Gaming Fun Walk/Run

2025 was our first IGA Fun Walk/Run event and we had amazing weather!

Come join us for the 2nd annual Fun Run/Walk this year!

When: Tuesday, March 31st, 7am PST

• Start Time: 7am

• Start Location: The Grand Stairway - 11 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

• Walk Turn Around(1 mile): Tuna Harbor Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tv27cTWnwz2eXEmX8

• Run Turn Around(1.3 miles): Pier 22 at USS Midway https://maps.app.goo.gl/rprSs3AjaDyuEzJRA

• Finish: 30-45 mins The Grand Stairway

  Fun Run/Walk Sign up

Represent Veterans in Gaming with a Ribbon or Pin

Be sure to ask Kalani or I about getting one of the Ribbons and we will have Pins for the show as well!

How You Can Help Support Veterans in Gaming

1. Join the group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13097324/

2. If you’re a member or would like to support our mission, please connect with us at daniel@chalklinesports.com or kcreutzburg@kpmg.com

Our Fun Runs and Happy Hours have brought together former and current US servicemen and servicewomen in Gaming AND those special people that actively support veterans in one way or another.

Veterans in Gaming is a community built to connect veterans who have successfully transitioned into the gaming industry.

Our mission:

• Acknowledge and appreciate the service of our members.

• Foster strong camaraderie within the community.

• Create opportunities for others in this dynamic industry.

We actively support organizations like Operation Responsible Gambling, recognizing the higher risk of gambling addiction among our fellow sisters and brothers who are serving or have served.

Our goals are simple: to connect, support, and foster the professional development of veterans in gaming—and to have fun while doing it.

I challenge you to get involved.

Help a veteran secure their first role in the industry, offer personal and professional support, and join us at events that blend purpose with fun(or exercise).

The strong community of US veterans is fundamentally driven by service—service to one another.

Again, I extend my deepest gratitude to all Veterans for your past service, and for the service you will continue to provide in the years ahead.

How You Can Help Support Veterans in Gaming

1. Join the group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13097324/

2. If you’re a member or would like to support our mission, please connect with me at daniel@chalklinesports.com.

First, THANK YOU to all those that support Veterans in Gaming across the industry!

While we are just getting started with our awareness, connections and adding value to those in Veterans In Gaming, this past week at IGA was full of connections for Veterans.

Quick updates from an excellent Indian Gaming Tradeshow in San Diego.

ViG Fun Run on Tuesday Apr 1st

Great turn out for the 1st Fun Run at #IGA2025 and an excellent way to “get a sweat" and meet others who served or support those who served in our industry!

Thanks to Liberty Reyes for the LinkedIn post.

And Richard as well!

ViG Networking on Apr 2nd

We gathered together again for a drink on the show floor at the Digital Play Summit that was fully supported by the Tradeshow.

Thanks, Ed Gallo!

Keep your beads for the next one! 🙂

Veterans in Gaming Ribbons

Great to see so many supporters wearing their Veterans in Gaming Ribbons on their badges!

How You Can Help Support Veterans in Gaming

1. Join the group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13097324/

2. If you’re a member or would like to support our mission, please connect with me at daniel@chalklinesports.com.

3. Check in on our 2025 Events & Conferences Calendar: if we’re there, we’re going to connect Veterans. Ping me and we’ll connect.

Ideas / Food for Thought for ViG from IGA

• Frances Alvarez: what if we create a quiet area for Veterans at each trade show? Love this idea!

• Rick Armstrong: connecting Veterans every time we turned around.

• IGA: really leaned into Veterans in Gaming. Thank you!

Until the next one!

Dan

Just a quick reminder on our mission, vision and values:

Mission: To connect, support and foster the professional development of Veterans in the Gaming Industry and have fun while we do it.

Vision: Create THE connective tissue for Veterans in Gaming

Core Values: Candor with Kindness, Resourcefulness, Responsible Gaming, Member Growth

We’re kicking things off in 2025 with 5 events!

Events #1 & #2: IGA 2025 - April 1 & 2

Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention

March 31 - April 3, 2025 — San Diego, CA

#1: Our first event will be a Fun/Walk Run on Tuesday morning at 7am at IGA!

Our promise to you:

• We’ll start right on time, since we know people have full days

• We don’t move too fast, since there are no medals awarded after the run :)

• We’re going just over a mile as a group

When: Tuesday, April 2, 7am PDT

Where: In Front of the Convention Center Sign Google Maps

#2: Our second event: Happy Hour on the Tradeshow Floor at DigitalPlay Summit

Time: Wednesday, April 2 from 3pm to 5pm

Where: DigitalPlay Summit Area

Swing by the Chalkline Booth (Find us here at Booth #K2621) on Wednesday to pick up your Veterans in Gaming badge, and beverages are on us, starting at 3pm!

About the Event:

The Indian Gaming Association is excited to introduce the DigitalPlay Summit, featuring iGaming and sports betting exhibits and content sessions taking place on the show floor of the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, April 2 - 3 at the San Diego Convention Center. Join us for this new event bringing together the sports betting and iGaming industry to shape the future of the North American online gambling market. Learn more here.

Event #3: SBC Summit Americas - May 12, 2025

SBC Summit Americas

May 13 - 15, 2025 — Fort Lauderdale, FL

When & Where: Details TBD!

Event #4: Casino Marketing Tech Happy Hour - July 29, 2025

Casino Marketing & Tech Conference

July 29 - 30 — Temecula, CA

When & Where: Details TBD!

Events #5 & #6: G2E Fun Run & Happy Hour

Huge event for our industry and a great way to wrap up the conference season.

#5: 5th Annual G2E 2025 Fun Run for Responsible Gaming

For every person that registers here, we donate $20.25 to Operation Responsible Gaming.

Some quick housekeeping items:

🏃 It's more of a leisurely trot than a "run."

🙋 It's for a great cause.

🚀 It's the single best way to kick off G2E with a bang!

💯 100+ runners/walkers over 4 years can vouch for that

📅 When: Monday, October 6 at 7am PT
📍 Where: Rat Pack Memorial Plaque in front of the Venetian

Please complete this simple entry form and we'll keep you posted.

Register for the Fun Run

#6: 4th Annual Chalkline G2E Happy Hour at Gilley’s

This event is held in conjunction between Chalkline, Veterans in Gaming and a few close partners.

📅 When: Monday, October 6 at 4pm PT
📍 Where: Gilley’s Saloon & BBQ

🎟️ RSVP details to follow

Have any questions?

Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn.

Look forward to seeing you this year!

“We need to learn to set our course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship.”
– Omar Bradley

We’re getting traction in 2025, so to begin the year right, we’ll start with this.

Mission, vision and values

Mission:

To connect, support and foster the professional development of Veterans in the Gaming Industry and have fun while we do it.

Vision:

Create THE connective tissue for Veterans in Gaming.

Core Values:

• Candor with Kindness

• Resourcefulness

• Responsible Gaming

• Member Growth

Veterans in Gaming Plans for 2025

Every journey starts with a single step.

Our steps this year will include:

• Officially incorporating as a non-profit

• One in-person event per quarter at industry conferences

• Building a long-term plan for sustainability

3 Simple Ways to Get Involved

1. Join our LinkedIn community.

2. Subscribe to this Substack.

3. Reach out to veterans in the industry and let them know we’re getting started.

Look for additional posts and updates each month as we get going.