Paul Stayback
Founder
U.S. Army combat veteran of the Iraq War and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (MSW, University of Washington). Paul started VTG in 2025 so veterans would have a standing table and people expecting them.
Built by veterans, for veterans
Why we gather
We're working to reduce veteran suicide. A weekly game night gives veterans a reason to leave the house, people who get it, and friends who check in. The cards are just the excuse.
Nonprofit details
- Legal name
- Veterans Gathering
- DBA
- Veterans: The Gathering
- EIN
- 41-4241762
- Status
- 501(c)(3) public charity, recognized March 2026
- PO Box 783, Monroe, WA 98272
Leadership
Bowser Hickenbottom
Board member
Software engineer, formerly at Microsoft and Amazon. Bowser volunteers at the VA and is a Friend of Combat Veterans International Chapter 6. He learned Magic at a VTG table, and was once a tiger handler.
Nate Eisele
Board member
Finance executive and CFO of FUNBOY, with an MBA in Finance from the University of Washington. Nate brings financial strategy and operations experience to the board.
Julia Stayback
Board member · Marketing advisor
Senior Strategy Manager at T-Mobile with nearly 20 years in brand marketing, including strategy for T-Mobile's Military rate plan. Julia advises VTG on outreach and storytelling.
Joshua Madland
Board member
Joshua started playing Magic in 2013 and always dreamed of owning a card shop, which became Core Cards & Collectibles in Wenatchee. With family in the service, he loved the idea of VTG and made his shop one of its original locations.
In the news
- EDHREC Veterans The Gathering Brings Vets and Magic Together
- Northwest Public Broadcasting Veterans find healing and community through Magic: The Gathering Also in The Wenatchee World
Keep a seat open.
Every seat is free for veterans. Your gift buys decks, supplies, and new tables.
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.