What games or table traditions still show up at military reunions and veteran events?
What games or table traditions still show up at military reunions and veteran events?
One thing I remember from my Army days is that some of the best conversations never happened during the formal program. They happened afterward—around a table, over cards, while people traded stories and gave each other grief like no time had passed.
That has me wondering what reunion organizers and veteran groups are doing today to create that kind of informal fellowship.
Do you build card games, dominoes, tournaments, unit trivia, or anything similar into your reunions and conventions? What actually gets people involved instead of leaving the activity sitting untouched in the corner?
Full disclosure: I’m an Army veteran and VFW Life Member developing Grunt Spades, a veteran-rooted version of Spades based on the traditions and rules servicemembers have carried through barracks, motor pools, field sites, deployments, posts, and living rooms for generations.
I’m particularly interested in whether a casual Spades table or small tournament could work as an optional activity at military reunions, conventions, VFW and American Legion events, and other veteran gatherings. It would not need to replace any formal program—just give people another reason to sit down, compete a little, and reconnect.
The core rules manual, GS-1, is available as a free personal-use download at gruntspades.com. There is no purchase required to read or try it.
I’d genuinely appreciate hearing from veterans, reunion organizers, post officers, and event planners:
- What table activities have worked at your events?
- Would people participate in an organized Spades table or short tournament?
- What would an outside organizer need to understand before approaching a reunion committee or veteran organization?
I’m looking for honest field input—even if the answer is that the idea needs work.
SECURE THE VICTORY.