... In Order to Live!!

Since 9-11, the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces have stepped up and answered the call to fight the Global War on Terrorism which has been going on for six years now. Some of our military members have served multiple tours (two or four) in Iraq and Afghanistan and have spent three to four years away from their families, with some paying the ultimate sacrifice.

As President of Screaming Eagle Poker, I have served two tours in Iraq and will also be heading to Afghanistan in 2008 with the 101st Airborne Division. It’s easy to see how lucky we are compared to people living in other countries across the globe and this is especially true in the Middle East.

Poker pro Amir Vahedi has experienced first hand the heartaches of being a soldier during a war, while serving in Iran’s military. In fact, the Screaming Eagle Poker (SEP) trademark slogan was inspired by Amir himself when he was quoted saying that to win a poker tournament “You have to be willing to die…In order to live!”

At the time, Amir might have been talking about his run in the 2003 World Series of Poker, but deep down maybe the voice in his head was reminding him of his prior service during the war. “Willing to die… Are you willing to risk your life? For your country, for your beliefs, or for someone else who are unable to defend themselves…“In order to live!”

Ever since the birth of our great Nation, brave Americans have answered the call to fight for the RED, WHITE, and BLUE. From the Civil War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and the War in Iraq, Americans have paid the price for the freedom we enjoy today.

For over 225 years, soldiers have enjoyed the camaraderie of playing poker with battle buddies during their down time between missions in order to mentally escape from warfare. Some might play for money, and others for smokes, bragging rights, or just for the love of the game. To me, American poker has the same distinction as baseball and apple pie.

Screaming Eagle Poker is an organization that plans to support the troops serving in this war and future wars by providing professional tournaments for soldiers who are serving in uniform. We represent all branches of service and will continue to raise money and awareness for charitable organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project.

Since soldiers and DOD civilians who play in a SEP event overseas cannot play for cash, we are dependent on sponsors to donate prizes. Bluff Magazine is one SEP’s best  supporters. They provide free magazines for the troops every month at each of the SEP locations overseas. Thanks, Eric and Eddy, co-presidents of Bluff for all your  contributions! All the soldiers are excited and look forward to reading Bluff every month.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone over at Bluff Media for raising the morale of our troops!!! It’s no surprise that Eddy Kleid, co-founder of Bluff, served in the 82nd Airborne Division as in infantry soldier back in the ’90s. Nick Geber of Bluff Radio served in the infantry and was in also in the Special Forces.

Next time you come across any of our military members currently serving or having prior service, take the time to thank them for their commitment to “Willing to die … In order to live!” TM