How it all started

So, the year was 2016, I was in the Army Band as a trombonist, and loving it! I didn't know it yet but, that year would be the biggest turning point in my life. By the end of the year I was having issues playing my instrument. Things weren't working as they should. I made the first of many doctors appointments to figure out what was going on and, just a little while later, I got news that would forever change my life.

I started playing trombone when I was only 9 years old. I played in all the usual groups growing up and loved all of it. I ended my senior year in high school with a plan to major in music when I attended college. I went to a small college in North Carolina where I met my wife Vanessa. Shortly after graduation I auditioned for, and was accepted to, the United States Army as a musician. I could not have been happier.

After 13 years, thousands of performances, many friendships, two children, and lots of adventures, I found myself sitting in the office of a very capable neurologist. she explained to me that I would lose my ability to do the only thing I had ever done; play my trombone. At 34 years of age she diagnosed me with a condition called Focal Embouchure Dystonia, and I was devastated. It is a condition where the neurons responsible for moving the muscles in and around my lips no longer work as they should. She told me I was unable to perform my duties in the Army Band and that she would recommend me for medical seperation. A year later the Army thanked me for my service and sent me on my way.

I left the service with lots of doubt, fear, depression, anxiety, and not a clue what I was going to do with the rest of my life. After some success, some failure, and everything in between, I found Arcade Machines. I purchased four Arcades at government auction, learned to fix them, and sold them. I learned a lot, including what direction I wanted to take my life.

Four years later, here I am, trying to start a gaming company at the onset of a pandemic induced economic depression, and I couldn't be happier. I love this job and everyone I get to meet because of it. I look forward to the future of this company and I look forward to working with you. Thanks so much for reading.

Yours in gaming,

Clifford Miller