Man on the phone (Photo: Ekaterina Bolovtsova)

Buddy Check Week is set to kick off from October 16 to October 20, encouraging Veterans to reconnect with their fellow Veterans, friends, and peers to provide support and check on their well-being.

This campaign, a product of the STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, builds on the success of The American Legion’s Buddy Check program and the Veteran Wellness Alliance’s Get Involved initiative. It welcomes participation from all Veterans, their family members, caregivers, Veteran service organizations, and accredited representatives.

The objective of Buddy Check Week is to reinforce peer-to-peer connections among Veterans, promoting mental health, and expanding access to vital resources provided by the VA. Those participating in Buddy Check Week are encouraged to undergo training to recognize signs of distress and familiarize themselves with the resources available to recommend to their buddies in times of need.

The American Legion’s Buddy Check program has been a cornerstone of this nationwide effort. Launched as an official program, it has achieved remarkable success, with American Legion members reaching out to more than one million Veterans and providing essential assistance. Over the years, the number of American Legion posts conducting Buddy Check operations has grown substantially, from 3,683 to 4,456, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in supporting Veterans within local communities.

It is essential to emphasize that Buddy Checks are not focused on membership or fundraising efforts but are simple well-being check-ins with Veterans to inquire about their welfare and assess how the local post can provide assistance.

In 2023, the VA launched its own National Buddy Check Week and actively encourages participation from American Legion posts, including those in California. This collaborative approach aims to maximize outreach and support for Veterans in need.

American Legion posts have adopted resolutions, urging them to conduct Buddy Check calls during Veterans Week in mid-November and American Legion Birthday Week in mid-March. Many posts have established Buddy Check teams that make calls on a monthly or more frequent basis. Buddy Check teams are advised to maintain a list of local resources readily available to assist Veterans in need. These resources include American Legion service officers, Vet Centers, VA healthcare facilities, or other support avenues.

In case of urgent assistance requirements, Veterans are reminded of the Veterans Crisis Line.

More information on The American Legion Buddy Check program can be found here along with updated resource materials available for download. Instructions on organizing teams and using the national membership database to contact Veterans is available here.

By engaging in Buddy Checks, Veterans and their supporters can contribute to improved mental health and overall well-being within their communities.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.