VA, in support of The Strong Veterans Act of 2022, has dedicated a week to organize and facilitate Veteran connections, outreach and education around peer wellness, crisis prevention and community. This week is appropriately titled “Buddy Check Week” and will be held soon from Oct. 16 to 20.
Regardless of creed—“No one left behind” (Marines), “I will never leave an Airman behind”(Air Force), “I am a warrior and a member of a team” (Army), “…on the strength of one link in the cable, dependent the might of the chain” (Laws of the Navy), or “I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril” (Coast Guard)—our strength is in standing together, and our resilience is fostered in community.
Buddy Check Week is a call to action for all Veterans to reaffirm their bonds and the connections that unite them across the nation.
In advance of Buddy Check Week, VHA will be training to equip Veterans to outreach peers across the nation. The training provides information on a wide range of resources, as well as how to navigate connections to support those who may be at-risk. We ask that all Veterans pledge to check in with up to 10 of their Veteran peers during Buddy Check Week. VA’s goal is to ensure that no one is left to navigate the inevitable challenges of life alone. The tools and resources provided are there to help Veterans connect to the benefits they have earned, to foster community and to help take the first steps in getting support when it is needed.
Click here to Take the Buddy Check Week Pledge.
The number 1-800-MyVA411 is always the right number to assist Veterans, their families, caregivers and support networks in connecting to a broad spectrum of VA resources. The “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” website also provides resources tailored to the needs of each person—from career supports, financial resources, relational and parenting supports, navigating health challenges, life transitions, pursuing educational needs or a wide range of other issues. Knowing how to connect is the first step toward success. Sharing the VA Welcome Kit will also be helpful for your buddies and friends that need more information on VA services and benefits.
Get prepared now
VA training and resources for Veterans and anyone who wishes to participate, including Veteran family members, survivors and caregivers, will be provided to prepare them for an impactful week that will bring Veteran peers together, decrease isolation and support crisis intervention. Start by accessing VA S.A.V.E. Training, and you will be better equipped to reach your buddies and friends, offering them the support they may need.
Check out efforts by other Veteran serving organizations, such as Buddy Check | The American Legion and the Veteran Wellness Alliance Check In, to get involved.
Questions on VA’s Buddy Check Week can be sent to vets-experience@va.gov.
Finding friends and sharing stories
Explore new ways of finding your battle buddies and friends using Together We Served and RallyPoint. VA will be facilitating forums on Together We Served and RallyPoint to ask questions and share stories of Veterans connecting with peers, friends and families from service. Stay tuned!
Veterans Crisis Line
We are strongest together. Checking-in and being equipped with how to connect to resources can save a life, save a family and change the future of a community for generations to come. For those with an immediate need, regardless of whether they are enrolled in VA benefits or health care, the Veterans Crisis Line is the fastest way to get help for someone in crisis or at risk for suicide. Dial 988 and Press 1, Text 838255 or Chat online if you encounter a friend needing help now.
Community partner support
Community Partners and Veteran serving organizations are encouraged to host their own peer wellness webinars, share buddy check resources and provide the call to action to reach up to 10 Veterans during Buddy Check Week. For partner outreach support, please email vaveocommunications@va.gov
Please join us in creating a successful Buddy Check Week. The kickoff begins on Oct. 16!
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Hi Frank God, will bless you! and you will Thank Him. I love You and My God.
I would like to copy and share the buddy check article. Not the whole mail. It seems unable to just select just that piece
Why are the pictures all black people? They not 10% of the core. Who wrote this article?