As part of the STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting an inaugural Buddy Check Week October 16 – 20, 2023. During Buddy Check Week, we invite all Veterans to complete peer wellness, resiliency, and VA S.A.V.E. training with a pledge to contact or Talk to 10 Veterans. Our goal is to support peer networking, increase access to Veteran resources, improve mental health, promote suicide prevention, and build connections. VA and partners will provide training tools, resources, and other forums to ask questions and share stories about Veterans connecting with peers and battle buddies.
Everyone can be part of the solution by checking in with the Veterans in their life and encouraging them to reach out if they need help. Many of your friends may be doing well, while others may need assistance from the community or VA in some way. Share the 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) phone number, VA.gov/REACH website, and VA Welcome Kit as gateways for needed resources.
1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) can help your friends with health care, community care, memorial affairs, crisis, debt management, facility locator, benefits assistance, homelessness, and PACT Act information. Sharing the VA Welcome Kit may also prove helpful for your buddies who need more information on VA services and benefits.
Get Prepared Now
Start by accessing the VA S.A.V.E. training here: VA S.A.V.E. (psycharmor.org). In just 30 minutes, you'll be better equipped to reach your buddies and friends offering the support they may need.
Find Friends
Explore new ways to find your battle buddies and friends using Together We Served and RallyPoint. Check out other Veteran serving organizations efforts such as Buddy Check | The American Legion and the Veteran Wellness Alliance Check In to get involved.
Veterans Crisis Line
Your battle buddies and friends from service may be experiencing a variety of stressors in their life. It's important to have the right resources handy when talking about life--past, present, and future. The Veterans Crisis Line is the fastest way to get help if your buddy is in crisis or at risk of killing themselves.
Dial 988 then Press 1 if you encounter a friend needing help now.