With Buddy Check Week just around the corner – October 21-25, 2024 – it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of staying connected, especially for veterans. This initiative, supported by the VA, emphasizes the significance of veterans reaching out to one another to foster mental health and ensure that no one feels alone. Let’s dive into what Buddy Checks are, why they matter, and how you can get involved this week.

What Are Buddy Checks?

Buddy Checks are informal yet intentional check-ins between veterans. They can be a simple phone call, text, or meet-up to touch base, see how each other is doing, and offer support when needed. The concept is grounded in camaraderie, recognizing that shared military experiences create a unique bond between veterans, one that can provide comfort, understanding, and strength.

For many veterans, transitioning to civilian life can be challenging. Feelings of isolation, struggles with mental health, and the pressures of finding a new purpose outside the military can lead to emotional distress. Buddy Checks help counter this by encouraging veterans to reach out to one another, ensuring that no one has to face their challenges alone.

Why Buddy Checks Are Important

The veteran suicide crisis in the U.S. is sobering, with rates far exceeding those of the general population. Studies show that veterans are often more comfortable opening up to fellow service members who understand their unique experiences. A Buddy Check, even if it’s just a quick conversation, can be the catalyst for someone seeking professional help or simply serve as a reminder that they’re not alone.

These check-ins also help veterans maintain their sense of community and camaraderie. By fostering regular contact, veterans can continue the bonds they developed in service, providing a vital source of emotional and mental health support. 

How to Do a Buddy Check

Participating in a Buddy Check is straightforward. Here’s how you can get involved during Buddy Check Week or any time:

• Reach Out: Contact a fellow veteran, whether they served with you or not. Social media, phone calls, and in-person meet-ups are all great options.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Go beyond “How are you?” and ask questions like, “What’s been on your mind lately?” or “How have you been adjusting since leaving the service?”
• Listen Actively: Sometimes, just listening can make all the difference. Let them share their thoughts, experiences, and feelings without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.
• Offer Resources: If your buddy needs additional help, be prepared to guide them to resources. While the VA offers many mental health services, you can also point them to organizations like America’s Warrior Partnership or the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
• Follow Up: Buddy Checks aren’t a one-time thing. Regular check-ins help sustain the bond and provide ongoing support.

How Buddy Check Week Helps

Buddy Check Week is a national movement that encourages veterans to connect with one another. It’s an official campaign that provides guidance and support on how to conduct meaningful Buddy Checks. The week promotes awareness of veteran mental health issues, suicide prevention, and the resources available to veterans.

This initiative gives veterans the opportunity to foster their sense of responsibility for one another, reinforcing the idea that no one should face their struggles in isolation. By engaging in Buddy Checks, veterans not only help their peers but also contribute to a larger cultural shift toward mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the veteran community.

Mission Roll Call’s Role in Buddy Check Week

At Mission Roll Call, we believe in the power of community and connection. Our work focuses on amplifying the voices of veterans and advocating for their well-being. 

As part of our Mission Roll Call community, we invite you to take part in Buddy Check Week by reaching out to a fellow veteran. You never know how much of an impact a quick call or text could have on someone’s day — or even their life. Let’s stand together and ensure that no veteran feels alone.