Veteran Buddy Checks

Veteran Buddy Checks encourage Veterans to connect or reconnect with their Veteran friends–just to check in. As part of the effort, Veteran Buddy Check Week, which takes place October 21 – 25, 2024, builds on the success of the American Legion’s Buddy Check program and the Veteran Wellness Alliance’s Get Involved program.

Take the pledge

What You Can Do

Veteran Buddy Checks aim to enhance peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health, and increase access to VA and non-VA resources. Take the pledge–take the training–find buddies. Take the training before reaching out and talking to your buddies. The training helps you recognize signs of distress and educates you on available resources you can recommend if needed.

Take the pledge

Find training. Two hands holding phone with cogs on screen.

Take the training

Watch the Buddy Check Week
peer wellness training video.

Find a Buddy. Magnifying glass with silhouettes of varying colors.

Find buddies

Join TogetherWeServed and RallyPoint to ask
questions and share stories about connecting
with peers, friends, families from service.

More Resources

Learn more about VA and non-VA buddy check programs, support, outreach, and additional no-cost resources.

The American Legion

The American Legion Buddy Check aims to reconnect Veterans who may need assistance but don’t know where to go or who to ask.

Veteran Wellness Alliance

Veteran Wellness Alliance Check In helps connect Veterans with understanding mental health care professionals.

Vets4Warriors

Vets4Warriors is a military support program staffed by Veterans providing immediate, confidential, ongoing support.

Buddy Check Outreach Kit

Access resources, content examples, and social media graphics to help spread the word about 2024 Veteran Buddy Check Week.

Veterans Socials

Veterans Socials foster bonds and enhance communication among Veterans. Start a Veterans Social or find one near you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What other suicide prevention resources are available?

Developed in collaboration with VA, Psycharmor’s VA S.A.V.E. training addresses how to identify a Veteran who may be at risk and teaches viewers what to do to help. Face the Fight is a coalition of corporations, foundations, nonprofit, and Veteran-focused organizations that aim to raise awareness and support for Veteran suicide prevention.

Can Veteran caregivers participate in Veteran Buddy Check Week?

Absolutely! We’ve teamed up with the American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network to share resources with caregivers as well as the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, whose Hidden Heroes Campaign brings vital attention to the untold stories of military and Veteran caregivers.

Can Veteran survivors participate in Veteran Buddy Check Week?

Yes! We’ve teamed up with the Tragedy Assistance program for Survivors (TAPS) to provide peer-based emotional assistance and resources to Veteran loss survivors and their families through the TAPS National Survivor Helpline, available 24/7, at 202-959-TAPS (8277) and taps.org. Watch the TAPS 2024 National Buddy Check video on YouTube.

Will Veteran Buddy Check Week be an annual event?

Yes! If you have any questions or ideas, please reach out to us.

How can I watch the 2024 Veteran Buddy Check Summit?

Watch the 2024 Veteran Buddy Check Summit on VA’s YouTube channel.