National Veteran Buddy Check Week urges military reconnections Oct. 21-25
Once reliant on each other in the line of duty, U.S. military veterans can still be there for one another thanks to the STRONG Veterans Act of 2022.
“On Oct. 21-25, we will join the VA in observing National Veteran Buddy Check Week,” said Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jenna Sanchez.
The purpose of the week, established by the STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, is to enhance peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health and increase access to VA and non-VA resources.
“Many of your service buddies may be doing well, while others may need some encouragement,” Sanchez aid. “Whether it’s a call, a text or a shared conversation over coffee, reaching out does make a difference.”
“We encourage veteran family members, caregivers and survivors to also participate,” she added.
“Many of us are well-meaning when it comes to keeping up with our military friends, but life can have us very busy at times,” Sanchez continued. “National Veteran Buddy Check week is a great way of remembering that we should reaffirm our bonds and connections that unite us across this great nation.”
“If you aren’t sure what to say or how to go about reconnecting with former military friends, please watch the training video on YouTube,” Sanchez said.
Buddy week is all about having each other’s backs. This training will help veterans and other participate recognize the signs of distress and educate them on available resources that can be recommended if needed.
Visit the VA’s website on Buddy Checks for a list of valuable resources, including how to share buddy checks, how to reconnect with battle buddies and friends and more. Details are available by clicking HERE.
A free way to find former service members is by using the Together We Served website: Buddy Finder where veterans can enter a keyword or number of a unit, base, ship or squadron they served in so that they can view their friends’ names and service history, as well as make contact.
Rally Point also invites veterans to reach their friends and experience Buddy Week.
The VA will be facilitating forums on both of the above mentioned sites to ask questions and share stories of veterans connecting with peers, friends and families from service.
Additionally, the VA’s Veterans Experience Office – VetResources Community Network – is hosting the first Veteran Buddy Check Summit with the American Red Cross from 8-10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The half-day event will feature a Buddy Check town hall meeting with VA Secretary Denis McDonough and include presentations from various organizations like The American Red Cross, the American Legion, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and American Corporate Partners.
For information on watching the online summit, click HERE.
Any veterans in crisis are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line for round-the-clock confidential support. Callers do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to connect. Just reach out to responders by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Chatting online also is available at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or by texting 838255.
Veterans in search of local support may turn to Together With Hill Country Veterans (TWHCV) at 411 Meadowview Lane in Kerrville. It may be reached by phoning 830-315-5012 or by emailing admin@twhcv.org.