New Jersey Legionnaires walk to support Buddy Checks, Be the One
The American Legion Department of New Jersey held a Buddy Check/Be the One 1K Suicide Awareness Walk on June 7 during its department convention in Wildwood. Legion Family members walked along the Wildwoods Boardwalk that is lined with shops and visitors.
The walk “was good, and we got the message across,” said Chuck Robbins, past New Jersey National Executive Committeeman. “We had good publicity and definitely adding Be the One to it this year made a huge difference.”
The day before the walk, department members conducted two Buddy Checks – one was on Harry Weimar, who was a seven-time Wildwood Post 184 commander and just arrived home from the hospital for diabetes and heart issues. Department leadership visited Weimar at his house.
“The whole neighborhood was there and his family. He was speechless and very appreciative,” Robbins said. Weimar had been instrumental over the years in helping with the department convention and assisting hurricane victims. “It’s not forgotten what you’ve done for The American Legion,” Robbins told Weimar. “Know we’re here for you.”
Weimar called Alternate National Executive Committeeman Gene O’Grady up before the Buddy Check/Be the One walk. “He said it was the first time in two years that he woke up with a smile” thanks to the Buddy Check, O’Grady said. “It really makes a difference to do that Buddy Check. Reach out to your veterans … if you see someone that’s proud to wear their (military branch) shirt thank them for their service. Who knows, the interaction you have may change their life.”
The other Buddy Check was on Mary Jo Burkhard, incoming Department of New Jersey vice commander who is battling pancreatic cancer. “We all wanted her to know that we have her back,” Robbins said. Other department vice commanders and incoming Department Commander Larry Bishop took Burkhard and her family out to breakfast for the Buddy Check.
“I knew you would have my back anyway,” Burkhard said to the Legionnaires. “But to tell me that you have my back and give all the hugs, I love hugs .. hugs are great because they are great therapy for me. Thank you.”
Bishop told Burkhard, “it’s going to be a good year. Like everyone says, we’re going to have your back.” Burkard responded with “you’re going to make me cry.”
“Don’t worry about us, because we’re here for you. Remember Be the One. We’re (that one) for you,” said incoming Department of New Jersey Vice Commander Sophia Lorena Santiago-Dmoch.