In the first four years after The American Legion launched Buddy Checks as an official program, our members have reached more than 1 million veterans and provided critical assistance.
The number of local American Legion posts conducting Buddy Check operations in those first four years has grown from 3,683 to 4,456.
Buddy Checks are not membership or fundraising calls; they are simple check-ins with veterans in the community to see how they are doing and to learn how the local post can help.
The MyLegion.org web platform contains contact information of American Legion members and former members.
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched its own National Buddy Check Week in 2023 and invites involvement from local American Legion posts.
American Legion posts are also strongly encouraged, by resolution, to make Buddy Check calls during Veterans Week (mid-November) and American Legion Birthday Week (mid-March).
Many American Legion posts have assembled Buddy Check teams that make calls monthly or even more frequently.
Buddy Check teams are urged to have at their fingertips a list of local resources available if needed.
These may be American Legion service officers, Vet Centers, VA healthcare facilities, or others who can help.
Veterans may be reminded of the Veterans Crisis Line in case they know of someone who needs urgent assistance, or if they need it themselves.
Read about how Buddy Checks work at the local level on LEGIONTOWN.ORG/BUDDY-CHECKS or SHARE YOUR OWN BUDDY CHECK STORY