Urge Congress to endorse ‘Buddy Check Week’

Urge Congress to endorse ‘Buddy Check Week’

Dear American Legion Family Members and Friends,

I am honored that there is bipartisan support in Congress to establish a “Buddy Check National Week of Calling” that is modeled after our successful initiative. You can easily help persuade your members of Congress to approve this by clicking here to use our Action Center.

Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Doug Jones, D-Ala.; and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., are joining forces to pass this legislation aimed at combating veteran suicide. The bill would require VA to establish a “Buddy Check Week,” as well as provide educational opportunities, materials, and references for veterans to learn how to conduct personal wellness checks.

Additionally, the bill compels VA to expand resources for the Veterans Crisis Line to handle any potential increased usage during the designated week.

As a nation, our most sacred responsibility is to care for our fellow men and women who served this nation with honor. The American Legion strongly supports the passage and implementation of this program by VA.

Ernst, who retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She understands the importance of such a program.

“As a combat veteran, I know the challenges our servicemembers face after returning to civilian life,” she said. “In the Senate, I’ve continued to work across the aisle to support these heroes by expanding access to mental health services.”

The American Legion launched a "Buddy Check Week" a few years ago. That has since been expanded and encourages Legionnaires to conduct veteran outreach as part of their daily routine. The idea is to reconnect with veterans who may need assistance but don't know where to go or who to ask.

We’ve seen successful stories arise out of buddy checks, before and during the pandemic. Thanks to these efforts, older veterans have received assistance in getting food and medicine, as well as having a comforting voice to talk with even for a few minutes.

Just think if that goodwill could receive the support of Congress and VA. The help veterans receive from buddy checks would skyrocket. Help make this a reality by contacting your senators and representative and tell them to cosponsor and support S.4657/H.R.2898 today. It takes just a few moments by visiting this link, https://votervoice.net/AmericanLegion/Campaigns/77447/Respond.

Thank you for your support of our American Legion programs, legislative agenda and, of course, our brothers and sisters in arms.