Making spirits bright

Dear American Legion Family members and friends,

The Christmas and New Year holidays bring feelings of joy, hope and renewal across the nation. Families share in their blessings. Friends reunite. Children and adults alike have their wishes come true.

But for some, the season’s joy remains out of reach.

The holiday season can be a tough time for those dealing with mental illness. The added stress may compound feelings of despair. They may have lost a significant other and feel isolated. There may be other factors that could lead them to a downward spiral.

The American Legion’s Be the One initiative calls on everyone — veteran, servicemember and civilian — to take the appropriate action to intervene when a veteran’s life may be at risk. As part of those efforts, the Legion’s Buddy Check program is vital throughout the year but takes on a greater importance during this time.

(For immediate help, dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.)

I encourage all American Legion Family members to consider performing at least one “buddy check” during this holiday season. A simple phone call for a wellness check on a veteran who may be alone at this time of the year will brighten their day, reinstill hope and lift them from despair.

You might even say Buddy Checks can go a long way in “making spirits bright.”

National Commander

Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola