Buddy Checks work
American Legion Post 184 Commander Norman Marlin was sitting in his office at the post home in Wildwood, N.J., when department and national leadership walked in the morning of June 8. They were there to do a Buddy Check on him.
“We know you’ve been through some tough times, we love you, we love what you’ve done for The American Legion here in New Jersey, Cape May County, this post here for many, many years,” said Chuck Robbins, a past Department of New Jersey commander and National Executive Committeeman, to Marlin. “We know you’re a valuable part of this whole department and everything The American Legion does for our community, our veterans, our programs. We just want to show you how much we care about you and love you. We’re here for you.”
Marlin was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in November 2021, and recently completed radiation and chemotherapy.
“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for coming. I appreciate it. I appreciate it a lot,” said an emotional Marlin. “You don’t know how much it touches my heart.”
Those surrounding Marlin for the Buddy Check included Robbins, immediate past Department Commander Daniel Dunn, National Vice Commander Cory Bates, Department Assistant Service Officer Judith Morales, NECman Berley Hanna Jr., Alternate NECman Eugene O’Grady, newly elected Department Commander Steve Fisher and Master-at-Arms Randy Grizzard. Leadership was in town for the Department of New Jersey’s convention at the Wildwood Convention Center, located just a few blocks from Post 184.
“You were one of the guys who got to mentor me and show me some of the things, and that’s why I appreciate everything you’ve done, everything you continue to do,” Dunn said to Marlin.
“In good times or bad times, you know that your comrades are here for you,” Morales reminded Marlin. He responded, “Absolutely.”
Accolades for his dedication to The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion were given by others, which left Marlin speechless and filled with emotion. As his fellow Legionnaires left, Marlin reflected on the Buddy Check. “That was awesome. I will be paying that forward too. It meant a whole lot to me.” And for his fellow veterans to take the time to check in on him “means something … that will always mean something to me.”
At American Legion Post 1170 in Round Lake Park, Ill., newly elected adjutant Gregory Corcoran has been a Legionnaire for 15 years but previously was not well enough to be actively involved with the post. “When that changed, I got involved,” he said. “I thought making Buddy Checks was the best way to introduce myself to the membership, make sure my members came through the pandemic in good shape, and see if there was anything they needed. Some of the conversations were short and sweet but others lasted over a half-hour. It was awesome to speak with these comrades, shoot the breeze or share their struggles.
“That’s what we, who served, have always done. Sometimes you just need to take a knee and acknowledge the struggles. Bring it in, close ranks and listen. I think that’s what some veterans miss … the willingness of a comrade to share the ups and downs, the struggles and the trials. It’s what connects us and in these times, we need to stay connected.”