American Legion Post 32 in Nebraska makes 446 Buddy Checks on March 15.
Around February of 2025 American Legion Post 32 in Papillion, Neb., staged a Buddy Check effort that went well enough the post decided to make it an annual effort.
They chose March 15 of this year for their next effort, which also happened to fall on the start of The American Legion Birthday. In addition to making 446 Buddy Check calls over the course of the day, those who showed up to make the calls also got to enjoy cupcakes to celebrate the organization’s 107th birthday.
The Buddy Check effort was organized by Becky Manahan, Post 32’s finance officer and chaplain. “We did Buddy Checks last year around the February time frame,” she said. “We wanted to make it an annual event, and it just happened to be last Sunday when we hosted it this year. It wasn’t our original intent (to combine the effort with the Legion birthday), but it worked out well.”
Buddy Checks are an opportunity to reach out to veterans who may need help in the community. Forms of help range from delivering food and medication to letting veterans who may be confronting mental health and well-being challenges know that help is available. Get resources to conduct Buddy Checks here.
And though they are encouraged to be made around both The American Legion Birthday and Veterans Day, there’s never a bad time to make a Buddy Check.
Manahan said Buddy Checks aren’t just an opportunity to check on a veteran, but also to reach out to those who have not been to the post recently. “We really know that national is pushing Buddy Checks, and we thought it was a great opportunity to reengage with our members,” she said. “Probably a lot of posts have the same issue: We have 500, 600 members on our roster, but the same 12, 13 show up every meeting. This is just to reach out with engagement and really try to get to know them without any obligation on their part.”
The March 15 Buddy Check calls were made by 10 people, which included both members of the post’s American Legion Family and members of the community. Each caller was provided with both a phone script and voicemail script. “(We) really just thanked the member for their service, asked if they needed anything, and also we took the opportunity to try to update their contact info to make sure we have the most recent on our records,” Manahan said, adding that the reactions they got from those on the receiving end of the Buddy Check calls were “very positive. Probably a little bit of shock – ‘Oh, I don’t need anything. I’m good. Thanks for checking.’ Just gratitude and appreciation across the board.
“A few members did have questions or need things. We took down their contact info, and we’ll circle back and make sure they get the resources or point them in the right direction.”
The following are some other ways The American Legion Family commemorated the Legion birthday. Those American Legion posts, districts or departments who conducted their own events are encouraged to share them on www.legiontown.org. And if those efforts included Buddy Checks, please email sbrooks@legion.org with the details of your effort.
Alabama
In Fairhope, members of American Legion Post 199 celebrated the birthday at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The ceremony included special congressional recognition from U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, a proclamation from Spanish Fort Mayor Brad Bass and remarks from Alabama Legionnaire Van Hubbard.
Arizona
In Peoria, John J. Morris Post 62’s birthday celebration included a cake from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62.
Indiana
· In Beech Grove at American Legion Post 276, members of the 11th District celebrated the birthday during the district’s Membership Blitz. During the Membership Blitz, Legion Family members make calls to delinquent comrades and work on placing department headquarters post members into local posts.
· In New Carlisle, American Legion Post 297 hosted a birthday celebration that included guest remarks from Third District Commander Tracy LeVay.
· In Greenwood, Centennial Post 1919 hosted a birthday celebration that included ceremony recognizing the organization’s history, a cake-cutting ceremony and a special showing of “Sergeant York.”
· In Portage, American Legion Post 260’s birthday celebration included a reminder of the Legion’s role in its community, as well as a recognition of outstanding community members. The post recognized its JROTC Cadet of the Year, as well as its Police Officer, Firefighter, and EMS Provider of the Year. There also was a tribute to women veterans.
Kansas
In Derby-Haysville, John M. West Post 408 handed out its annual awards during a birthday celebration. The awards included the presentation of the Legionnaire of the Year, as well as the One More Thing award – the top honor presented by the Sons of The American Legion.
New York
In Wellsville, Morrison Hayes Post 702’s American Legion Family celebrated the Legion’s birthday that included remarks from Post Commander Yvonne Simmons, a meal and a presentation of awards to various members of the post’s Legion Family.
Philippines
In Angeles City, Allen “Pop” Reeves American Legion Post 123 celebrated the 107th birthday of the Legion with a cake-cutting ceremony that also included a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
South Korea
In Seoul, Lewis L. Millett American Legion Post 38 had a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 107th birthday of The American Legion. The ceremony was conducted in conjunction with the post’s monthly meeting.
Virginia
In Waynesboro, members of American Legion Post 340 gathered at the Golden Corral to celebrate the Legion birthday. The night included a ceremonial cake cutting that included recognizing the post’s oldest and youngest members.
Wisconsin
In Three Lakes, Post 431 celebrated the birthday with dinner, awards, live music and dancing. Post Commander Chris Lamon also presented longevity awards to five American Legion Auxiliary members whose total combined years of service is 55, as well as to 17 American Legion members who have a combined 485 years of service to the Legion.
- Buddy Check