Resolution No. 18 calls for Buddy Checks to be made during the weeks of Veterans Day and the Legion’s birthday.
Since The American Legion’s Buddy Check program launched in 2019, more than 2.1 million veterans have been reached by phone, text, email or in person to check on their well-being and any needs they may have. And according to the 2025-2026 Consolidated Post Report, 4,339 posts participated in Buddy Checks resulting in 345,193 veterans being contacted.
And it’s not just veterans receiving assistance. The Buddy Checks have resulted in spouses and caregivers receiving a friendly call and reminder that the Legion Family is there for them.
The National Executive Committee passed Resolution No. 18 that calls for Buddy Checks to be conducted Legion-wide during the weeks of The American Legion’s birthday, March 15, and Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The success of the Buddy Check program has shown it does not have to be restricted to the two weeks suggested within the resolution as many Legion posts conduct them weekly, monthly or quarterly.
The American Legion’s Buddy Check program is designed to give Legionnaires the tools to make contact, engage in conversation, assess risks and direct veterans in need to the appropriate services. Resources are available to help Legionnaires make Buddy Checks at legion.org/buddycheck.
These resources include:
- Buddy Check Toolkit that explains the program, provides steps to conducting a successful Buddy Check, gives sample scripts and more. This toolkit is being updated so check back next week for a newer version.
- Buddy Check doorhanger that is printer-friendly and can be customized as a leave-behind when Legion Family members visit a veteran who is not a home.
- Fillable media advisory and press release.
Below are a few recent Buddy Check stories:
A group of 20 Legionnaires gathered on Oct. 1 for the Department of Montana’s Buddy Check Call Night at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center outside of Helena. Phone calls were made to 158 members of American Legion Post 2 in Helena. Of the 158 calls, around 75 reached a veteran.
American Legion Post 15 in Dade City, Fla., makes Buddy Checks by sending out an email survey through Mailchimp that asks if the member is doing OK, would like a call from the post, or needs help locating resources or support.
Be the One is “part of why we’re doing this. One of the (survey) questions is, ‘Hey, do you need somebody to reach out?’ That’s the intent of that question. We know that veterans will self-isolate. Let’s weed down to the ones who have withdrawn and make sure they’re doing OK.” – Rob McGregor, Post 15, Dade City, Fla.
Share your Buddy Check story at Legiontown.org under the category Buddy Checks.
- Dispatch