For Veterans Helping Veterans
A quick call, text, or visit can make a big difference. A buddy check gives Veterans the chance to connect or reconnect with other Veterans, just to check in, offer support, and remind them they’re not alone.
You Can Make a Difference
As a Veteran yourself, you’re in a unique position to support other Veterans — through the simple act of reaching out. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to check in, and you don’t need to have all the answers. Just being there for a buddy can help remind them they’re not alone and that support is always within reach.
And sometimes, it’s easier to talk to someone who’s been there.
How To Get Involved
Veteran Buddy Checks aim to enhance peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health, and increase access to VA and non-VA resources. We recommend taking the training before reaching out and talking to your buddies. It can help you recognize signs of distress and find available resources you can recommend if needed.
Take the training. Before you reach out, watch the Buddy Check peer wellness training video.
Find buddies. Join TogetherWeServed to ask questions and share stories about connecting with peers, friends, and families from service.
Learn about Buddy Check Week. Created by Congress, Buddy Check Week runs Sept. 21-25, 2026, to encourage Veterans to check in with other Veterans.
Get involved with other Veterans. Explore additional ways to lend your support. You can find volunteer opportunities here.
“I had fellow Marines that I would talk to … And they were people I called when I was hurting the most. And it was because I had them that I eventually went and got help and it saved my life.”Caleb, Marine Corps Veteran
Simple Tips for Checking In
Take some time to think about what level of support you’re ready to provide — starting a conversation, sending a brief text, all the way to getting a buddy connected directly to care. Another Veteran may not be ready to talk, and that’s OK. Let them know you’re there when they’re ready.
Start a Conversation
Remember to be yourself. Just by reaching out and showing up, you are already making a difference. So, don’t overthink it. Consider starting with something like:
“How’re you doing?”
“Just wanted to check in.”
“Do you need anything?”
“How’s it been going lately?”
“Heard of Buddy Checks? I’m just checking in with a few Veterans this week and wanted to see how you’re doing.”
Do
- Stay calm and be yourself
- Approach them nonjudgmentally
- Allow the Veteran to talk
- Listen without judgment
- Be positive
- Ask simple, open questions
- Respect their pace
- Let them know they can get the help they need
- Offer to help find resources
- Follow up later
Don't
- Argue
- Lecture
- Make assumptions
- Try to fix everything at once
- Promise confidentiality if safety is at risk
- Blame yourself
“I would tell any Veteran that is having a hard time…care enough about yourself and your family to reach out. Give yourself time. Give yourself grace.”Aaron, Army Veteran
Recognizing the Signs of Distress
Sometimes, Veterans can be unaware they need help or are reluctant to ask for it. Here are some of the signs that a buddy might be in distress.
Difficulty sleeping
Struggling with personal relationships
Having a hard time dealing with stress
Feeling increased anger, irritability, guilt, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness
Using alcohol or drugs in unhealthy ways
Bothered by traumatic memories
Having a difficult time financially
Talking about suicide
Take Any Mention of Suicide Seriously
If a Veteran friend is facing a crisis or having thoughts of suicide, the VA S.A.V.E. training can help you act with care and compassion. The acronym S.A.V.E. outlines the important steps in suicide prevention:
Spot the signs a Veteran might be thinking about suicide
Ask the critical question – “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
Validate the Veteran’s experience
Encourage and support next steps with the Veteran
Watch the 12-minute training video for guidance.
How to Connect With Immediate Help
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
Resources to Share With Another Veteran
No matter what a fellow Veteran might be facing, you don’t have to help them through it alone. VA and other Veteran-focused organizations offer tools and resources you can share — or use for yourself.
Spread the Word About the Importance of Buddy Checks
Frequently Asked Questions
You Are a Veteran, Too
You deserve the same support that you’d offer another Veteran. Remember: Checking in goes both ways. Just as you would encourage another Veteran to ask for help, give yourself that same care.