Stack Up and the Veteran Buddy Check Week Initiative

October 21 - 25 is Buddy Check Week. Initially started by the American Legion, Buddy Check Week is a concentrated effort to get Veterans, Active Military and Military adjacent civilians to check in with Veterans and servicemembers and connect them to resources that can help them meet their physical and mental health needs.

While the VA and the American Legion are calling for people to make phone calls and host in-person social events, we know our community here at Stack Up operates a bit differently. Gamers socialize just a touch differently. Instead of making those phone calls, we urge you all to text, DM on social media and Discord and other gaming platforms and/or host an online game night. Reach out where comfortable and where you connect with other Veterans.

For more information about Buddy Check Week, the VA has created a full section on their department website with resources, initiatives and more. We hope you'll join us in talking to ten Veterans and Active servicemembers this week and connecting those who need it with resources, both local and national.

See more at the VA's Buddy Check Week site: Veteran Buddy Checks

Resources:

The VA has provided on it's website a list of resources that can help Veterans meet their physical and mental health needs:

VA S.A.V.E. Training

For those not sure how to help their fellow Veterans who are at risk, we recommend PsychArmor's VA S.A.V.E. Training. This course can help you understand suicide in the U.S. while identifying at-risk Veterans and offering up resources to those who need it. Do your part by taking the VA's S.A.V.E. Training.

Know a Veteran in crisis? Pass along the Veterans Crisis Line

Your battle buddies and friends from service may be experiencing a variety of stressors in their life. It's important to have the right resources handy when talking about life—past, present, and future. The Veterans Crisis Line is the fastest way to get help if your buddy is in crisis.

Dial 988 then Press 1 if you encounter a friend needing help now.

More resources for Veterans:

Get help with such topics as health care, community care, memorial affairs, crisis, debt management, benefits assistance, homelessness, and PACT Act information.'

Call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)

VA.gov/REACH offers a variety of resources to assist Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors with many of life’s challenges, including career, education, and health care needs.

Other approved resources:

Find Treatment includes resources for those seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders. The site is confidential and your information anonymous: Findtreatment.gov/

Just moved or just not sure where your local VA is? Check out the VA location finder: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=vet_center

Have you or another Veteran you know dealt with Military Sexual Trauma? Check out the DAV's resource for MST Survivors https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/veteran-topics-resources/military-sexual-trauma-mst/

The Stack Up community includes individuals from ALL walks of life. We support all Veterans. Sometimes those Veterans need specific care for their own needs. For that, please check out:

LGBT Coming Out Support Hotline: https://lgbtcomingout.org/

Trans Lifeline: https://translifeline.org/

Sometimes all someone needs to keep going is the simple knowledge that someone cared enough to check in with them. Check in with your Veteran buddies past and present this Veteran Buddy Check Week and take the pledge to do so: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/signup/40119