Buddy Check Week: Simple Conversations That Save Lives

2025-10-20T11:51:35-04:00

*First 15,000 Individuals Who Take the Pledge to Check In With 10 Veterans During VA’s Buddy Check Week Receive a $10 Starbucks Gift Card*
Buddy Check Week and Starbucks

Taking place October 20–24, 2025, Buddy Check Week is led by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and encourages veterans to reach out to at least ten veterans, family members, caregivers, or battle buddies to simply check in.

These conversations don’t have to be heavy or formal. They can start with a text, a call, or a coffee. The goal is connection, reminding veterans that they’re not alone and ensuring they know where to turn if they need help.

Thanks to a continued partnership between Starbucks Coffee Company and Face the Fight®, thousands of veterans will have an extra reason to grab coffee together this October. This year, Starbucks is providing 15,000 $10 gift cards to encourage veterans and their friends to gather, talk, and strengthen peer-to-peer connections. We thank the Starbucks Coffee Company for its commitment to those who serve and their families every day.

You Can Make an Impact

Research shows that peer support is one of the most effective tools for improving mental health and preventing suicide. By encouraging veterans to #TalkToTen, Buddy Check Week helps strengthen networks of support, increase awareness of resources, and ensure no one falls through the cracks.

And every veteran can play a part. Your voice and presence matter. A simple check-in can remind someone that they’re not alone and that help is always available.

Anyone can participate in Buddy Check Week. Here’s how:

1. Take the pledge on the VA’s Buddy Check website to reach out to at least ten veterans: https://department.va.gov/veterans-experience/va-veteran-buddy-checks/

2. Take the training through coalition partner, PsychArmor, to learn how to recognize warning signs and connect someone to help: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-s-a-v-e

3. Take the time to start a conversation, whether it’s with fellow veterans, family members, or caregivers.

Reach out, listen, and keep the connection going, because one conversation really can save a life.

About Face the Fight
Launched in 2023 by founding partners USAA, Reach Resilience and the Humana Foundation, Face the Fight has made strides by bringing together a like-minded coalition of organizations to help reduce veteran suicide through a multi-pronged approach that includes charitable giving, public education and awareness. Face the Fight is a life-saving initiative dedicated to supporting every veteran, regardless of their unique needs and challenges, and dramatically reducing veteran suicide. WeFaceTheFight.org

Preventing suicide among veterans doesn’t always require special expertise. Sometimes, it starts with one question: “How are you doing?”

Veterans share a unique bond through their service, a connection built on experiences few others can fully understand. While many thrive in civilian life, some may carry challenges that aren’t always visible. Buddy Check Week is a reminder that reaching out, listening, and letting someone know they’re seen can make all the difference. https://wefacethefight.org/

Veteran Buddy Checks - Veterans Experience

Veteran Buddy Checks

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 20 at 2025 12:08 PM

2025-10-20T12:08:24-04:00

Thanks for sharing

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Oct 21 at 2025 9:02 AM

2025-10-21T09:02:42-04:00

Check on your buddies

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Oct 29 at 2025 1:51 PM

2025-10-29T13:51:40-04:00

As part of My American Legion Post responsibilities. Along with others. We make Buddy Calls every month. I made 15 this month. We should all endeavor to do something similar.
Ohh and thanks but no thanks to the Starbucks. I don't drink Foo Foo Coffee. :-)

Response by FN Marc De Anda made Nov 24 at 2025 12:31 AM

2025-11-24T00:31:25-05:00

I have asked the VA for resources for 7 years now. I have given away 6 packages of personal possessions in the last week. For some of us suicide is inevitable. At least we help turn the tide on global warming. The VA will never change.