{"id":130045,"date":"2025-10-02T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/native\/uncategorized\/buddy-check-week-simple-conversations-that-save-lives\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T16:15:51","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T16:15:51","slug":"buddy-check-week-simple-conversations-that-save-lives","status":"publish","type":"native","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/native\/face-the-fight\/buddy-check-week-simple-conversations-that-save-lives\/","title":{"rendered":"Buddy Check Week: Simple Conversations That Save Lives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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 memories and challenges that are not always visible. Buddy Check Week is a reminder that reaching out, listening, and letting someone know they are seen can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Buddy Check Week?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking place October 20\u201324, 2025, Buddy Check Week is led by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and encourages veterans to reach out to at least 10 fellow veterans, family members, caregivers, or battle buddies to simply check in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These conversations don\u2019t 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\u2019re not alone and making sure they know where to turn if they need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starbucks Coffee Company Is Committed to the Fight<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building on last year\u2019s partnership, Starbucks Coffee Company is once again partnering with Face the Fight\u00ae, a national initiative dedicated to reducing veteran suicide, to help amplify Buddy Check Week. This year, the company is providing 15,000 $10 gift cards to encourage veterans and their friends to gather, talk, and strengthen peer-to-peer connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, Face the Fight hosted a Buddy Check Coffee Lounge at the Military Influencer Conference to spark early momentum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuman connection is powerful,\u201d said Aldrinana Leung, Senior Manager of Global Social Impact at The Starbucks Foundation. \u201cBuddy Check Week reminds us of the impact of peer-to-peer support, but it\u2019s just the beginning. Reaching out should be part of everyday life. When someone comes to mind, check in. You never know the difference that one simple conversation might make.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Face the Fight, founded in 2023 by USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, has already united more than 250 coalition partners to reduce veteran suicide through awareness campaigns, funding for evidence-based interventions, and free training opportunities. Since launch, Face the Fight has impacted more than 355,000 lives, trained over 30,000 people, and is projected to save 6,500 lives by 2032.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How You Can Take Part<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone can participate in Buddy Check Week. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n