Servicemembers put their lives on the line in combat to keep the rest of the country safe, but their battle is not over after they leave the military. In fact, for some, the battle of readjusting to civilian life may be even more difficult than their service. Some veterans experience alienation and have difficulty reintegrating, and these factors can combine to drive veterans to commit suicide. The Department of Veterans Affairs reported that every day 22 veterans commit suicide because of combat-related stress or problems with reassimilation. Veterans groups have banded together to make Oct. 22 "Buddy Check 22 Day." During this day, civilians and veterans are encouraged to call former servicemembers to check on them. AFBA has listed a few ways you can participate in Buddy Check 22 Day.
1. Make a call
The easiest way to do your part during this holiday is to pick up the phone and call a veteran. You will not be expected to talk for hours on end, but a simple two minute phone call could be the thing that saves a former servicemember's life.
2. Pay a visit
If you have the time, visit a veteran at his or her home. Spend the afternoon catching up and asking the veteran how things have been. Seeing that there is someone who wants to spend time with them is sometimes all it takes to turn a veteran's life around.
3. Drop a line
If you plan far enough ahead, you could have a letter delivered to a veteran on Oct. 22. While they cannot respond immediately to a letter, your kind words of encouragement and gratitude are something they can return to repeatedly in times of stress.
4. Take them out
You could always take your favorite veteran out for the day. Whether you go out for a nice meal or catch a new movie, a former servicemember is sure to appreciate the fact that you have reached out to them.
Veteran suicide is something everyone can work together to prevent. Sometimes all it takes is knowing that there is one person in the world who is looking out for you, and a phone call or visit can express this to a former servicemember in need. Of course, there are many other ways in which you can participate in Buddy Check 22 Day, but the four suggestions above are a good place to start.