Sault Ste. Marie Veteran Buddy Check Event
Your Complete Guide to the Sault Ste. Marie Veteran Buddy Check Event
The Sault Ste. Marie Veteran Buddy Check event is part of VA’s National Buddy Check Week, observed September 21-25, 2026. This initiative encourages veterans, families, and supporters to check in with fellow veterans through simple acts of connection—a phone call, text, or conversation. Local resources in Sault Ste. Marie, including the VFW post and American Legion, provide ongoing opportunities for veterans to build community and support one another year-round.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | National Buddy Check Week |
| Dates | September 21-25, 2026 |
| Location | Nationwide; local events in Sault Ste. Marie, MI |
| Eligibility | All U.S. Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists |
| Cost | Free |
| Organizer | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Format | Peer-to-peer check-ins, phone calls, texts, in-person connections |
| Crisis Support | Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1) or text 838255 |
What Is the Veteran Buddy Check Event?
The Veteran Buddy Check event is a national initiative during Buddy Check Week, observed September 21-25, 2026, that encourages veterans to reach out and connect with fellow veterans . A buddy check is simply a quick call, text, or visit to check in on another veteran—just to offer support and remind them they are not alone .
What it is: Buddy Check Week was established by Congress to encourage peer-to-peer connections among veterans and their families, reduce isolation, support peers in crisis, offer connections to care, and increase access to resources and benefits earned during service .
Who qualifies: Any veteran, service member, family member, friend, or supporter can participate. You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to take part or to reach out .
Why it matters: Veterans face unique challenges, and sometimes it is easier to talk to someone who has been there. A simple conversation can have a major impact. Checking in helps veterans feel valued, understood, and reminded that support is always within reach .
What veterans should do next: Take the Buddy Check pledge and reach out to at least 10 fellow veterans during Buddy Check Week. Take the free peer wellness training before reaching out to learn how to recognize signs of distress and find available resources .
How to Do a Buddy Check
Doing a buddy check is simple and does not require special training—just genuine care and a willingness to listen .
Simple Ways to Check In
Send a text message: “Just wanted to check in. How are you doing?”
Make a phone call to a veteran you haven’t spoken with in a while
Invite a fellow veteran for coffee or a meal
Stop by for a visit
Send a message through social media
Use TogetherWeServed to find and connect with fellow service members
Conversation Starters
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe VA recommends starting with simple, open-ended questions :
“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’s and Don’ts
Do:
Stay calm and be yourself
Approach them nonjudgmentally
Allow the veteran to talk
Listen without judgment
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
Recognizing Signs of Distress
Sometimes veterans are unaware they need help or are reluctant to ask for it. Watch for these signs :
| Sign of Distress | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Sleep issues | Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much |
| Relationship problems | Struggling with personal or family relationships |
| Stress | Having a hard time dealing with everyday stress |
| Mood changes | Increased anger, irritability, guilt, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness |
| Substance use | Using alcohol or drugs in unhealthy ways |
| Traumatic memories | Bothered by memories of trauma |
| Financial stress | Having a difficult time financially |
| Suicidal thoughts | Talking about suicide or death |
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. S.A.V.E. stands for :
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
Immediate Crisis Support
If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7:
Veterans Crisis Line:
Dial 988 then Press 1
Text 838255
Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to connect. The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Sault Ste. Marie Veteran Resources and Community Support
Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area offer multiple resources for veterans seeking connection, support, and community.
VFW Post in Sault Ste. Marie
The VFW post in Sault Ste. Marie hosts coffee and dinner hours every day, along with regular chats that help veterans build connections . These gatherings provide an informal setting for veterans to socialize, share experiences, and support one another.
Services include:
Daily coffee and dinner hours
Regular social gatherings and chats
Community building and peer support
Connections to resources and benefits
American Legion
American Legion posts conduct Buddy Checks during the weeks of the Legion’s birthday (March 15) and Veterans Day, as well as year-round whenever it makes sense in their communities . Legionnaires also participate in VA’s National Buddy Check Week .
Why it matters: Local American Legion and VFW posts provide the camaraderie and sense of community that many veterans seek after leaving military service. Whether it is the friendship of the American Legion or seeking help with benefits, there are dedicated professionals and groups ready to help local veterans in need .
Chippewa County Department of Veterans Affairs
The Chippewa County Department of Veterans Affairs serves Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas. Located at 319 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783, the department provides benefits assistance and support for local veterans .
Contact: Chippewa County Department of Veterans Affairs, 319 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center
The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center serves veterans across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including Sault Ste. Marie. The medical center hosts veteran town halls and events in the area .
Contact: 906-774-3300
Previous Events: Town hall meetings have been held at the Elks Lodge #552, 1111 E. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA)
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency provides statewide support for veterans and encourages participation in Buddy Check Week.
Buddy to Buddy Veteran Mentorship Program
What it is: The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s Buddy to Buddy Veteran Mentorship Program provides support and connection to resources for all Michigan service members and veterans by utilizing trained veteran volunteers .
Who qualifies: The program is free, confidential, and open to any individual who served in the Armed Forces, regardless of length of service or discharge type .
What veterans should do: To find a buddy or become a buddy, visit Michigan.gov/MVAAB2B. If you are a Michigan veteran or family member, call 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) to get connected to your earned benefits .
Take the Buddy Check Pledge
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency encourages residents, veterans, and service members to take the Buddy Check Pledge and check on 10 veteran family members, friends, and community members . A simple conversation can have a major impact—ask how they are doing, ask if they need anything, or invite them for coffee, a game, or dinner .
Sault Ste. Marie Event Calendar
Upcoming Events
Veterans Appreciation Dinner
The Sault Ste. Marie area hosts annual Veterans Appreciation Dinners. Check local listings and the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau for current dates and details .
How to Find Local Events
To find veteran events in Sault Ste. Marie:
Check the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau calendar
Contact the VFW post or American Legion directly
Visit va.gov/find-locations to locate nearby VA facilities and events
Follow the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for statewide event information
Why Buddy Checks Matter
The Challenge of Isolation
Many veterans experience isolation after leaving military service. The transition from active duty to civilian life can be difficult, and veterans may lose the close-knit community they had during service.
Statistics and context: According to some VA offices, many veterans could be helped by finding a friend or a sense of community . The VA has identified social isolation as a significant risk factor for veteran suicide and mental health challenges.
The Power of Connection
Buddy checks work because they leverage the unique bond between veterans. As one Marine Corps veteran put it: “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” .
Why veterans should act: You do not need to wait for a crisis to check in on a fellow veteran. Just being there for a buddy can help remind them they are not alone and that support is always within reach . Another Army veteran shared: “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” .
Peer Support Programs
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s Buddy to Buddy program provides trained veteran volunteers who understand what fellow veterans are going through. These peer support programs reduce stigma around seeking help and make it easier for veterans to access resources .
Common Questions
1. What is the Sault Ste. Marie Veteran Buddy Check event?
The Sault Ste. Marie Veteran Buddy Check event is part of VA’s National Buddy Check Week, September 21-25, 2026. It encourages veterans and supporters to check in on fellow veterans through phone calls, texts, or in-person visits. Local VFW and American Legion posts provide year-round opportunities for connection .
2. When is Buddy Check Week 2026?
Buddy Check Week is observed September 21-25, 2026 . The observance is part of VA’s “Don’t Wait, Reach Out” campaign and gives veterans, families, friends, and supporters an opportunity to check in with the people in their lives .
3. How do I participate in Buddy Check Week?
Take the Buddy Check pledge on the VA website and commit to checking in on at least 10 fellow veterans during Buddy Check Week . You can also watch the VA’s free peer wellness training video before reaching out . Any simple act of connection counts—a text, call, or coffee invitation.
4. What is the Michigan Buddy to Buddy program?
The Buddy to Buddy program is a Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency initiative that provides support and resource connection to Michigan service members and veterans through trained veteran volunteers. The program is free, confidential, and open to any individual who served in the Armed Forces, regardless of time served or discharge type .
5. What are the signs a veteran might be in distress?
Signs include difficulty sleeping, struggling with relationships, dealing with stress poorly, increased anger or irritability, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, unhealthy alcohol or drug use, traumatic memories, financial difficulties, or talking about suicide . Take any mention of suicide seriously and seek immediate help through the Veterans Crisis Line.
6. How do I contact the Veterans Crisis Line?
Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. The line provides 24/7 confidential support for veterans and their loved ones. You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits to use this service .
7. What veterans resources are available in Sault Ste. Marie?
Sault Ste. Marie has a VFW post with daily coffee and dinner hours, an American Legion post, and the Chippewa County Department of Veterans Affairs at 319 Court Street . The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center also serves the area and hosts town halls in Sault Ste. Marie .
8. What is the S.A.V.E. training?
S.A.V.E. is a 12-minute VA training video that teaches veterans how to help a fellow veteran in crisis. S.A.V.E. stands for Spot the signs, Ask the question, Validate the experience, and Encourage and support next steps. It helps you act with care and compassion when a veteran might be having thoughts of suicide .
9. Why do veterans need buddy checks?
Many veterans experience isolation after leaving military service and may be reluctant to ask for help. Buddy checks remind veterans they are not alone and that support is available. A simple conversation from someone who has been there can save a life. As one veteran said, “It was because I had them that I eventually went and got help and it saved my life” .
10. Can family members and friends participate in Buddy Check Week?
Yes, family members, friends, and supporters are encouraged to participate. You do not have to be a veteran to check in on a veteran in your life. The VA encourages everyone to reach out to the veterans they know during Buddy Check Week . You can also encourage veterans to take the pledge and connect with their fellow service members.
11. What if a veteran does not want to talk?
Sometimes a veteran may not be ready to talk, and that is OK. Let them know you are there when they are ready. Continue to check in periodically and let them know you care. Do not pressure them to talk or try to fix everything at once .
12. How do I find veteran events in Sault Ste. Marie?
Check the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau calendar, contact the VFW post or American Legion directly, visit va.gov/find-locations for VA events, and follow the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. The VFW post hosts daily coffee and dinner hours with regular chats .
13. What is the VA’s “Don’t Wait, Reach Out” campaign?
“Don’t Wait, Reach Out” is a VA campaign encouraging veterans, families, and communities to proactively support veteran mental health and well-being. Buddy Check Week is a key part of this campaign, reminding everyone that a simple check-in can make a life-saving difference .
14. Where can I get help with VA benefits in Sault Ste. Marie?
The Chippewa County Department of Veterans Affairs at 319 Court Street provides benefits assistance . You can also contact the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center at 906-774-3300 or call the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) . Local American Legion and VFW posts also help with benefits.
Key Takeaways
Buddy Check Week runs September 21-25, 2026, encouraging veterans to check in on fellow veterans
A buddy check can be a simple text, phone call, or invitation for coffee—any genuine act of connection counts
Veterans do not need to wait for a crisis to check in; regular connection helps prevent isolation and suicide
The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7 confidential support—call 988 then Press 1 or text 838255
Sault Ste. Marie has local resources including the VFW post with daily coffee hours, American Legion, and Chippewa County Department of Veterans Affairs
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency offers the free, confidential Buddy to Buddy mentorship program
Take the VA’s free peer wellness training before reaching out to learn how to recognize signs of distress
S.A.V.E. training provides guidance on how to help a veteran in suicidal crisis: Spot, Ask, Validate, Encourage
You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits to use the Veterans Crisis Line or participate in Buddy Check Week
Even if a veteran is not ready to talk, continuing to check in shows they are not alone and support is available
Official Resources
VA Veteran Buddy Checks – www.va.gov/REACH/for-veterans-helping-veterans/ – Official VA buddy check resources and training
Veterans Crisis Line – VeteransCrisisLine.net – Call 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 – 24/7 confidential crisis support
VA.gov Find Locations – va.gov/find-locations – Find nearby VA facilities and events
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency – michigan.gov/mvaa – 1-800-MICH-VET (642-4838) – Michigan veteran benefits and Buddy to Buddy program
Michigan.gov/MVAAB2B – michigan.gov/MVAAB2B – Buddy to Buddy program enrollment and information
Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center – 906-774-3300 – Serves Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including Sault Ste. Marie
Chippewa County Department of Veterans Affairs – 319 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 – Local benefits assistance
VA.gov – www.va.gov – Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website
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