West Bend, WI – The Lt Ray Dickop American Legion Post 36 in West Bend is conducting Buddy Checks for veterans and their families starting in the first week of August to assist them and provide a friendly voice during potentially difficult times. Post 36 has a team of volunteer members who perform such outreach.
“Veterans need to know they are not alone,” Post 36 Commander Charlie Young said. “American Legion Buddy Checks have been used in communities large and small throughout the country to help more than 1 million veterans get groceries, medication, transportation and fulfill other needs since the program launched in 2019. Veterans who receive Buddy Check calls often say the most important thing about them is a friendly voice at a time when friends and family are unavailable to them. Buddy Checks can help veterans facing mental health and well-being struggles, no matter the reason.”
The American Legion is also the driving force behind the ‘Be the One’ campaign which strives to reduce the number of veteran suicides. Those who know of veterans who would appreciate a Buddy Check call from American Legion Post 36 are encouraged to call the 1st Vice Commander, Mike Hartwell at 262-305-4036 or email WestBendAmericanLegionPost36@gmail.com
American Legion Post 36, founded in 1919, has abided by the organization’s national motto – “Veterans Strengthening America” – for over a century through programs and services that support veterans, military personnel, youth and patriotic activities.
More information on Post 36 can be found at www.Post36WestBend.org