Veterans Day Is the Perfect Time to Make a Meaningful Call

On Veterans Day, we thank the people who served our country. We attend events, fly the flag, and share messages of thanks. These acts matter. But there is another way to show your support: call a Veteran and ask how they are doing.

This small act is sometimes called a buddy check. Through its Veteran Buddy Checks initiative, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, invites Veterans to renew old friendships and stay connected with others who have served. Family members, friends, neighbors, and caregivers can reach out, too.

A call may mean a great deal to an older Veteran. As people age, it can become harder to stay connected. Retirement, health problems, hearing loss, or limited transportation may lead to less time with others. The loss of a spouse, close friend, or family member can also leave a painful space in daily life.

You do not need special training to show someone you care. You only need a little time and the choice to reach out.

A buddy check can be a phone call, a video chat, or an in-person visit. Pick the option that feels safe and comfortable for both of you.

Start with a simple question:

• “How have you been doing?”
• “What have your days been like lately?”
• “I was thinking about you. Do you have time to talk?”
• “Would you like to get coffee or take a walk?”

Then, give the person time to answer. Try not to fill every quiet moment. Listen without judging or rushing to fix the problem. You can ask, “Do you want advice, or would you rather I just listen?”

If the Veteran lost a spouse or someone close, it is okay to name that person. You might say, “I know you must miss Pat. What is one memory of Pat that has been on your mind?” Saying a loved one’s name can open the door to a caring talk.

Before you end the call, make one clear plan. You could set a day for another call, share a meal, go to a Veterans Day event, or help with an errand. A promise such as “I’ll call you next Sunday” gives both of you something to look forward to.

Sometimes a Veteran may say they feel hopeless, trapped, or like a burden. They may pull away from others or say there is no reason to go on. Take these words seriously.

You can ask in a calm and direct way, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking the question does not put the idea in someone’s mind. It can help the person feel safe enough to tell the truth.

If there is an immediate danger, call 911. If a Veteran is in crisis—or if you are worried about one—dial 988 and press 1. You can also text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net to chat. Support is free, private, and available 24 hours a day. The Veteran does not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to get help.

For ongoing connection, ask a VA care team about the Compassionate Contact Corps. This program matches trained volunteers with Veterans who feel lonely or isolated. Volunteers usually call each week for friendly conversation.

Veterans Day can be the first call, but it should not be the last. Put a reminder on your calendar. Call next week. Invite the Veteran to lunch next month. Offer a ride to a community event. Small, steady acts can help a person feel part of a caring circle.

You can also help the Veteran reconnect with people and places they trust. This may include a local Veterans group, senior center, place of worship, hobby group, or VA program. Ask what sounds good to them instead of choosing for them.

This Veterans Day, say thank you—and then stay on the line. Your time, your listening ear, and your next call may be the tribute that matters most.

The Clover Health Editorial Team creates easy-to-understand Medicare content to help people learn about their coverage and options. Our articles are written and reviewed by licensed insurance experts, healthcare writers, and Clover’s clinical specialists. Every article is checked for accuracy, clarity, and CMS compliance.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Veteran Buddy Checks.” department.va.gov/veterans-experience/va-veteran-buddy-checks/
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Brain Health: Stay Connected and Feel Less Lonely.” www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/LivingWith/AgingVeterans/Resources/142,41751_VA
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Compassionate Contact Corps.” volunteer.va.gov/volunteer/ccc.asp
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Improving Social Connectedness.” www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/improving/index
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.” www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html
• Veterans Crisis Line. www.veteranscrisisline.net/