Help is just a phone call away. If you or a service member you know needs help, call the Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran program at 1-888-82-BUDDY (1-888-822-8339). You\'ll be matched with a veteran trained to help you find resources for a variety of readjustment issues, such as financial benefits, educational goals, emotional challenges, substance abuse, legal or job issues.

If you a veteran in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).

If this is an emergency, call 911.

The Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program was developed at the University of Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Army National Guard and Michigan State University to address the unique challenges facing Citizen Soldiers. These soldiers prepare for deployment on a part-time basis while still meeting their obligations to family and community. Those returning from deployment find themselves separated from the friendship and support of fellow service members. In many cases, their home communities lack the services and resources to address identified concerns.

We are seeking veterans to help returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans link to financial, educational, health care and counseling resources throughout the deployment cycle. No one can be a better source of support than a veteran who’s been there. If you have a passion for helping fellow veterans, are a good communicator, and are willing to donate your time to an amazing cause, the Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran program is looking for you.