About Buddy-to-Buddy

The Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program was developed at the University of Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Army National Guard; faculty from the Veterans Administration Health System and Michigan State University; and veteran advocates to address the unique challenges facing Citizen Soldiers. These soldiers often deploy multiple times and are isolated from those with whom they served once they return to their home communities. The Mission of the Program is to use trained Volunteer Veterans to help OEF/OIF/OND military service members to overcome the stigma around asking for help and link those who are facing challenges throughout the deployment cycle with appropriate resources that will optimize their quality of life.

Do You Need Help?

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). This service is confidential and there is no charge. You will be connected 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, relationship issues, medical, mental health,job issues, or any other resource needs.

If you are a veteran in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255), press 1 for veterans.

If this is an emergency, call 911.

Volunteer

We are seeking veterans to help returning Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn service members and 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.