YUMA, Ariz.-
Every day, 22 U.S. veterans commit suicide and Buddy Check 22 is a day that encourages people to take a couple minutes out of their day to check in with veterans they know. Even a short phone calls have helped stop veterans from committing suicide.
Mike Condon at AMVETS Post two in Yuma, helps veterans financially and helps make sure they are getting their full benefits. He says that a phone call to a veteran is very important, but it should be done more than one time a year.
“Once a month is good, once a week is better. It’s really bad we are only doing it one day a year,” said Condon.
Condon says he visits veterans four times a week and says he usually stays for about two hours talking with veterans all over Yuma.
Still, a five minute phone call or visit still helps those service men and women who are going through their own personal battles.
For information about military suicides, prevention resources, donations and how to volunteer, visit stopsoldiersuicide.org/. If you are in crisis, or know someone who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.