Nightly Buddy Check

A nightly, peer-led check-in for Veterans—because no one should end the day feeling alone.

The WarriorNOW Nightly Buddy Check is a virtual, peer-to-peer check-in where Veterans can drop in, connect, and talk about what's really going on—good, bad, or ridiculous. Every single night at 7:00 PM Mountain Time, Veterans log in from across Colorado and beyond to find camaraderie, accountability, and support in a judgment-free space.

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Nightly Buddy Check

Every night at 7:00 PM MST

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Female Buddy Check

Thursdays at 7:00 PM MST

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Format

Virtual, peer-led support group via Google Meet 

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Cost

Free for Veterans and their families

What Is Nightly Buddy Check?

Nightly Buddy Check is WarriorNOW's core peer-support program: a nightly, virtual drop-in group where Veterans can check in, share what's on their mind, and feel seen and heard by people who "get it." It's not therapy and it's not a formal treatment group—it's a supportive space led by trained peer facilitators and mentors.

Some nights, the call is full of laughter and jokes. Other nights, it's a place to talk honestly about:

The everyday ups and downs of life after service

"It brought back the camaraderie, trust, support, and hope that I lost after exiting the Marine Corps—it saved my life."

Who Can Join Buddy Check?

Buddy Check is open to:

It's especially helpful for Veterans who are:

No referral is required, and there's no requirement to talk. You're welcome to just show up and listen until you feel ready to share.

 When Does Buddy Check Happen? 

Nightly Buddy Check (All-Veterans)

Every night at 7:00 PM MST

Virtual via Google Meet

Facilitated by trained WarriorNOW peer leaders

Join nightly Buddy Check

Female Buddy Check

Thursdays at 7:00 PM MST

Virtual via Google Meet

Peer-led group for women Veterans only

Join female Buddy Check

Saturday Recovery Call

Coming Soon

Focused on recovery, sobriety, and support around addiction

 What to Expect on a Buddy Check Call 

We keep it simple, supportive, and Veteran-centered.

1

Welcome & Check-In

The facilitator opens the call, sets ground rules (respect, confidentiality, no judgment), and invites everyone to introduce themselves if they're comfortable.

2

Open Discussion

Veterans share wins, struggles, and whatever is on their mind—anything from serious life stress to dark humor, to "this ridiculous thing that happened today."

3

Support & Resources

Peers offer encouragement and perspective. Facilitators may provide info on resources (WarriorNOW programs, VA/non-VA supports, community partners).

4

Closing & Follow-Up

The group wraps up with encouragement and reminders that nobody has to go through this alone. When needed, facilitators may follow up one-on-one or connect Veterans to additional support.

What Is Nightly Buddy Check?

Isolation is one of the biggest risk factors for Veteran suicide, relapse, and recidivism. Buddy Check exists to break that isolation—one evening at a time.

Through Nightly Buddy Check, WarriorNOW:

A third-party review of WarriorNOW notes that the nightly virtual Buddy Check is an open forum where Veterans can talk about whatever is on their mind, and that this kind of connection can be life-changing.

The everyday ups and downs of life after service

"It brought back the camaraderie, trust, support, and hope that I lost after exiting the Marine Corps—it saved my life."

 How to Join Nightly Buddy Check 

1

Fill out the short form below or email us at info@warriornow.org

2

We'll send you the secure Zoom link and basic call guidelines.

3

Log in any night at 7:00 PM MST—camera on or off—and come as you are.

Buddy Check for Courts, Jails & Community Partners

Nightly Buddy Check is a powerful support for justice-involved and high-risk Veterans. Courts, jails, JBBS providers, and community organizations regularly refer Veterans to WarriorNOW's Buddy Check and peer programs as part of their support and reentry plans.

Partners use Buddy Check to help Veterans:

Want to refer Veterans or formally incorporate Buddy Check into your program? Use the form below or email info@warriornow.org to talk with our team.

 Buddy Check by the Numbers 

1,800+

Buddy Check-ins conducted

2,900+

Veterans served across programs

43+

Mentors trained

190+

Pro-Social Events

Each Buddy Check call is a lifeline—sometimes it's laughter, sometimes it's tears, always it's connection.

 Nightly Buddy Check FAQs 
Is Buddy Check therapy?

No. Buddy Check is a peer-led support space, not a therapy or clinical treatment group. We don't diagnose or provide medical advice. When needed, we help Veterans connect to professional services.

No. Nightly Buddy Check is free for Veterans, thanks to donors, grants, and community partners.

No. You can join, listen quietly, and turn your camera off. You can share whenever you feel comfortable.

Yes. Many of our participants are in recovery or working on sobriety, and Buddy Check is a supportive space to talk about it. We also offer a Saturday Recovery Call (coming soon) focused specifically on recovery support.

Yes. As long as you can attend at 7:00 PM MST, we welcome Veterans from outside Colorado, subject to space and safety considerations.

Yes. Female Buddy Check meets Thursday nights at 7:00 PM MST and follows the same supportive, peer-led format in an all-female space.

No Veteran Ends the Day Alone

Nighttime can be the hardest part of the day. With Nightly Buddy Check, you don't have to face it by yourself. Whether you're struggling, doing okay, or somewhere in between, there's a group of Veterans waiting to check in, crack jokes, listen, and remind you that you still belong.