Jackie Williams heard about The American Legion’s USA 250 Challenge last November while attending American Legion Auxiliary Mission Training in Albany, N.Y. Attendees of the training were asked to choose one of the three challenge categories — fitness, mental wellness, and community service — to log 250 miles or hours. Williams wrote her challenge on a sticky note.
 
“I was very excited to become a part of this challenge and chose Buddy Checks to thank a veteran for their service,” said Williams, a member of Auxiliary Unit 746 in Corning, N.Y.  
 
Buddy Checks have been a part of Williams’ weekly routine after she lost her 50-year-old nephew, a U.S. Army veteran, to suicide four years ago. 
 
“Even though he only lived 15 minutes from me, I did not know what he was going through. I did not check on him as often as I should. Now, I regularly check on veterans in my area at the Bath VA Medical Center. I thank them for their service, visit with them, and ask if there is anything they need. I make sure somebody is there for them.”
 
As the Auxiliary’s VA volunteer representative at the Bath VA Medical Center, Williams visits with veterans weekly and helps with activities. 
 
Williams was the recipient of the 2024 Bath VAMC Voluntary Service Recognition for her commitment to veterans.
 
“When I leave there, I feel so good; I’m walking on cloud nine when I leave the VA every time,” she said. “And these veterans thank me for coming up and helping them. It’s like, ‘Don’t thank me. I’m doing this for you. I want to thank you for what you’ve done for us.’”
 
Williams also has two local Legionnaires she checks on regularly by phone or on house visits and takes to their VA appointments. And she makes visits to the local community living center to check on veterans. 
 
“I develop a friendship with some of the veterans at the VA and if they transfer to another facility, I always make sure I find out where they’re going and check up with them,” Williams said. “Just to stay in touch.”
 
Buddy Checks for Williams go beyond the VA, phone calls, or house visits. 

“Anytime I’m out in public and I see a veteran wearing a military hat or something to indicate that they are a veteran, I walk up, and I thank them for their service,” she said. “Then I ask how they are doing.”
 
Williams hopes her Buddy Checks will be contagious among her fellow Auxiliary members and others. 
 
“I am hoping that by my doing this, my friends will soon also stop to thank a veteran and ask how they are doing. So, this little act of compassion will spread, and veterans will know we are grateful for their service.”
 
Williams has already surpassed 250 Buddy Checks for the USA 250 Challenge, which concludes July 4 for America’s 250th birthday. But she will not be done.
 
“My challenge will be complete, but my mission will continue, and I will answer the call and hopefully Be the One,” she said.