Happy Holidays
I am certain that many of us have spent more than one holiday or special occasion away from our family and friends. Whether you were in a different state or a different country, feelings related to separation often feel heavier during the holiday season. When circumstances prevent us from being with our loved ones, even just a few miles can feel like thousands.
1914 Europe saw soldiers lay down their arms and cross battlefields to share a moment of solace with their enemy. Although the notion of a “Christmas Truce” between opposing forces is likely no longer possible, we still look for comfort from our neighbors when we are separated from our friends and family.

Whether you are the one actively serving or the one awaiting the return of a loved one, the longing and desire to be with our friends and family remains the same. As we celebrate this holiday season and move into the New Year, let us remember those who cannot be with us and plan for the reunion that will bring us back together.

Happy holidays, and best wishes for the coming New Year. 

Adam Jando
Program Manager
Stories from the Field: Dick Overton Helps a Korean War Veteran's Widow Honor His Memory
Thanks to Dick Overton, a grieving widow was able to ensure her Korean War veteran husband received Military Funeral Honors. Click here to read the full story.  
New Volunteers
We are thrilled to welcome these new volunteers to our team this month!
James Czeiszperger
Navy Veteran, Sherwood
AC Giles
Army Veteran, Pontiac
Rich McEachin
Air Force Veteran, Ann Arbor
Josh Moschino
Marine Corps Veteran, Shelby Township
Ashley Pacheco
Navy Veteran, Detroit
Dingo Simionescu
Army Veteran, South Lyon
Bruce Spiher
Navy Veteran, Ann Arbor
Dave Thomas
Navy Veteran, North Branch
Walter Rosebrugh
Navy Veteran, Columbiaville
Jake Witherspoon
Army Veteran, Macomb
Month in Review | November 2018
Number of service members and veterans assisted: 44

Concerns identified:
Top interaction log submitters:
Paul Jingozian - 61
Steve Alguire - 18
Ron Springer - 7
Richie Roberts - 7
Robert Calhoun - 5
Mark Lindke - 5


Number of drill/outreach events attended: 49

Most drill/outreach events attended and logged:
Burr Tolles - 5
Ron Springer - 4
Cliff Tholen - 3
Thank you for taking the time to submit your logs and using the website to communicate with us. These submissions are key in helping us continue to serve Michigan’s veterans.
This Month's Training Anniversaries
The following volunteers are celebrating their training anniversaries with the program this month: 

Eight Years!
Wilson Coomer
Debby Hardeman

Five Years
Julia Treme

Four Years
Burr Tolles

Three Years
Richie Roberts

Two Years
Iris Bruin
Sal Cutino
David Williams

One Year
Richard Clark
Turnera Croom
Ryan Ranger
Ron Richards

Thank you for your service!
More Volunteers Needed
Do you know any veterans who would be great B2B volunteers? We need a few more volunteers in the following areas:

  • Detroit
  • Saginaw
  • Midland
  • Lansing
  • Monroe
  • Traverse City
  • Port Huron
  • Sandusky
  • Bad Axe

If you run across someone who would be a great volunteer, please contact Amy at (734) 998-5829 or amkienas@umich.edu and let her know, or you can have them fill out an application here .  
Counties shown in blue have at least one volunteer residing in them; counties in green have no volunteers.
Schedule a Re-Training
Has it been a while since you went through our New Volunteer Training? A lot has changed. Do you think you might benefit from going through training again? If so, contact us about attending an upcoming training. We continually update our training content and think that any and all volunteers who are interested in refreshing their skills will benefit from going through the new and updated training. We'll provide a free lunch. Contact us to schedule a re-training.
Need Any New Program Supplies? Let Us Know!
Are you running low on program materials? Are you unsure about whether the materials you have are the most current versions? If so, please contact Jamie Majer at (734) 998-5825 or jmajer@umich.edu and the supplies you need will be ordered and sent to you as soon as possible.
Interested in Representing Buddy-to-Buddy at an Event?
Would you like to represent Buddy-to-Buddy at a veteran-focused event in your community? Do you know of an event that you think someone from Buddy-to-Buddy should attend? If so, contact Amy Kienast at amkienas@umich.edu or (734) 998-5829.
New Date! Annual Volunteer Recognition Event
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 13 ! We will have our annual Volunteer Recognition Event at the Doherty Hotel and Conference Center in Clare. We will send you more information as the date gets closer. It will be an event not to be missed!
Buddy-to-Buddy is part of Military Support Programs and Networks (M-SPAN), a portfolio of military and veteran mental health programs within the University of Michigan Depression Center .
Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program
2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite C | Ann Arbor | MI | 48105