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Battle Buddy Response Team

Nonprofit Organization

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News Update from Battle Buddy Response Team®

April 2025

Moving Forward with Purpose

Over the last few weeks, Battle Buddy Response Team® has experienced challenges that tested our leadership and our mission. In that time, we’ve received both criticism and overwhelming support — and we are listening, learning, and moving forward with renewed focus.

BBRT was founded to serve veterans and their families in moments of crisis. That mission remains our priority. While emotions and mistakes are a part of being human, integrity, accountability, and service are part of being a leader — and we are committed to all three.

Our founder, Samuel Rock, will be stepping back from live videos temporarily to refocus and recharge — ensuring that when we speak, we do so with strength, clarity, and compassion. Behind the scenes, the mission continues: responding to crisis calls, supporting veteran families, and building the future of this organization.

We thank every single person who continues to stand with us. Your support fuels this team, and we are not done yet. We’re here for the long haul, and we remain dedicated to the vision we started with:

“Serving Veterans and their families. Stopping and preventing all veteran suicide.”

If you need us, we’re still here.

If you believe in our mission, walk with us.

Together, we press forward.

— The BBRT Team

battlebuddyresponseteam.org

#battlebuddyresponseteam

Battle Buddy Response Team® Seeks Legislative Recognition in All 50 States to Combat Veteran Suicide

The Battle Buddy Response Team® (BBRT) has officially launched a national initiative aimed at achieving state-level legislative recognition in all 50 states. The goal is simple but powerful: to embed BBRT into state frameworks as an official, veteran-led crisis response organization, dedicated to preventing veteran suicide and supporting those in crisis.

Since 2019, BBRT has responded to hundreds of calls nationwide — traveling across state lines, working hand-in-hand with law enforcement, and offering veterans the trust, connection, and rapid assistance they often can’t find through traditional systems. With growing demand for peer-led mental health support, and staggering suicide rates among veterans, BBRT is stepping up to lead the charge for policy change that saves lives.

“BBRT is already doing the work — now we’re seeking to formalize it,” says founder Samuel Rock, a combat veteran himself. “We want to ensure that every state has the legal support and structure to activate veteran-led response teams when lives are on the line.”

BBRT is actively working with legislators and state departments across Texas, Florida, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, California, Tennessee, and more. But they aren’t stopping there.

If you know of a state representative, senator, or policymaker who would support this mission, please connect them with BBRT or send them our information:

Contact Information:

Samuel Rock

Email: info@battlebuddyresponseteam.org

Phone: (855) 777-BBRT

Website: https://battlebuddyresponseteam.org

Join us in the fight to bring BBRT into law — and bring hope back to those who’ve served.

ANNOUNCEMENT: BBRT is Becoming a Church

ANNOUNCEMENT: BBRT is Becoming a Church

To our incredible supporters, volunteers, and community:

We want to share a powerful and exciting update. After much prayer, reflection, and discussion over the years, we are beginning the process of transitioning the Battle Buddy Response Team® (BBRT) from a nonprofit charity into a faith-based church organization.

While the change has not been made official just yet, the process is in motion—and we couldn’t be more excited.

This decision comes following the recent rededication of Mr. Rock’s life to God. The work BBRT has always done—serving veterans and their families in crisis—has been guided by faith, compassion, and a higher calling. Now, we are taking bold steps to align our mission fully under God’s direction.

Though you may see some changes ahead, our purpose remains the same. We will continue to respond—one life at a time—with even greater faith and clarity.

Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and unwavering support. We are excited for what’s ahead, and we know that God’s hand is leading every step of the way.

With faith,

Battle Buddy Response Team®

#battlebuddyresponseteam #faithled #servingwithpurpose #veteransupport #BBRTchurch

On pause

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2025

Battle Buddy Response Team® Temporarily Pauses New Concerned Party Form Submissions

Martinsburg, WV — The Battle Buddy Response Team® (BBRT) is temporarily pausing acceptance of new Concerned Party Form submissions as we work diligently to catch up on a high volume of existing crisis calls.

This temporary measure ensures we continue to deliver the highest level of care and timely response to the veterans and families currently in need of our services.

We understand the urgency and importance of every submission, and this decision was not made lightly. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we focus on providing the quality of support that every veteran deserves.

Please note that we will make a public announcement as soon as the form is reopened.

For updates, follow us on our official channels or visit www.battlebuddyresponseteam.org.

From all of us at BBRT — thank you for standing with us as we serve those who served.

#battlebuddyresponseteam

BBRT’s Recommended Resources & Support Tips for Veterans in Crisis

At Battle Buddy Response Team®, every visit matters — especially when it’s in person.

While every veteran’s journey is unique, over the years we’ve developed a set of core recommendations and tips to support veterans facing various challenges. These resources have been shared during thousands of in-person visits across the country, helping us live out our mission: Serving Veterans and Their Families.

Here are some of the go-to recommendations our team makes during outreach efforts:

  1. Addiction Support:
    If a veteran is struggling with addiction, we strongly recommend reaching out to Warriors Heart. They specialize in healing for veterans battling addiction, PTSD, and other trauma-related issues in a safe, peer-based environment.
    Website: https://www.warriorsheart.com
  2. PTSD Recovery:
    For those navigating PTSD, we guide veterans to the Warrior PATHH program by Boulder Crest Foundation. This transformative program helps veterans learn how to grow through trauma and find peace after service.
    Website: https://bouldercrest.org
  3. Financial Hardship:
    When a veteran is facing financial difficulties, we recommend first connecting with local veteran membership organizations within their town or state. For post-9/11 veterans, the Wounded Warrior Project offers an emergency fund to help cover essential bills during difficult times.
    Website: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
  4. Home Repairs:
    If a veteran we’re visiting requires home repairs, our team will reach out to local businesses and contractors, using our nonprofit status to seek support and assistance on their behalf whenever possible.
  5. Prayer and Spiritual Support:
    When a veteran requests prayer, we do more than just recommend it — we pray with them. Spiritual connection is powerful, and we believe in standing shoulder to shoulder in faith and hope.
  6. Back Pain and Physical Wellness:
    For those dealing with chronic back pain, we recommend a holistic and healthy approach:
    – Improve your diet
    – Stay active with regular exercise
    – Incorporate daily planks (20 seconds a day)
    – Consider massage therapy
    – Visit a quality chiropractor
    Importantly, we do not recommend alcohol or any form of drugs as a solution to physical or emotional pain.

Each situation is different, and our support is tailored to the needs of the veteran in front of us. Whether it’s mental health, housing, physical wellness, or spiritual care — we meet them where they are. And while phone calls and emails are valuable tools, there’s no substitute for showing up in person. A visit from someone who truly cares can make all the difference.

#battlebuddyresponseteam

Learn more or get involved at: https://battlebuddyresponseteam.org

Generous Donation of $25,000 Helps BBRT Continue National Outreach

Generous Donation of $25,000 Helps BBRT Continue National Outreach

Martinsburg, WV – The Battle Buddy Response Team® (BBRT) has been able to expand its nationwide support for veterans thanks to a $25,000 donation from a generous donor. This funding has allowed BBRT to lower its travel fee from $250 to $50, making it easier for veterans and their families to access crucial support.

Despite the reduced fee, BBRT continues to provide donation receipts for all contributions. “Our fundraising efforts are ongoing, and this donation has been a tremendous help in ensuring we can continue our mission,” said Samuel Rock, BBRT’s Executive Director.

Rock emphasized that the decision to implement and adjust the travel fee was made by BBRT’s Board of Directors, not by any individual. “It’s crucial for us to maintain the integrity of our services, and these funds ensure we can respond to calls efficiently and effectively,” Rock added.

The BBRT expresses deep gratitude for the continued support from donors, which allows them to serve those who have served our country.