Two Hampton Roads veterans are organizing a benefit concert in Hampton to raise awareness and support for Operation Buddy Check, a peer-driven program designed to help veterans connect through social activities and mutual support. The event is scheduled for July 11 at The Vanguard and runs from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Local peers leading the effort
The concert was organized by Rick Mulligan and Scott Sprowl, who said their own experiences with fellow veterans and community groups inspired them to help others find similar support. According to the organizers, Operation Buddy Check focuses on informal, flexible peer contact — meeting for events, listening and offering companionship — rather than clinical treatment.
- When: July 11, 7–10:30 p.m.
- Where: The Vanguard, Hampton
- Purpose: Raise awareness and funds for Operation Buddy Check
Why peer support matters locally
Mulligan said having someone to talk with was a meaningful part of his own recovery and community re-entry. Sprowl described the program’s flexible, veteran-tailored approach — willing to meet veterans where they are and provide whatever support they need.
“We’ll give you whatever you need. If you want to talk, we’ll talk. If you want to sit in silence, we’ll sit in silence. We may have a two hour scheduled event. If you need to be there six, we’ll be there. We’ll do whatever we can for other veterans,”
Event details and ticketing
The benefit concert is open to the public and aims to both raise funds and broaden local recognition of peer support options for veterans across Hampton Roads. Organizers said their goal is to help even a single veteran through the program’s connections and gatherings.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 11 |
| Time | 7:00–10:30 p.m. |
| Location | The Vanguard, Hampton |
Local residents interested in attending can find tickets through The Vanguard’s event listings. Organizers emphasize that the concert is part of a broader effort to create ongoing opportunities for veterans to meet, socialize and support one another across the region.
This event joins other community-based efforts across Hampton Roads aimed at improving veterans’ access to peer networks and local resources. For many veterans in Hampton and surrounding cities, these connections can be a practical lifeline beyond formal services.
