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A 2025 poll conducted by Mission Roll Call revealed that 74% of veterans would use an online healthcare portal if one were available, a resounding signal of demand for streamlined, digital-first care access.
From portals and apps to telehealth and peer platforms, digital tools have the potential to reshape mental health care for millions. This article explores what’s available, trustworthy, and shaping the future of veteran wellness. 

The Veteran Mental Health Landscape 

Veterans frequently navigate mental health challenges such as PTS, depression, anxiety, and the stress of reintegration into civilian life. Roughly 20% of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan experience PTS or depression, and just under half of all veterans receive needed treatment.

Mission Roll Call emphasizes that stigma, isolation, and complex systems often compound these struggles. The ACCESS Act polling underscores a clear veteran preference for digital tools that make care easier and more accessible.  

Online Healthcare Portals 

One of the clearest starting points has been online healthcare portals. Digital platforms promise convenience, privacy, and agency. The VA’s Access to Care platform offers transparency to veterans navigating care choices.

Additionally, in 2025, the VA eliminated the secondary-approval hurdle for community care referrals, speeding access to external providers under the MISSION Act. Together, these changes point toward a system that is simpler and more responsive. 

For veterans who don’t qualify for or can’t easily access VA care, MyRX Access Plus has emerged as an additional option. The platform connects veterans and their families to affordable prescriptions and healthcare resources outside the VA, aligning directly with the 74% who say they would use an online portal if available. 

Mental Health Apps 

Some of the most widely used tools live right on a smartphone. From helping manage trauma symptoms to coping with anger, apps such as PTSD Coach, Calm, Headspace, and others offer personalized support. Their credibility hinges on clinical backing, research evidence, and robust privacy standards. Explore this list of Mental Health and Behavioral Therapy apps for veterans and their families.  

Beyond portals, a growing number of technology tools are empowering veterans with easy access to providers, self-help, and care tracking, which is particularly appealing to those in rural or underserved areas. Digital care doesn’t replace human connection—it extends it, making support possible at moments when veterans need it most.

In case you didn’t know, the VA has an App Store that provides access to over 40 web and mobile apps designed for Veterans, their families, and VA providers. These apps cover a range of services, including health and wellness, benefits information, symptom tracking, and tools to facilitate communication with VA providers. You can find these apps, which include native apps for iOS and Android and web apps accessible through a browser, at mobile.va.gov/appstore.  

Peer Support Online 

Technology also provides spaces where veterans can connect with one another. Online forums and moderated peer platforms foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. Veterans often find strength in shared stories and lived experience. A few examples of peer platforms to check out are: 

While primarily an advocacy organization, Mission Roll Call plays a unique role in amplifying veterans’ mental health needs. Through polling, storytelling, and media outreach, MRC creates a sense of community by bringing attention to struggles like suicide risk and care access. 

Supporting Veteran Families and Caregivers 

Behind every veteran navigating mental health challenges is often a circle of support: spouses, partners, children, parents, and caregivers–whose needs are frequently overlooked. These individuals are critical to long-term recovery and wellness, yet they, too, can face emotional strain, burnout, and a lack of resources. Some digital platforms are beginning to close this gap. 

Inclusive technology matters because wellness rarely exists in isolation. Tools that extend access to families and caregivers can help create a more sustainable and informed support network. 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next in Digital Veteran Wellness 

Looking ahead, the future of digital wellness for veterans is filled with hopeful possibilities. Tools are beginning to offer gentle, everyday check-ins that create small moments of connection that can make a big difference before things become overwhelming.

Virtual reality and biofeedback – a process that uses your body’s own signals like heart rate and body temperature to bring about healthy changes – are also stepping in, helping veterans process difficult experiences in safe, controlled ways while staying in tune with how their bodies respond to stress. And on the horizon is something many have long hoped for: a more seamless, personalized experience, where the tools veterans use can actually talk to each other, making care feel less like a maze and more like a path forward. 

Conclusion 

The demand is clear—three out of four veterans say they would use digital healthcare tools if available. For providers and advocates, the challenge is ensuring tools are accessible, trustworthy, and responsive to veteran needs.

Digital tools aren’t a foolproof solution; connectivity issues, device access, and tech literacy can all hinder adoption. Emerging hybrid models, combining digital tools with in-person support and partnerships between the VA and community organizations, may help bridge these gaps. 

Whether you’re a veteran navigating your own path to wellness, a loved one standing beside them, or someone working to build better tools, there’s a place for you in this growing digital ecosystem.  

Veterans can find strength and support in the trusted apps and telehealth services already at their fingertips. Families and caregivers are not forgotten; many platforms offer guidance and resources to help you care for those you love while also caring for yourself. And for those developing the next wave of solutions: listen closely to veteran voices, and build with empathy, security, and the full circle of support in mind. 

 

 

For many veterans, service dogs are more than companions; they’re a quiet kind of safety. That has been true for Mission Roll Call’s own Taamir Ransome, whose path to service dogs began years before he joined the MRC team.

Taamir enlisted in the Army in October 2001, only weeks after the attacks of September 11. What started as a technical track in radar repair quickly shifted into combat deployments with the 82nd Airborne, then into explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). He eventually earned a place in a special mission unit, becoming the first Black Tier 1 EOD operator in history. Over the course of 22 years, he deployed repeatedly, survived blasts and crashes, and carried the physical and invisible weight of a long career in special operations. In 2021, after surgery to rebuild his foot, he medically retired.

Transition was harder than expected. “When you get out of the military, you lose your adrenaline, your purpose, and your tribe,” Taamir said. “I was doing pretty bad.” Therapy helped, as did friends who made sure he wasn’t isolating. The steadying force, though, came with a service dog.

His first dog, Dimos, was trained and placed through a nonprofit that works with the special operations community. The bond was immediate. “He makes me feel safe. He watches my back. I don’t have to be wound so tight because I know he’ll give everything for me.” Hypervigilance eased. Structure returned. And for the first time in years, Taamir felt comfortable showing up in crowded community spaces—school dances, baseball games, local events—with Dimos at his side.

Living with a service dog also revealed how many barriers remain for veterans. Taamir explained that misunderstandings about rights are common, from being asked for “paperwork” that doesn’t exist to skepticism about service dogs trained for PTS or anxiety. The VA does not provide consistent coverage for service dogs outside of narrow categories, leaving many veterans to rely on nonprofits or pay out of pocket. Education and access remain the largest gaps.

That’s why legislation like the SAVES Act matters. The bill is designed to make it easier for veterans to connect with accredited programs and receive the support they need, especially for conditions like post-traumatic stress. If passed, it would help address the lack of clear pathways Taamir and so many others have faced, creating consistency across the system so veterans aren’t left to navigate alone.

Rather than stop at his own experience, Taamir went a step further and began training dogs for others. Together with his son Mario, he works with German Shepherds, Giant Schnauzers, and other breeds, teaching obedience, stability, and readiness for public spaces. The work has become both therapy and connection. “Because of the dogs, me and my son are probably the closest we’ve ever been. Motorcycles, cars, dogs—that’s our thing.”

Today, Taamir manages a full pack: Dimos, Aries, Atlas, and Thanos, along with a steady stream of dogs he and Mario train for veterans and neighbors. Each one learns balance—discipline and reward, caution and calm. The goal is the same every time: to have dependable partners who rise to protect when called upon and bring calm when the moment passes.

Taamir’s role at Mission Roll Call now gives him the chance to amplify what he has lived—sharing his story, training alongside his son, and advocating for other veterans who could benefit from the same support. If you ask him what service dogs provide, he’ll keep it simple. Fewer nightmares. A reason to get up and keep a routine. A sense of safety that opens the door to being social. Stronger ties with his son, and the satisfaction of training dogs that go on to serve other veterans.

He also carries with him a favorite line about their nature: “Dogs have beauty without vanity, force without insolence, bravery without ferocity, and all the virtues humans have without any of the vices.”

On National Service Dog Awareness Day (Sept. 20), we celebrate veterans like Taamir who have found stability and purpose through service dogs, and the organizations and legislation working to expand access. Share your story with Mission Roll Call and help us build the awareness and action needed to ensure every veteran has a clear path to a trusted partner at their side.

 

Katt Whittenberger didn’t join the Navy for stability or even for a career. She joined for adventure. Growing up far from the coast, she remembers a recruiting commercial that promised exactly what she craved: the ocean, the unknown, and the chance to tell stories as a journalist.

Her first assignment landed her on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that felt like a floating city. 

“I remember looking up at it and thinking, ‘How does this thing float?’ It’s four football fields long, and two-thirds of the ship is above water. It’s so intimidating,” she said.

The living quarters were cramped, with three-high racks stacked shoulder-width apart and only a tiny locker and shelf for personal items.

Space was limited, but the mission was big. The carrier had its own fire and police departments, post office, store, and morale and recreation programs. At sea, it became its own world, one where sailors worked hard, played hard, and forged bonds through long days and nights.

That world shifted dramatically after September 11, 2001. Just nine days after the attacks, Whittenberger’s ship deployed as one of the first to respond. Night flight operations filled the sky, a stark reminder of the gravity of what lay ahead. Technology was also changing during those years. For the first time, every sailor had an email address, offering a thin digital thread back home. Later deployments would bring cell phones and social media into the mix, reshaping how service members stayed connected even while oceans away.

What started as a search for adventure became a 21-year career that carried her around the globe and through different eras of military life. She grew as the Navy grew, mentoring the next generation and adapting to new challenges until it was time to retire.

When she did, Whittenberger moved to rural Virginia to raise her son on a farm. She traded steel decks and crowded racks for open fields and quiet nights, but the isolation came at a cost. 

Accessing veteran resources proved difficult. Healthcare required long drives, reliable internet wasn’t always available, and administrative hurdles with the VA made navigating benefits exhausting. 

The strong military identity she once carried now felt harder to hold onto. What she experienced, she realized, was not unique. It was a reality for countless veterans in rural America, especially those from the 9/11 generation.

Instead of waiting for solutions, she decided to build one. Alongside friends, Whittenberger co-founded Mountain Valor, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the gaps rural veterans face. Its signature event, Mountain Valor Fest, brings veterans and their families together each September in Floyd, Virginia, on the weekend closest to 9/11.

The festival is equal parts remembrance and celebration. A solemn flag retirement ceremony honors those lost and the sacrifices made, and the day quickly fills with other experiences: live music, food trucks, resource fairs, activities for children, and opportunities for veterans to connect with one another and with organizations that can help. It’s a space designed for families, but also for veterans who might otherwise feel cut off from the community and resources they have earned.

Whittenberger is quick to point out that rural veterans face obstacles their urban counterparts often do not. Healthcare facilities are farther away. Broadband access lags, and while the internet may sound like a solvable issue, mountains create dead zones where cell service doesn’t reach.

Many veterans simply are not aware of the full scope of benefits available to them. One reason is historical: Vietnam veterans often came home to find they were denied access to VA healthcare. Policies and laws have since changed, but the information hasn’t always reached rural America. Those same veterans are often retired now, and many qualify due to limited income, yet they remain unaware of their eligibility.

“Virginia is the worst state when it comes to health care, with the number of veterans who are fully eligible but have never applied because they don’t know about their eligibility,” Katt explained. “It’s so frustrating that there are so many limitations just getting rural veterans the support that they need.”

Mountain Valor exists to bridge those divides, creating events that are welcoming and engaging so that more veterans will show up, discover what is available, and get connected to the care and support they need.

Like her service in the Navy, Whittenberger sees Mountain Valor not as a short-term project but as a commitment to something larger than herself. Sustaining veteran support requires consistency, creativity, and the determination to adapt as needs evolve. Through her own journey, from chasing adventure at sea to navigating rural isolation, and now to building community in the mountains of Virginia, she embodies the resilience of her generation of veterans.

Her story is also featured in Mission Roll Call’s special 9/11 podcast episode, where she reflects on what it meant to deploy in the days following the attacks and how those experiences still shape her life today. Watch here

For veterans and organizations alike, Mountain Valor Fest is an open invitation. It takes place every year on the Saturday closest to September 11 in Floyd, Virginia. This year, it will be held on Saturday, September 13 at Crooked Mountain. Service providers and veteran families are welcome to attend, participate, and connect. More information is available at mtnvalor.org.

At Mission Roll Call, we believe voices like Katt Whittenberger’s matter. They remind us that veterans’ experiences do not end with their service. They evolve, often in ways that demand new solutions. By listening, learning, and amplifying these voices, we can build a stronger, more connected future for all veterans. Join us by sharing yours. 

 

September 7–13 marks National Suicide Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness, break down stigma, and take meaningful steps toward preventing suicide in our communities. For our nation’s veterans, this week carries special urgency. The mental health crisis among those who’ve served continues to deepen, and it’s one we must face together.

Veteran Suicide Is a National Crisis

The numbers are sobering:

Behind every number is a person. A family. A story that ended too soon.

Understanding the Risk

Transitioning out of the military can be one of the most vulnerable times in a veteran’s life. Studies show that the first two years after leaving active duty are especially high-risk due to challenges like isolation, loss of identity, and limited access to care.

There are also alarming disparities across groups:

Post-traumatic stress continues to affect a significant portion of the veteran community. About 15% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience PTS in any given year, and roughly 1 in 3 will experience it at some point in their lifetime.

Access to care remains a major barrier as well. Nearly 45% of veterans report long wait times or delays in receiving health care through the VA. In some areas, wait times for mental health care exceed 50 days.

Progress Is Happening — But It’s Not Enough

The recent passage of the Elizabeth Dole Act has been a step in the right direction. It expands resources for employment, disability claims, mental health care, and support for the 7.8 million caregivers who walk alongside our veterans every day.

But policy alone can’t solve this crisis. It takes all of us veterans, families, communities, and advocates working together to ensure no veteran is left behind.

Support Starts Here

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you’re not alone.

Together, we can build a future where no veteran feels that suicide is their only option.

Get Involved: Ride & Run 4 Their Lives with HBOT4Heroes

This National Suicide Prevention Week, MRC is teaming up with HBOT4Heroes to help turn awareness into action through two powerful events that support veteran suicide prevention efforts and honor those we’ve lost:

Ride 4 Their Lives with Raging Bull Harley-Davidson

Sunday, Sept. 7 | Durham, NC
Kick off National Suicide Prevention Week with a scenic group ride to the Orange County Veterans Memorial.

Run 4 Their Lives 5K

Saturday, Sept. 13 | American Tobacco Trail
Run, walk, or roll — every step you take honors the 44 veterans we lose to suicide each day and helps protect the living.

Can’t ride or run? You can still stand with us.

National Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that hope is real, and help is out there. We honor those we’ve lost by showing up for one another, speaking out, and standing together in the fight for life.

Let’s ride. Let’s run. Let’s rise for their lives.

Today, we honor the life of U.S. Army veteran Michael Verardo, who passed away on August 26 at the age of 40. Michael’s story is one of courage on the battlefield, resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges, and lasting impact on behalf of America’s veterans and their families.

Michael proudly served as an infantryman and paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. In Afghanistan, he survived two IED attacks, the second of which left him one of the most catastrophically wounded soldiers of the Global War on Terror. Despite devastating injuries and more than 120 surgeries, Michael refused to be defined by tragedy. Instead, he lived a life of purpose, advocating for his fellow veterans, strengthening the nation’s commitment to those who served, and inspiring countless Americans with his determination and spirit.

Alongside his beloved wife, Sarah, who now serves as the CEO of The Independence Fund, Michael turned his lived experience into advocacy that drove meaningful, permanent improvements in care and support for wounded veterans. His voice reached the highest levels of government, shaping reforms that continue to change lives today.

Governor Josh Stein ordered flags in North Carolina lowered to half-staff on September 2 in Michael’s honor, calling him “a man who lived a life of purpose and made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our state and our country.”

Michael’s greatest joy, however, was his family. Together with Sarah, he built a beautiful life and leaves behind three daughters, Grace, Mary Scott, and Elizabeth. His legacy of love, strength, and service will live on through them and through the countless lives touched by his advocacy and example.

Mission Roll Call extends our deepest gratitude to Michael Verardo. His life reminds us of the resilience of our nation’s veterans and the enduring power of service, sacrifice, and love. We will carry his memory forward.

Airborne, All the Way.

In August, we focused on one of the most critical aspects of post-military life: employment and career transition. While veterans bring unmatched skills and leadership to the civilian workforce, too many struggle to secure meaningful jobs or maintain long-term career stability. This month, Mission Roll Call focused on equipping veterans with resources, amplifying their voices, and pushing for solutions that ensure opportunity after service.

Through stories, guides, policy updates, and educational content, we worked to highlight both the challenges and the pathways forward for veterans seeking purpose and stability in civilian careers.

Here’s what you might have missed:

We published a series of articles designed to help veterans navigate employment transitions and access the support they’ve earned. From step-by-step tools and resources to highlighting the organizations that specialize in veteran career services, each piece was aimed at empowering veterans to thrive beyond their time in uniform.

– From Service to Success: Tools for Veteran Employment and Transition
– 10 Veteran Service Organizations Dedicated to Career Transition
– Innovative Treatments are Making Strides to Support Veterans. The System Should Be, Too.
– VA Expands Community Care Referrals to One Year
– Are You Eligible for VA Benefits?

The Lasting Mission Podcast
In August, The Lasting Mission featured the story of Army veteran Rick Welch, who offered a candid look at the realities of war, loss, and life after service. His journey reflects the challenges faced by rural veterans and the lasting impact of combat, while also highlighting resilience and the power of sharing one’s story.

– Left Behind After Battle: Rick Welch on War, Loss & the Fight for Rural Veterans
– Baghdad’s Flies Still Haunt This Veteran Years Later – Rick Welch, Part 2

Mission Roll Call University (MRCU)
MRCU continued its role as a hub for straightforward education and resources. This month’s videos offered practical insights into financial literacy and emerging treatments, helping veterans and families plan for the future and explore options for healing.

– How the Stock Market REALLY Works – Financial Literacy
– Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – A Treatment Worth Breathing For

Veteran Town Hall: Your Voice in Real Time
Our August Town Hall brought veterans together to share their perspectives. These discussions continue to inform our advocacy and remind us that every veteran voice matters.

– Watch the August Town Hall (08.20)

MRC in the Media
Mission Roll Call’s leadership continued to raise awareness on the national stage. In August, CEO Jim Whaley joined Newsmax to emphasize the importance of a strong, unified voice for veterans across the country and shared veteran perspectives on combating veteran homelessness with The National Desk.

–Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley on Newsmax || A Voice Representing Our Nation’s Veterans

– The National Desk || VA announces $818 million to combat veteran homelessness

Speak Up: Your Voice Matters
Veteran experiences guide our work and drive our advocacy. By sharing your input through surveys and polls, you help shape solutions that impact not only today’s veterans but future generations as well. Make Your Voice Heard in Our Open Polls.

The VA is exploring new ways to support veterans after service, including preventive wellness, access to service animals, and community programs. This survey asks for your perspective on whether the VA should help expand these opportunities and if veterans see value in this kind of preventive approach.

Take the Veteran Voices Survey.

Looking Ahead: September 11 Remembrance
In September, we will honor Patriot Day by reflecting on the enduring impact of 9/11. Our focus will also turn to national security in today’s world—what it demands, how it has evolved, and why it matters. Above all, we’ll ensure that the voices of veterans and their families remain at the center of this conversation, guiding how our nation remembers, responds, and prepares for the future.

 

Transitioning from military to civilian life brings both opportunities and challenges, especially when it comes to landing a career. One of the most important tools while conducting a job search is a resume, and how veterans present their military experience to civilian employers.

This quick guide to help veterans and their families navigate that process, step by step.

Step 1: Translate Military Experience

Many employers value the leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills veterans bring to the table, but they may not understand military titles or terminology.

Here’s how to make military experience clear:

Avoid military jargon. For example, instead of “Platoon Sergeant,” say “Operations Supervisor” or “Team Leader.”

Highlight transferable skills such as:

Use translation tools to help bridge the gap:

Step 2: Build a Civilian-Friendly Resume

A solid resume should be focused, clear, and tailored to each role applied for.

Resume sections should include:

  1. Contact Information
    Name, email, and phone number
    Note: You do not need to include your address on a resume.
  2. Professional Summary
    A brief 2–4 sentence snapshot of your experience and value.
    Example:  “Experienced logistics coordinator with 8+ years managing complex supply chains and leading cross-functional teams in high-pressure environments.”
  3. Key Skills
     Tailor these to the job. Example skills:

    • Operations Management
    • Communication
    • Technical Troubleshooting
    • Strategic Planning
  4. Work Experience
     List your military roles like any job:

    • Job Title / Role
    • Dates & Location
    • Bullet points describing accomplishments, using civilian terms.
       Example: “Led a 12-person team responsible for $2M in equipment, achieving 100% accountability over 3 years.”
  5. Education & Certifications
    • Degrees, military schools, and any civilian certifications (e.g., PMP, CDL, IT certs)

Resume Tips:

Step 3: Master the Job Search

Once your resume is ready, it’s time to go after the right opportunities.

Start with veteran-focused job boards:

Build Your Network:

Step 4: Acing the Interview

It is important to research the organization, present a professional image, show enthusiasm, and ask thoughtful questions about the role and company. When you land an interview, preparation is key:

Don’t be afraid to highlight achievements, as military experience often cultivates a unique drive and loyalty that employers value.

Conclusion

Transitioning into civilian work life isn’t always easy, but military experience is a huge asset in the job market. By learning to communicate military skills in civilian terms and following best practices for resumes and interviews, veterans set themselves up for long-term success.

Veterans have already proven themselves under pressure — now it’s time to prove it on paper.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a wide range of benefits to those who served and their families. Beyond healthcare, the VA offers resources for education, home ownership, financial stability, and survivor support. These programs exist to recognize military service and ensure that veterans and their loved ones have access to the care and opportunities they have earned. 

Yet many veterans are uncertain about what they qualify for, or they assume the process will be too complicated. In reality, eligibility is broader than most people realize, and applying is more straightforward than it appears. Taking the time to understand your options can make a meaningful difference for you and your family, both now and in the future. 

Who Is Eligible for VA Benefits? 

Eligibility depends on a few key factors: your service history, discharge status, and in some cases, your income or disability rating. Generally, you may qualify if you served in the active military, National Guard, or Reserves and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. 

Here are the main categories of eligibility: 

The VA reviews each case individually. Even if you are unsure about your qualifications, it is worth applying. Many veterans discover they are eligible for far more than they expected. 

VA Healthcare: A Comprehensive System of Care 

Enrolling in VA healthcare connects veterans to one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the nation. Services extend well beyond routine doctor visits. 

Core Services 

Mental Health Support 

The VA is one of the largest providers of mental health services in the country. Veterans can access counseling, treatment for post-traumatic stress, substance use programs, and suicide prevention resources. 

Emergency and Extended Care 

Under certain conditions, veterans can receive emergency care at non-VA hospitals, with the VA covering costs. For those with long-term health challenges, the VA also offers extended care options such as skilled nursing, prosthetics, adaptive equipment, and caregiver support. 

Importantly, enrolling in VA healthcare does not require giving up private insurance or TRICARE. Many veterans use both, reducing out-of-pocket costs while expanding their choices for care. 

Beyond Healthcare: Additional VA Benefits 

VA benefits extend into almost every aspect of life. Some are well known, such as disability compensation or the GI Bill, while others are less familiar but equally important. 

Disability Compensation 

Tax-free monthly payments are available to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Compensation depends on the severity of the disability, and additional amounts may be available for dependents.  

Pension Programs 

Separate from pension payments for service on Active Duty, wartime veterans with limited income and assets may qualify for pension payments from the VA. The VA also offers Aid and Attendance benefits for those who require help with daily living. 

Education and Training 

The GI Bill provides tuition, housing, and book stipends for higher education, trade schools, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Veterans may also transfer unused benefits to eligible family members. 

Home Loan Programs 

VA-backed home loans allow veterans to purchase, build, or refinance a home with competitive rates and no down payment requirement. The VA also offers direct loans and grants for adapting homes to meet disability needs. 

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) 

These services help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment. Counseling, training, and job placement assistance are included.
Watch this video on Mission Roll Call University to learn more: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGsu3VRDvZc&t=2s 

Life Insurance 

Life insurance programs include Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), and Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife). These programs offer affordable coverage to veterans and their families, ensuring peace of mind and financial security. 

Burial and Memorial Benefits 

Veterans may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and Presidential Memorial Certificates for families. 

Family and Survivor Benefits 

Why Enrollment Matters 

Enrolling in VA benefits ensures that support is available when you need it. Some programs require you to be in the system before you can use them. Others expand over time as laws change or as your circumstances shift. 

By enrolling, you are also strengthening the system itself. When more veterans use their benefits, it provides clear evidence of need, helps direct funding, and guides policy improvements. 

How to Apply 

The VA has simplified the application process. You can: 

For benefits beyond healthcare, VA.gov offers guided forms tailored to each program. 

Preparing for Your Application 

To make the process smoother, gather the following: 

You do not need to navigate the process alone. Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the DAV, VFW, or American Legion offer free assistance with applications and appeals. 

Do Not Assume You Are Ineligible 

One of the most common mistakes veterans make is assuming they do not qualify for benefits. Even if you did not retire from the military, did not deploy overseas, or left service years ago, you may still be eligible for important benefits. 

The only way to know for sure is to apply. A single application can unlock a wide range of resources for you and your family. 

Final Word: Your Service Earned These Benefits 

VA benefits are not favors or handouts. They are part of the commitment this country made to you when you chose to serve. From healthcare and education to financial security and family support, these resources exist to honor your service and improve your life. 

If you have not applied, now is the time. Visit VA.gov to check your eligibility and begin the application process, or walk into your nearest VA facility for assistance. 

You stood up for your country. These benefits stand ready for you and your family. Take the step to claim what you have earned. 

A new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policy is giving veterans uninterrupted access to care by extending Community Care referrals from 90 to 180 days to a full 12 months. For veterans who depend on community providers when VA facilities are unavailable or unable to provide timely appointments, this change means fewer paperwork barriers, fewer delays, and a stronger focus on health and recovery. 

In the past, many referrals expired after only a few months. Veterans and providers often had to restart the process to continue treatment, creating unnecessary disruptions. Under the new system, authorizations for 30 types of high-demand services will last a full year, ensuring continuity of care and reducing administrative obstacles.  

For veterans who have long told us that access to healthcare is one of their most pressing needs, this update is an important step forward. In fact, in a Mission Roll Call survey, 73 percent of veterans identified access to care as their top priority for 2025. 

The change applies to 30 specialties that many veterans rely on regularly, including: 

It also covers several forms of mental health treatment, such as outpatient therapy, addiction psychiatry, and family or couples counseling. These are areas where consistent, uninterrupted care is especially critical, and extending referral periods helps ensure veterans can continue their treatment plans without interruption. 

For veterans, the benefits are straightforward. A longer referral period means fewer renewal requests and less time spent on administrative tasks. It also means more consistent treatment, which supports better health outcomes over the long term. Providers in the community benefit as well, since reducing the need for repeated authorizations allows them to focus more on delivering care rather than navigating paperwork. Ultimately, this is about efficiency and ensuring veterans stay at the center of the process. 

If you are already receiving treatment through VA Community Care, now is the time to check with your provider or local Community Care Office to see whether your referral qualifies for the new 12-month authorization. If you are not currently enrolled in community care but need access to services that are unavailable or delayed at your VA facility, you can speak with your healthcare team about whether you qualify for a referral under the expanded program. 

This update is more than an administrative improvement. It represents a meaningful shift in how the VA is working to strengthen access to care for veterans, recognizing the importance of consistency, timeliness, and choice in healthcare.  

With year-long referrals now available across 30 essential services, veterans can count on receiving the care they need without unnecessary interruptions, and that reflects real progress toward addressing the priorities they have voiced loud and clear. If you have not yet enrolled in VA benefits, now is the time—visit VA.gov to begin your application and ensure you have access to the full range of resources and care you have earned. 

Your voice matters. Take our latest survey to share your experiences and priorities. Your input directly informs Mission Roll Call’s advocacy efforts and helps shape legislation and policies like this one. Take the survey. 

 

According to a recent Mission Roll Call poll, when asked if they found it difficult to acclimate to civilian life, 46% of respondents answered “yes.” In spite of resources available, a further 81% indicated that they had never received transition assistance such as mentorship, financial assistance, or job placement from a local business, nonprofit, or community provider. Additionally, in a study done by Syracuse University, nearly half of veterans said they felt the military transition assistance program did not prepare them well for leaving military service.

Supporting veterans in their job search involves leveraging resources and programs designed to translate military experience into civilian careers and connect them with employers who value those skills. Several organizations and initiatives offer tailored support, including resume building, interview skills training, and direct connections to potential employers. Listed below are 10 organizations dedicated to supporting veterans with their career transition.

1.Veterans Bridge Home (VBH)

VBH serves as a bridge between service members, veterans, and families, forging connections with nonprofits providing job readiness resources and businesses keen on hiring veterans.

2. Operation Second Chance, Inc.

Operation Second Chance supports veterans and their families by identifying and supporting immediate needs and interests, promoting public awareness of the many sacrifices made by our Armed Forces. Operation Second Chance also helps maintain resources to assist veterans and their families with their numerous health, employment, and financial needs.

3. Operation Honor: Rural Salute

OHRS empowers rural veterans with resources, jobs, and community support, helping them thrive, feel connected, and build strong, fulfilling lives in the places they call home.

4. Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Veterans Career Program, formerly known as PAVE, provides free employment support and vocational counseling assistance to all veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, and caregivers.

5. Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) 

Part of the U.S. Department of Labor, VETS helps veterans, separating service members, and their spouses prepare for careers by providing employment resources, expertise, and protecting their employment rights.

6. Hire Heroes USA 

Hire Heroes USA helps military families build bright futures by assisting U.S. servicemen and women, and their spouses, in finding rewarding career paths. They have a proven track record, with over 110,000 confirmed hires.

7. Warrior Foundation Freedom Station

Warrior Foundation Freedom Station supports medically retiring men and women as they transition to civilian life through transitional housing, outdoor therapy, career guidance, and much more.

8. VetJobs

VetJobs offers free career placement and training services to military veterans, retirees, transitioning members, National Guardsmen, reservists, and their spouses. They have a successful approach, citing 111,000+ verified placements since 2010, that combines personalized support, technology, and education to help job seekers succeed.

9. RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary is a comprehensive military-to-civilian recruiting company that connects veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses with employment opportunities. They offer career fairs, placement services, and a job board, leveraging their expertise in translating military experience into civilian skills.

10. American Corporate Partners (ACP)

ACP offers free career counseling and mentoring to recently returned veterans, connecting them with professionals from top companies and universities.

As you can see from the wide array of resources listed above, supporting veterans with employment involves a tailored, multi-faceted approach with resources from both government and private organizations. By utilizing these resources and programs, veterans can overcome employment barriers and find meaningful careers that leverage their skills and experience.

Mission Roll Call’s comprehensive Veteran Resource Directory connects veterans and their families to organizations ready to help. Visit missionrollcall.org/resource-directory to discover the support you need to find employment for you or your veteran.

 

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