At Mission Roll Call, we believe that veterans and their families are the most important voices when it comes to shaping policies that affect their lives. No one understands the challenges veterans face better than they do. That’s why we make it our mission to amplify their voices, ensuring they are heard by policymakers, the media, and the public.

Through media appearances, polling, and direct engagement with government leaders, we strive to elevate the insights of those who have served our country. By speaking out, veterans and their families play a crucial role in informing policy and driving the changes that can make a real difference in their communities.

Here are three key advocacy efforts that Mission Roll Call helped champion, all driven by the voices of the veteran community:

1. Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act is a pivotal piece of legislation addressing the rights of veterans. Under the Brady Act of 1993, if the VA appoints a third party to manage a veteran’s compensation, that veteran is automatically referred to the FBI firearms list, restricting their ability to purchase firearms—without due process in court. The VA is the only federal agency that implements this policy without a judicial ruling.

Mission Roll Call took action by surveying our veteran members, and 83% said Congress should change the law to protect veterans’ due process rights. Armed with this data, we met with members of Congress and testified at a House VA Committee Hearing. The outcome? The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act passed the House of Representatives—a victory for veterans’ rights and due process.

2. VA Electronic Health Records Management (EHRM) Poll

The VA’s Electronic Health Records Management (EHRM) system was intended to revolutionize veteran care by creating a seamless transition of medical records from active-duty service to veteran status. However, the system has been plagued by glitches, causing 148 instances of patient harm while operating in only a few VA facilities. With revised cost estimates soaring to $50 billion over 28 years, the question arose: Should the EHRM rollout continue or remain paused until improvements are made?

Mission Roll Call conducted a poll, and 84% of our respondents said the rollout should be paused until the system is improved and certified. We used this data to inform House VA Committee negotiations on HR 2809, advocating for more effective solutions to protect veteran care and taxpayer dollars. Our voice helped shape the ongoing conversation about the future of the EHRM program, ensuring that the focus remains on the well-being of veterans and their families.

3. Changing the VA Motto Poll

The VA’s historic motto, a direct quote from President Lincoln’s second inaugural address, reads: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” While the motto has honored veterans for decades, critics have pushed for a more inclusive, gender-neutral update, reflecting the growing number of women veterans using VA facilities.

In response, Mission Roll Call surveyed our members, and 70% supported changing the motto to better reflect the diverse veteran community. We provided this data to the VA as they considered the change, and earlier this year, the VA announced its updated motto: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” This inclusive change represents the evolution of the veteran community and the VA’s commitment to serving all veterans.

Why Your Voice Matters

The success of these advocacy efforts wouldn’t have been possible without the input of our veteran members and their families. Every poll, every conversation, and every piece of feedback empowers us to fight for the changes that matter most to veterans and their families. Your voice is essential in driving the policies that impact veterans’ lives every day.

Join Mission Roll Call today and make sure your perspective is part of the conversation. With your help, we can continue to enact real, meaningful change—ensuring that veterans receive the respect, care, and rights they deserve. Become a member of Mission Roll Call.