Mission Roll Call launched 2026 with a bipartisan kickoff reception on Capitol Hill, bringing together senior federal leaders, policymakers, veteran advocates, and partners from across the veteran and military community. The event underscored Mission Roll Call’s commitment to elevating veteran voices and advancing practical, veteran-driven policy solutions.

The reception featured remarks from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) Chairman Mike Bost (IL), and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL). Also in attendance was HVAC Subcommittee on Health Chairwoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA), HVAC Member General Jack Bergman (MI), and HVAC Member Tom Barrett (MI). Their participation highlighted the continued bipartisan focus on veterans’ health care, benefits, and long-term well-being at a critical moment for federal veterans’ policy.

Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley hosted the evening, welcoming attendees and emphasizing the organization’s mission to ensure veterans’ experiences inform decision-making in Washington. Strategic Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy Mike Desmond served as emcee, guiding the program and reinforcing the importance of collaboration between Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the broader veteran community.

Speakers addressed the evolving needs of veterans following two decades of sustained conflict, including access to timely and effective health care, mental health and brain injury treatment, accountability within federal systems, and the challenges veterans and military families face during transition to civilian life. Throughout the program, speakers emphasized that durable solutions require both strong oversight and consistent engagement with veterans themselves.

The event drew participation from across the veteran community, including representatives from veteran service organizations, military family advocates, health care innovators, congressional staff, and nonprofit leaders. Conversations throughout the evening reflected shared priorities for the year ahead and reinforced the value of cross-sector coordination in driving meaningful progress for veterans and their families.

Mission Roll Call’s 2026 Kickoff Reception highlighted the organization’s role as a bridge between veterans and policymakers. Through national polling, veteran outreach, and direct engagement with policymakers, Mission Roll Call continues to translate veteran perspectives into actionable policy recommendations. The reception demonstrated that work in action, creating space for dialogue, relationship-building, and alignment across ideological and institutional lines.

Photos from the event and links to the speakers’ remarks are included below. Mission Roll Call thanks all who joined the reception and contributed to a strong start to 2026. The organization remains focused on advancing bipartisan, results-oriented policies that reflect the real priorities of veterans and military families nationwide.