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On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress took a bold step by establishing the Continental Army—more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. That decision marked the beginning of what would become the most formidable military force in the world. 

Two and a half centuries later, we honor the generations of Americans who have served, the battles they’ve endured, and the legacy they’ve built. The 250th anniversary of the United States military is more than a historical milestone. It’s a chance to reflect on the strength, resilience, and character of those who have worn the uniform, and the families who have stood beside them. 

A Legacy of Innovation and Resolve 

The U.S. military has always evolved to meet the challenges of its time. From the colonial militias of the 18th century to today’s high-tech operations across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace, service members have shaped the course of history through innovation and determination. 

Throughout those years, the military has given rise to technologies that changed civilian life as well. M&Ms were created during World War II to withstand combat conditions. Super Glue was discovered while searching for materials for clear plastic rifle sights. Even duct tape began as a military invention to seal ammunition boxes. These breakthroughs are just small examples of how military service has intersected with American ingenuity. 

To explore more key moments in military history, visit our interactive timeline. 

Honoring FiFi 

This year also marks the 80th birthday of FiFi, one of only two remaining airworthy B-29 Superfortress bombers. Built near the end of World War II, FiFi has become a living piece of aviation history. She regularly appears at airshows and commemorations around the country, offering Americans a rare opportunity to witness the power and precision of this historic aircraft. 

The B-29 program introduced innovations that transformed air combat, including pressurized cabins and remote-controlled turrets. Crews who flew these bombers faced long, dangerous missions over enemy territory, often without any guarantee of return. Pilots, gunners, engineers, and support staff worked in unison to carry out one of the most technically advanced missions of the war. 

Today, FiFi reminds us of the courage of that generation and the importance of preserving history for those who follow. 

The Heart Behind the Uniform 

Military service is a deeply personal calling. People join for different reasons: a sense of duty, a family tradition, the desire to protect others, or the opportunity to grow through challenge. What unites them is a commitment to something greater than themselves. 

That commitment is felt not only by the service members but also by the families who support them. Spouses keep households running during deployments. Children adapt to constant change. Parents wait for phone calls, letters, or homecomings. The military community is built on shared strength, quiet sacrifices, and enduring support. 

Even after the uniform comes off, the experience of service continues to shape lives. Veterans carry the pride of service and, in many cases, the physical and emotional weight of their experiences. As a nation, we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the care, respect, and recognition they deserve. 

The Cost—and the Promise—of Service 

For every story of innovation or victory, there are also stories of loss, trauma, and hardship. Military service demands more than physical strength. It calls for courage under pressure, moral conviction in complex environments, and the ability to persevere through adversity. 

At Mission Roll Call, we listen to veterans, amplify their voices, and advocate for solutions that reflect their real needs. Through real-time polling and outreach, we connect veterans and their families with decision-makers to influence positive change. 

We’ve explored some of the challenges they face in our series of “State of” articles, including the State of Veterans, State of Veterans Mental Health, and the State of Military Families. These reports offer an honest, data-driven look at where we are—and where we must go to better support those who served and their families. 

Looking Ahead 

As we mark this 250-year anniversary, we do so with deep gratitude and clear purpose. Gratitude for those who stepped forward to serve. Purpose in our ongoing mission to support them. 

The future of the U.S. military will be shaped by new challenges, emerging technologies, and the next generation of brave Americans. But the core values—duty, honor, service—remain the same. These values have carried us through war and peace, progress and pain, and they will continue to guide us in the years ahead. 

We invite you to join us in honoring this historic milestone. Visit our military timeline to learn more about key moments across 250 years of service. Talk to a veteran. Attend a local ceremony. Fly the flag with pride. 

Because no matter what changes, one thing will always be true: 

Freedom isn’t free. 

But it is worth it. 

Want to honor a service member in your life? Follow Mission Roll Call on social media, share your story, or support our mission to ensure veterans are heard—today and always. 

 

It’s no secret that rural areas are appealing for veterans to choose to reside in. The draw to rural areas is simple – it is typically quiet, has a lower cost of living, and plenty of open space for recreation. Most rural communities are tight-knit, creating a sense of belonging, but have the room to retain a certain level of privacy if desired. 

While rural living comes with many advantages, geographic isolation can make accessing healthcare and veteran-specific resources more difficult. If this affected only a handful of individuals, it might not warrant broader attention. But this is a significant veteran population that is too often overlooked. According to the Office of Rural Health, there are 2.7 million rural and highly rural veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Many rural Veterans enrolled in VA’s health care system are at an advanced age, with 54% being age 65 or older.

What makes a veteran rural?  

To label a veteran as rural, the Department of Veterans Affairs uses the rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes system to define rurality. The RUCA codes system takes into account population density as well as how closely a community is linked socio-economically to larger urban centers. 

Empowering Rural Veterans, Building Thriving Communities 

Shedding a light on a large community of veterans who have limited access to resources and healthcare is something Operation Honor: Rural Salute (OHRS)  doesn’t just believe in – they act on it with every gathering, event, and podcast they host.

OHRS was born out of personal experience and a deep commitment to serving those who have served us. Founders Michelle and Chris Lang, after Chris’s eight years of active duty in the Army, faced the challenges of civilian life head-on when they returned to their home state of Pennsylvania in 2019. Amidst the struggles of transitioning and health issues, they discovered a frustrating truth: while many resources existed to help veterans, they were often difficult to find, especially for those in rural areas. 

Determined to change this, Michelle and Chris envisioned an organization that would not only connect veterans to the resources they needed but also build a community where they felt supported, valued, and empowered. 

Reaching and Connecting Rural Veterans 

OHRS provides rural veterans with an Interactive Map that helps connect them with other veterans close to their proximity to assist in building a sense of community. OHRS also hosts events to bring veterans together, with a focus on rural communities. Their most recent event was a two-day celebration filled with excitement, entertainment, and most importantly, support for the heroes who’ve served our country. 

Check out their full list of resources: www.ohruralsalute.org/resources

Get Involved 

Support should not depend on where someone resides. Nearly 25% of veterans live in rural America, and those veterans deserve access to basic healthcare and resources as much as the other 75%. While connection and raising awareness are key, donations and volunteering are just as helpful in making this group of veterans and their families feel supported.

This June, as we shine a light on rural veterans, we proudly stand with organizations like Operation Honor’s Rural Salute (OHRS), which provide vital support to these often-overlooked heroes every day. Amplifying the voices of rural veterans remains central to Mission Roll Call’s purpose, and partnerships with organizations like OHRS help bring that mission to life.

Learn more about OHRS and how you can support their work at www.ohruralsalute.org. To join us in advocating for rural veterans and ensuring their voices are heard, visit www.missionrollcall.org. 

 

 

This June 21-22, Mission Roll Call is proud to join forces with the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program and the Malone Family Foundation for Hockey Heals 22, an inspiring event where 22 hours of continuous hockey are dedicated to one powerful mission: ending veteran suicide. 

Veteran suicide is a national crisis. For years, the number “22” has served as a symbol, representing the estimated 22 veterans lost to suicide each day. While different studies and data sources have offered varied figures over time, the truth remains painfully clear: we are losing far too many heroes to invisible wounds. 

Behind every number is a name, a family, and a story. And events like Hockey Heals 22 remind us that awareness alone isn’t enough—we need action, connection, and purpose to drive real change. 

The Lightning Warriors 

Founded in 2017 and formally incorporated in 2020, the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program is a Tampa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving the disabled veteran community through hockey. Their mission is to create a therapeutic and educational environment—both recreational and competitive—that fosters healing, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Hockey Heals 22 is an extension of that mission. It brings together athletes, veterans, and supporters to raise awareness, build community, and honor those we’ve lost by fighting for those still here. 

MRC’s Role 

As a national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Mission Roll Call gives a voice to veterans and their families through real-time polling, storytelling, and advocacy. Our mission is simple: to ensure every veteran is seen, heard, and supported. 

In 2025, we’re focused on four critical priorities: 

These challenges are deeply interconnected. That’s why we listen directly to veterans, share their experiences, and advocate for smart, effective policies—like the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which expands mental health care access and support for underserved communities. 

Events like Hockey Heals 22 help bring our work to life, uniting national advocacy with local action and community care. 

MRC is proud to share this space with the Malone Family Foundation, a fellow co-beneficiary whose mission centers on mental wellness and recovery for veterans, first responders, and their families. Their work—especially through sport-based wellness programs—echoes the values at the heart of this event. 

If you’re in the Tampa area, we invite you to join us in person for Hockey Heals 22, as we stand alongside the Lightning Warriors, the Malone Family Foundation, and all those who are committed to saving lives and building a stronger future for our nation’s veterans and their families. If you can’t make it, follow along on MRC’s social channels for photos, stories, and updates from the event.  

Together, we can help ensure that every veteran knows: you are not alone, and your life matters. 

 

 

The wildfires came fast. 

Fanned by dry winds and fed by brittle brush, the flames moved like a predator across Pacific Palisades. Smoke billowed through the canyons, blurring sightlines and choking the air. Residents scrambled to evacuate as emergency alerts pierced the quiet calm of the coastal neighborhood. For many, there was only enough time to grab what they could and flee. 

Army veteran Jim Cragg stood his ground. He had a plan. 


Years earlier, a brush fire had crept within 500 yards of his Pacific Palisades home while he was stationed at Fort Bragg. The close call was enough to change how he thought about fire readiness. “I decided when I got back, I would come up with a plan,” he said. 

That plan was simple but strategic. He purchased multiple heavy-duty garden hoses, sprinklers, and a tube of fire retardant. When the flames approached this time, he was ready. “My wife came home, she took care of the animals and valuables. My job was to take care of the perimeter,” he explained. “I got on the roof and pulled those three sprinklers up, set them, and sprayed down the side of the house.” 

Water arced over the home, soaking the roof and siding. The line it created stopped the fire in its tracks. From his vantage point, Jim could see the damage below—14 homes down the hillside, all lost. Two of them belonged to friends. “There was no guarantee it would work,” he said. “But it worked.” 

A few blocks away, the American Legion Post 283 building also withstood the onslaught. Though smoke-stained and surrounded by scorched trees, the structure remained intact. Tattered but still waving, an American flag clung to its pole outside the Legion hall—partially burned at the edges but unbroken. It became a symbol in the days to come: of survival, of strength, and of what it means to rise after destruction. 


What happened next turned a moment of crisis into a mission of community. 

Under Jim’s leadership, Post 283 quickly transformed into the Palisades Wildfires Community Support Center. Veterans rallied. They brought the same skills they’d learned in military training—logistics, coordination, calm under pressure—to the neighborhoods they had sworn to protect, even long after taking off the uniform. The Legion hall became a beacon amid the ash. It was a place to get supplies, ask questions, or simply find steady ground. 

Jim, a Past Commander of the Post, mobilized volunteers. People knew they could count on the veterans. When disaster hits, you don’t want chaos—you want a chain of command. That’s what Post 283 offered. 

This wasn’t the first time Jim answered the call. A longtime advocate for veterans and national security, he’s spent years working across both military and civilian sectors. But the fires made his mission personal. It went beyond protecting property. It was about stitching together a shaken community and showing that service doesn’t end with a DD-214. 

That commitment soon caught national attention. 

On June 2, Jim Cragg received a special award from Lieutenant General Scott A. Spellmon, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The honor recognizes his leadership in promoting a combined Army-veteran response to the Pacific Palisades wildfires. The ceremony was held at the Legion Hall—the same place that served as a lifeline for the community and continues to do so today. 

This summer, Post 283 has a full calendar of outreach and celebration that reflects its renewed purpose and commitment to the community: 

Today, that burned flag still flies outside Post 283. 


Its edges are curled, its colors dimmed—but it hasn’t been replaced. Not yet. Not because they can’t afford a new one, but because that flag tells the truth of what happened here. It survived. So did they. 

Just like that flag, the veterans of Post 283 continue to stand tall as defenders of the country and as builders of community. 

The fire may be out. But the mission has just begun. 

May is a month rooted in reverence, honoring those who serve, those we’ve lost, and the invisible battles many veterans still fight every day. At Mission Roll Call, we used this month to spotlight both Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, elevating the importance of recognition, resilience, and reform. 

From celebrating the contributions of our service members to confronting the mental health crisis within the veteran community, May’s stories, interviews, and insights brought our mission into sharper focus. 

Here’s what you might have missed: 

Military Appreciation and Mental Health Awareness in Focus 

We explored the true meaning of appreciation and support—not just in words, but in action. 

– The Real Meaning of Military Appreciation
– Carrying the Mission of Memorial Day All Year
– From Waves to Wellness with Operation Surf
– 2025 Military Appreciation Month Discounts 

Helpful Tips and Awareness 

– Real ID and Veterans: What You Need to Know
– 5 Essential Financial Tips for Life After the Military
– The Military Fix-All That Held It All Together 

The Lasting Mission Podcast 

In May, The Lasting Mission podcast continued to elevate critical conversations that impact the veteran community. 

This month’s episode features U.S. Representative Greg Landsman in part one of a two-part discussion on the opioid epidemic and how bipartisan action can lead to safer, non-opioid alternatives for pain management.
Listen to the episode 

Subscribe to The Lasting Mission on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, and help us spread these important conversations by sharing the podcast with others. 

Mission Roll Call University (MRCU) 

Our YouTube channel, Mission Roll Call University, continues to serve as a go-to resource for veterans, families, and supporters. This month, we released a new episode focused on managing finances and reducing stress before and after separation from military service. 

– Break FREE from Financial Stress: Prepare for Your Military Transition NOW 

Watch, subscribe, and share to help us ensure veterans have access to the guidance and tools they need to thrive. 

MRC in the Media: Advocacy that Resonates 

– Lawmakers Move to Stop VA from Quietly Taking Gun Rights from Veterans
– Veterans Concerned About Proposed VA Cuts
– VA Reform: Veteran Advocate Calls for Less Bureaucracy, Better Care
– Newsmax Interview with CEO Jim Whaley
– The Tony Kinnett Podcast – Daily Signal Interview
– Veterans group rises to Collins’s defense over VA cuts: ‘Gotta think differently’

Speak Up: Participate in Our Open Polls 

Your voice shapes our mission. From VA services to veteran employment, our open polls help guide where we focus next.
Take the latest poll 

Support the Mission: $25 for 250 Campaign 

As we honor 250 years of military service, we’re asking supporters to give just $25 to power our next chapter. Every gift helps amplify the voices of veterans and their families.
Donate and explore the timeline 

Looking Ahead: Rural and Minority Veterans, PTS Awareness, and Mental Health Resources 

In June, we’ll shine a light on rural and minority veterans, communities often overlooked in national conversations, and honor Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month with practical resources, inspiring stories, and expert insights. From navigating VA enrollment to supporting mental health in everyday life, we’re committed to supporting veterans and families and bridging gaps in care. 

Stay tuned for new research, new conversations, and new ways to get involved. 

 

 

Memorial Day is a time of solemn remembrance—a day when we honor the brave men and women who have laid down their lives in service to our nation. It’s a day filled with ceremonies, the placing of flags on graves, and moments of silence and reflection. But for many, the weight of loss is not confined to a single day; it’s a daily reality. 

At Mission Roll Call, we believe that while Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made, our commitment to honoring those sacrifices must extend beyond just one day. It’s about ensuring that the legacy of our fallen heroes is upheld through continuous support and advocacy for those they left behind. 

The Enduring Impact of Sacrifice 

Behind every name etched on a memorial is a story—a family left grieving, a community impacted, and comrades who carry the memories of their fallen brothers and sisters. The pain of loss doesn’t dissipate after Memorial Day; it lingers, influencing the lives of Gold Star families and veterans alike. 

Many organizations provide year-round support to families grieving the loss of a military loved one, offering counseling, peer support, and resources to navigate their grief. Their work underscores the importance of ongoing care and remembrance.  

A Collective Responsibility 

Honoring our fallen heroes is not solely the responsibility of their families or fellow service members; it’s a collective duty. As citizens, we must ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten and that their families receive the support they need. 

Participating in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day is one way to pay tribute. This nationwide pause encourages Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedoms. 

Year-Round Commitment 

While Memorial Day is a designated time for remembrance, our commitment to supporting veterans and their families should be unwavering throughout the year. This includes: 

Continuing the Mission 

As we honor the memory of our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, let us also reaffirm our commitment to those who continue to bear the weight of their loss. By extending our support beyond a single day, we ensure that the sacrifices made are honored through action and sustained care. 

Let us carry the mission forward—not just on Memorial Day, but every day. Join us at Mission Roll Call and share your voice. 

 

 

 

Unlike Memorial Day, which invites solemn reflection on those we’ve lost, May also reminds us to look around—to the veterans in our neighborhoods, the families holding down the homefront, and the service members still standing watch. Military Appreciation Month is our opportunity to say, “We see you. We thank you. And we’re still listening.” 

Established by Congress in 1999, Military Appreciation Month includes several important days of reflection and gratitude: Loyalty Day (May 1), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 10), Armed Forces Day (May 18), and Memorial Day (May 27). Each one provides a chance to pause and thank those who have stepped forward to defend our nation. But for veterans, service members, and their families, the experience of military life is lived every day, and they deserve our attention, respect, and support all year long. 

The Service You See—and the Sacrifice You Don’t 

We often celebrate the visible moments of military life: the homecomings, the medals, the flag-draped ceremonies. But service is made up of quieter sacrifices, too. The missed birthdays. The years apart. The PCS moves that uproot lives and careers. Behind every service member is a family serving in their own way. Every moment spent worrying during a deployment, every career put on hold, every child who grows up knowing the meaning of duty before most kids know how to spell it—we see you, and we thank you. As a small gesture of appreciation this month, we’ve rounded up exclusive discounts and offers available to veterans and military families. We hope you’ll take advantage of them—you’ve more than earned it. 

Real Stories, Real Impact 

Brittany Boccher’s journey exemplifies the often-overlooked sacrifices of military spouses. When her husband, Adam, returned home with a traumatic brain injury and a rare sleep disorder, Brittany became a full-time caregiver while raising their two children, one of whom has Down syndrome. “When the service member leaves service, the veteran is typically taken care of. Where is the care for the military family?” she asked. Her story is a powerful reminder that appreciation must extend beyond the veteran to the people who walk beside them. 

After a distinguished 23-year career in the Army, Ray Whitaker faced the challenges many veterans encounter when transitioning to civilian life. He found renewed purpose through community and mentorship, eventually stepping into his role as Chief Operating Officer at Mission Roll Call. “Having people to talk to, lean on, and laugh with is huge,” Ray shared. “And that goes for military spouses and children, too. Find your tribe.” 

Appreciation in Action 

Gratitude is a wonderful place to start, but it can’t be where we stop. If we want to honor those who serve, we have to support them in meaningful ways. Here are just a few: 

Gratitude with Grit 

Military Appreciation Month reminds us how lucky we are to live in a country defended by an all-volunteer force. But those who serve shouldn’t have to fight for support once they return home. Let’s thank them with more than applause. Let’s stand with them, listen to them, and ensure their voices are heard every month of the year. 

From all of us at Mission Roll Call, thank you to every service member, veteran, caregiver, spouse, and child who stands in the gap. 

Join us in honoring their stories. Subscribe, follow, share, and stay engaged. 

 

 

“I’m not a veteran,” said Van Curaza. “But where this all started from was childhood trauma. Dealing with life, not knowing where I belonged, diminished self-worth and self-esteem… and I found surfing. I found an opportunity to find value and credibility that didn’t come from a human being.” 

Van’s story isn’t typical, but then again, neither is Operation Surf. The nonprofit he founded brings together wounded veterans and active-duty service members for a week of ocean therapy, community, and transformation. For many, it’s more than a surfing experience. It’s the first time in a long time that they’ve felt peace, connection, or purpose. 


On a recent episode of The Lasting Mission podcast, Van and U.S. Army veteran John Hallett joined Mission Roll Call to talk about how Operation Surf came to be, and how it continues to change lives, including their own.

Watch or listen to the full episode here. 

A New Path After Service 

John Hallett joined the Army after 9/11. “Something inside me told me to serve my country and maybe figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” he recalled. He married his high school sweetheart and served for 14 years, most of that time as a scout in the infantry. 

After multiple deployments and a medical retirement in 2016, John found himself in a different kind of battle, this time with depression, anxiety, and a growing list of prescriptions. “Every time I went to the VA, I got a new medication,” he said. 

Like many veterans, John felt completely untethered after leaving the military. “The military is so encompassing—your job, your housing, your community, your friends. Everything is in this bubble. And it’s hard to come out of that.” 

That’s when he found Operation Surf. 

“It gave me something I wanted in my life again,” he said. Today, John is Operation Surf’s Program Manager, helping other veterans find the same healing and purpose. 

More Than a Surfboard 

At the heart of Operation Surf is the belief that connection, especially to nature and to each other, is key to healing. Each program immerses veterans in a new experience, pairing them with surf instructors and volunteers who become instant family. It’s not just about learning to ride the waves. It’s about rediscovering joy, learning to trust again, and remembering what it feels like to be fully alive. 

Van, who is over 22 years sober, said service is what keeps him grounded. “What I’ve found in this journey is that, for my own self-care and wellness, being of service and helping other people is most important. And it’s what brought me to this place and Operation Surf.” 

One Way to Support

On July 21, 2025, Operation Surf will host its 12th Annual Charles D. Perriguey Jr. Charity Golf Tournament at the San Luis Obispo Country Club. This special event honors the legacy of a decorated Marine and longtime Operation Surf supporter, with all proceeds benefiting their programs for veterans, active-duty service members, special operations forces, and their spouses. 

To learn more, participate, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit: Operation Surf Golf Tournament Details 

Healing That Lasts 

The impact of Operation Surf reaches far beyond the beach. Participants leave with stronger mental health, lifelong friendships, and often a renewed desire to keep going even when things feel dark. 

“When you’re in the darkness,” John said, “you feel isolated and alone. I have had several times in my life when I felt that. Operation Surf showed me I wasn’t alone.” 

For veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war, and for those simply seeking a place to belong after military service, this organization offers more than an escape. It offers a way forward. 

Learn more about Operation Surf, hear Van and John’s full stories, and discover how surfing is helping veterans heal—one wave at a time. 

Long before it became the go-to solution for broken taillights and makeshift repairs, duct tape earned its reputation in war zones, not toolboxes. Originally engineered for the U.S. military during World War II, this humble gray strip of cloth and adhesive has sealed more than just leaks. It has mended equipment, saved lives, and become a quiet symbol of American ingenuity under pressure. As part of our $25 for 250 campaign, celebrating 250 years of military service and innovation, we’re looking back at the sticky, scrappy legacy of duct tape and why it still sticks today. 

In 1943, during the height of WWII, ammunition boxes used by American troops were sealed with paper tape, wax, and other materials that were prone to tearing and hard to open quickly under fire. Enter Vesta Stoudt, a mother of two Navy sons and a worker at the Green River Ordnance Plant in Illinois. Frustrated by the inefficiency of the current sealing method, Stoudt proposed a better one: a strong, waterproof cloth-based tape that could be easily torn by hand. She even sent her idea directly to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  


To her surprise, the President forwarded her suggestion to the War Production Board, and it was approved. Johnson & Johnson was tasked with creating the product. The result? A green, rubber-based adhesive tape reinforced with cloth backing. Soldiers called it “duck tape,” both because it was waterproof like a duck’s back and made of cotton duck fabric. The tape quickly became a battlefield essential. 

Once it was in the hands of American troops, duct tape proved invaluable. Soldiers didn’t just use it to seal ammo cans—they used it to fix cracked windows, patch holes in tents, secure loose gear, and even treat wounds in emergencies. It earned a reputation as the “100 mile-an-hour tape,” referring to its ability to withstand high speeds on vehicle repairs. Duct tape’s effectiveness lay in its simplicity: it was durable, water-resistant, hand-tearable, and endlessly multi-use. It became a lifeline for quick thinking under pressure. 


After the war, the tape was adapted for civilian use, particularly in the booming housing industry. Manufacturers changed the color from olive drab to silver to match HVAC ductwork, and the nickname “duct tape” took hold. Ironically, it’s not especially effective for sealing air ducts, but its versatility in nearly every other domain kept it popular. Despite its rebranding, the military never stopped using it. In Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, duct tape remained a staple in every toolkit and rucksack. Whether sealing fuel lines, modifying weapons, or holding boots together, duct tape kept service members mission-ready. 

Over the decades, duct tape has been credited with some truly wild feats: securing a helicopter rotor in Vietnam, reinforcing body armor in Iraq, strapping a plane door shut mid-flight, creating temporary handcuffs, slings, splints, and even makeshift stretchers. NASA famously included duct tape on every Apollo mission because if it was good enough for the battlefield, it was good enough for space. 


Duct tape represents the kind of thinking that saves time, saves missions, and sometimes saves lives. From the hands of a concerned mother in Illinois to the packs of soldiers across generations, duct tape is a testament to how small ideas can make a big impact. 

This story is just one in our $25 for 250 series, celebrating two and a half centuries of military innovation, service, and sacrifice. From chocolate M&Ms designed for war zones to battlefield breakthroughs like Super Glue, these stories remind us that our armed forces don’t just protect our nation—they help shape it. 

Check out the full 250-Year Military Timeline and consider donating $25 to honor the legacy of those who’ve served. 

 

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a major milestone, and while it comes with exciting opportunities, it can also bring some financial challenges. Nearly 70% of veterans leave the military with some form of debt, and many face hurdles like unemployment, underemployment, or a lack of financial literacy. 

At Mission Roll Call, we believe financial freedom is within reach and it starts with a solid, step-by-step plan. If you’re preparing for retirement or separation from the military, here are five key financial areas to focus on as you build your civilian future. 

  1. Understand Your True Income Needs

Before you jump into a job search or make major financial decisions, take time to map out what you need. 

Answering these questions gives you a realistic baseline to work from. If there’s a gap between your expected income and your goals, now is the time to invest in yourself, whether through further education, certifications, or new skill development. 

  1. Start Saving and Investing Early

Once you know your income goals, the next step is building a smart savings and investment plan. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. Common tools include: 

Every year, these accounts have contribution caps based on your age and income, so setting up automatic contributions can help you stay consistent without even thinking about it. 

  1. Protect Your Family’s Future

One of the most important — but often overlooked — financial moves you can make is protecting your family with insurance. Life insurance, in particular, ensures your loved ones won’t struggle with debt or lost income if something happens to you. 

Here’s a tip: Apply before you leave the military if possible. Many companies offer better rates when you’re still active duty and in good health. 

  1. Get Professional Help (and Do Your Research)

Financial planning can feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. You don’t have to do it alone. A reputable financial planner can help you: 

When choosing a planner, do your homework. 

  1. Tackle Debt and Expenses Head-On

Finally, a major key to financial freedom is mastering your current expenses. Start by creating a full list of your family’s monthly costs: mortgage or rent, utilities, loans, credit cards, subscriptions, groceries, entertainment — everything. 

(Heads up: This part can be eye-opening. You might be surprised how much you’re spending on streaming services or convenience purchases.) 

Once you see where your money is going: 

Reducing your monthly obligations not only frees up money for savings and investing, but it also gives you more flexibility and peace of mind. 

Watch the Full MRCU Video on Financial Readiness 

For a deeper dive into these five financial areas — and real-world advice from veterans who have been through the transition — check out our full video below! 

Financial security doesn’t happen overnight but with thoughtful planning, steady action, and a willingness to ask for help when needed, it’s absolutely achievable. 

By identifying your income needs, investing wisely, protecting your family, finding trusted advisors, and managing debt, you can build a strong foundation for your civilian life and beyond. 

And remember, you’re not alone. Every veteran faces challenges in the transition to civilian life, but your service has already proven your ability to meet tough goals head-on. Financial freedom is just another mission and with the right plan, you can absolutely accomplish it. 

Looking for more financial tips and resources? Subscribe to Mission Roll Call University (MRCU) and check out our next video on financial planning strategies for veterans! 

 

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