Donate

Every year, we hear thousands of veteran stories. Some are quiet. Some are heavy. Some are full of triumph. But every now and then, a few words land so deeply that they stay with us long after the conversation ends.

These quotes, offered by veterans willing to share their hardest truths and their brightest moments, remind us why this work matters, why community matters, and why listening matters.

Here are the words we carried with us this year and why they continue to shape our mission.

“Life is not about what happens to you; it is about what you do for others when it happens.” — Jensen Shirley

“My call has been to serve God, country, and others. Now, my call is to serve until the service is done.”

Jensen’s words reshape the way we think about service. To him, service is not a chapter of life. It is a calling that evolves. His reminder is simple and profound: adversity is not the story. What we do with it is.

His commitment to keep showing up for others challenges all of us to do the same.
(From “Service Over Self: A Veteran Trailblazer Paves the Way”)

“Find one thing forward that needs you” — Shea La Sage

“A dog. A friend. A habit that gets you outside. Let it pull you forward. Teamwork saved me at sea; community saved me on land. And if you can’t see the way out yet, borrow someone else’s eyes for a little while. There’s good ahead. I promise.” 

Shea’s voice is one of hope grounded in lived experience. He reminds us that healing rarely happens alone. Sometimes the thing that saves us is small: a dog, a habit, a friend. But it gives us something to hold onto when everything else feels unsteady.

Screenshot

And when you cannot see a way out, he says, that is when you borrow someone else’s eyes.
(From “Bane and the Veteran He Saved”)

“When I was homeless, I didn’t have a home, and I didn’t have myself. I was completely lost.”  — Matthew Landis

Matthew’s raw honesty cuts through the myths about homelessness. His story shows how losing stable housing can unravel identity, belonging, and self-worth.

But his journey shows the opposite as well. With help, community, and persistence, you can rebuild your life and reclaim your sense of self.
(From “The Fight to Rebuild”)

“I wondered how many others didn’t know about it either.” — Yvette Jones Swanson

“I saw how poor people lived in those single rooms, and I thought, ‘Wow, if I knew there was this $350 room, I could have borrowed money and stayed for a month or two.’ I just didn’t know about it.”

Yvette’s reflection exposes one of the most devastating but fixable gaps for veterans in crisis: information. Sometimes the difference between stability and homelessness is simply knowing a resource exists.

Her experience turned into fuel. She made it her mission to ensure others do not fall through the cracks because no one told them what was available.
(From “The Unstoppable Mission of Yvette Jones Swanson”)

“You don’t ask for help if you have no idea it’s available.” — Katt Whittenberger

Katt captures a truth many veterans live every day. It is not pride that keeps people from reaching out. It is isolation, confusion, or lack of awareness.

Her work building community in the mountains shows what happens when someone bridges that gap. Connection becomes possible. Support becomes accessible. Lives change.
(From “How a Navy Veteran Is Building Community in the Mountains”)

“You’ve really got to show up and keep doing the work.” — Michelle Lang

Michelle’s message is a call to action for anyone who serves rural veterans. Support is not a one-time event. It is a steady effort across long distances and long seasons.

Her message is a reminder that rural veterans deserve equal access, equal attention, and equal commitment. Reaching them requires showing up again and again.
(From “Connecting Rural Veterans and Their Families Through Operation Honor Rural Salute”)

“Heal the inflammation, and you can get your life back. Heal the brain, and you save the person.” — Owen Lonsdale

Owen’s words capture both the urgency and the hope behind innovative care for traumatic brain injury. He reminds us that healing is deeply personal.

For many veterans, healing the brain is not only medical progress. It is the key to reclaiming identity, memory, and possibility.
(From “Owen Lonsdale’s HBOT Journey”)

Why These Words Matter

These quotes are not just stories. They are lessons. They show us that:

Most of all, they remind us that listening is powerful. When veterans speak, they give us a roadmap for how to show up better, connect more fully, and build systems that honor their lived experience.

These are the words we carry with us. These are the voices shaping the work ahead.

Share Your Voice With Mission Roll Call

Your story can lift someone up, spark change, or help another veteran feel less alone. If you have something to say about your journey, your community, or the challenges veterans face, Mission Roll Call is listening.

Share your voice. Add your perspective. Help shape the national conversation on veterans’ issues. We want to hear from you.

Dispelling the Myth That Homeless Veterans Are Unemployed or Resistant to Help

One of the most damaging myths surrounding veteran homelessness is the belief that homeless veterans must be unemployed or unwilling to accept help. After more than 22 years of working alongside homeless veterans nationwide, I can say with complete honesty that belief has never reflected the truth I have seen in the field or lived in my own life.

The Reality: Many Homeless Veterans Are Working—and Actively Seeking Support

Homelessness does not happen in isolation. Many of the veterans I serve are working—some full-time, many juggling multiple jobs—and some even have HUD-VASH support in place. Yet they are still unable to secure or maintain stable housing because rents continue to rise, vacancy rates remain low, unexpected crises derail their progress, or disability benefits take months to process.

Others are doing their very best to seek help, but the process is slow and overwhelming. They face long waiting lists, shifting requirements, transportation barriers, or inconsistent follow-up. More often than not, the veteran is trying—but the system is not keeping pace with their needs.

I often hear:

“I’m working, but it’s still not enough.”

“I’ve been calling everyone—I just can’t get in anywhere.”

“I want help. I just can’t get to it fast enough.”

These are not the words of someone resisting support. These are the words of someone surviving.

Why These Misconceptions Hurt Veterans

When we assume a veteran is homeless because they “don’t want help,” we overlook the real issues: housing shortages, economic pressure, trauma, benefit delays, and lack of emergency resources. This misconception places blame on the veteran instead of the circumstances surrounding them.

It also discourages veterans from reaching out again when they have already been met with silence or misunderstanding.

No veteran should ever feel ashamed for needing help.

Homelessness is a moment in a veteran’s life—not the measure of who they are.

Federal Housing Programs That Make a Real Difference

Across the nation, several federal programs help veterans rebuild stability:

🔗 https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp

🔗 https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.asp 

🔗 https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp

🔗 https://www.va.gov/homeless/crrc.asp

These programs save lives every day, especially when veterans can reach them early.

The Role of Community Partners

Veteran housing works best when communities work together. Landlords, local agencies, faith partners, legal support teams, employment specialists, and volunteers fill essential gaps that federal programs cannot always meet. Their support—whether it’s offering a unit, helping with paperwork, providing transportation, or simply showing up—creates pathways that veterans cannot walk alone.

If you’re a veteran or military family member looking for resources, check out Mission Roll Call’s Veteran Resource Directory to see what’s near you. 

Why Accurate Understanding Matters

Correcting misconceptions strengthens advocacy and leads to better outcomes for veterans. When we understand the real causes of homelessness, solutions become more effective, compassionate, and aligned with the needs of those who served.

To learn more about the realities facing veterans experiencing homelessness, visit Mission Roll Call’s Homelessness & Housing page.

Your voice matters here. We encourage veterans, families, caregivers, and supporters to share their experiences through Mission Roll Call’s national surveys. Your stories help shape policy, raise awareness, and ensure veterans are seen and heard.

Understanding the truth brings us one step closer to ensuring every veteran has what they deserve: stability, dignity, and a place to call home.

Yvette Jones-Swanson is a subject-matter expert on veteran homelessness and housing. A U.S. Army veteran and survivor of MST, she brings more than 22 years of frontline experience helping thousands of veterans secure stable housing.

Every year, Mission Roll Call (MRC) connects directly with America’s veterans through polls, surveys, and open discussions to better understand their experiences and priorities. In 2025, thousands of veterans across the country shared their thoughts on healthcare, access, family well-being, and the systems designed to serve them.

Their insights reveal not only what veterans need, but what they teach all of us about resilience, leadership, and the importance of being heard.

Here are ten things veterans taught us in 2025.

1. Choice and Flexibility in Care Matter.

A May 2025 poll on the ACCESS Act of 2025 found that 67% of respondents believe the legislation will improve healthcare outcomes, and 71% of rural veterans said it would enhance timely access.

Lesson: Veterans taught us that empowering individuals with options matters, and one size does not fit all when it comes to care. Whether it’s choosing a provider, accessing services locally, or finding the right treatment, flexibility leads to better outcomes.

2. Innovation Is Essential for Wellness.

In a 2025 poll, 74% of veterans said they would use an online portal to schedule and track their care if one were available.

Lesson: Veterans showed us that innovation and convenience in healthcare aren’t luxuries; they’re expectations. As technology continues to transform the medical landscape, digital tools can bridge gaps, reduce wait times, and help veterans take charge of their health.

3. Transparency Builds Trust.

A March/April 2025 MRC survey found that 64% of veterans said they were concerned or strongly concerned that staffing reductions at the VA would affect their care.

Lesson: Veterans taught us the importance of transparency and stability. When systems change, people feel the impact. Open communication and accountability are critical to maintaining trust with those who’ve served.

4. Inclusion Strengthens Community.

In a November 2025 MRC survey on veteran community and belonging, many respondents reported feeling only “somewhat connected” or “neutral” to the broader veteran community, underscoring the importance of inclusive and generational recognition. The survey is still open, and veterans are encouraged to share their own experiences and perspectives at MissionRollCall.org/Veteran-Voices-Survey.

Lesson: Veterans reminded us that respect spans generations and service eras. From World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan, every story counts, and every veteran deserves recognition.

5. Food Security Is Still a Battle.

In an October 2025 poll, many veterans said they or someone they know had relied on food assistance such as SNAP or local food banks. In a separate Mission Roll Call poll during the federal government shutdown, 91% of veterans said they were concerned about losing access to food assistance, with SNAP benefits set to run dry on November 1.

Lesson: Behind the uniform are real lives, and veterans told us that meeting basic needs like food security is essential. Supporting programs that address hunger among veterans and their families must remain a national priority.

6. Staffing and Resources Shape Real Experiences.

A Mission Roll Call poll found that 44% of veterans were “very concerned” about the impact of recent VA staffing cuts, and 20% were “concerned.” Another 19% were not concerned at all, highlighting the varied experiences across the veteran community.

Lesson: Veterans showed us that staffing and resource changes are more than budget decisions; they directly affect the quality and timeliness of care. Sustainable investment in people and infrastructure matters.

7. Vigilance Protects Those Who Served.

In a July 2025 MRC poll, a significant number of veterans reported having been targeted by financial scams or fraud, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of those who’ve served.

Lesson: Veterans taught us the importance of vigilance and protection. Strong safeguards, education, and awareness are essential to preventing exploitation.

Lesson: Veterans taught us the importance of vigilance and protection. We must continue advocating for stronger safeguards, education, and awareness to prevent financial abuse among those who’ve served.

8. Voices Drive Change.

The ACCESS Act poll reached 1,292 respondents across all 50 states, 85% of whom identified as veterans.

Lesson: Veterans showed us that when they speak, leaders pay attention. Policies grounded in lived experience lead to more meaningful change.

9. Access Means Freedom of Choice.

In the same ACCESS Act poll, 60% of veterans said they were comfortable receiving mental health care from non-VA providers, and 79% said allowing veterans and families to seek care in the community without a VA referral would improve access.

Lesson: Veterans remind us that access isn’t just about eligibility; it’s about proximity, convenience, and the freedom to choose what works best for them and their families.

10. Systems Should Meet Veterans Where They Are.

Across polls and conversations, veterans expressed a common desire for systems that are “user-friendly, efficient, and meet them where they are.”

Lesson: Veterans remind us to design systems around people and not to force people to adapt to systems. When we prioritize accessibility, simplicity, and respect, everyone benefits.

Looking Ahead

This year’s insights show that veterans are not just asking for help; they are offering wisdom. Their opinions, based on our 2025 polls, taught us to lead with compassion, prioritize flexibility, and hold systems accountable to serve the people they were created to support. At Mission Roll Call, we are proud to amplify these voices because when veterans speak, America listens.

Join the Mission. Share Your Voice. Shape the Future.

Mission Roll Call’s 2026 polls are coming, and your voice matters. By participating, you help ensure that every veteran’s perspective is heard by the people who make decisions that affect your life and community.

Join Mission Roll Call today at MissionRollCall.org and be part of the conversation shaping the future for all who served.

Serving the men and women of the military doesn’t always require grand gestures—sometimes, small acts of service can have a meaningful impact. Here are five simple ways you can honor, support, and give back to veterans and service members:

1. Donate to Support Military Kids and Families

The holidays can be especially tough for families living on a tight budget or coping with the stress of military life. Donating toys, clothing, or gift cards to a trusted local nonprofit can make a real difference. National programs like Toys for Tots are a great option, but so are the smaller community organizations that directly support military families, children, and veterans in your area.

2. Volunteer with a Veteran Service Organization

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, consider volunteering with a veteran-focused organization in your community. Whether it’s helping at an event, providing holiday support, or lending your skills to a nonprofit, your time can have a big impact. Not sure where to start? Explore Mission Roll Call’s Veteran Resource Directory to find organizations and opportunities near you.

3. Check In with a Veteran

Sometimes the simplest act of service is reaching out. A phone call, text, or handwritten note can make a huge difference in a veteran’s day, especially for those who may feel isolated. Checking in regularly shows that you care and can help veterans feel seen and supported.

4. Support Free Community Events

Many communities offer free activities for veterans, such as museum days, park events, or local recreation programs. Participating in or volunteering at these events helps create an inclusive environment for veterans to relax, socialize, and enjoy time with family and friends.

5. Share Resources and Opportunities

Helping veterans access resources, whether it’s employment programs, mental health services, or recreational activities, can be a powerful act of service. Sharing information, driving them to events, or helping them fill out applications are simple yet meaningful ways to assist.

Conclusion
Acts of service don’t need to be elaborate to make an impact. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, checking in, attending free events, or sharing resources, each small effort contributes to honoring and supporting the men and women who have served. By giving a little of your time or attention, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

Mission Roll Call: Join the Movement

Now it’s your turn to take action. Join Mission Roll Call—a nationwide community dedicated to amplifying veterans’ voices and ensuring their needs are heard and met. By adding your name, you’re standing with millions who believe every veteran deserves respect, support, and a strong community behind them.

 

Answer the call. Share your voice. Support those who served. Join Mission Roll Call.

 

At Mission Roll Call, every year starts by listening. In our 2025 annual priorities survey, thousands of veterans, family members, and supporters shared their experiences and perspectives. The result: four core priorities have emerged to guide our work in 2026.

But hearing those priorities is only the beginning. Below are six focus areas that we are carrying forward into 2026. These 6 areas are where veteran voices are driving action, and where we are committed to turning plans into progress.

1. Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare (VA & Non‑VA)

Veterans consistently tell us that timely, high‑quality care is one of their most urgent needs.

In 2026, we are stepping up our efforts to map the barriers veterans face in accessing care and to advocate for policies that remove those obstacles. Expect more research, more storytelling, and more collaborative partnerships aimed at improving outcomes and reducing travel or wait‑time burdens.

Why it matters: Healthcare may be a system, but real care happens person to person. Keeping veterans at the center of the design ensures the system serves, not impedes, them.

2. Supporting Service‑Connected Injuries and Conditions

Many veterans live with long‑term, service‑connected injuries and conditions both visible and invisible.

In 2026, our work will zero in on caregivers, the complexity of chronic care, transitions between active duty and civilian life, and the advocacy required to make sure the benefits and programs veterans earned actually work for them.

Why it matters: Service doesn’t stop at discharge. The condition may persist and the support should too.

3. Enhancing Veteran Suicide Prevention

Preventing veteran suicide remains a top priority.

But in 2026, we’re refining the approach. We’ll explore not only crisis intervention, but prevention before crisis such as peer networks, community connection, non‑clinical wellness, and early engagement.

Why it matters: Countless initiatives exist, but veterans are telling us that what’s missing is reaching them before they hit the edge. We’re committed to shifting earlier on the timeline.

4. Expanding Housing Access & Homelessness Prevention

Every veteran deserves a safe, stable place to live and yet too many remain without it.

Our 2026 efforts will shine a spotlight on the root causes of veteran homelessness: economic instability, healthcare gaps, transitions, and family breakdowns. We’ll profile promising models, support policy change, and elevate veteran‑led solutions in housing stability.

Why it matters: A home is more than a roof—it’s a platform for healing, purpose, and community reintegration.

5. Amplifying Veteran, Family & Caregiver Voices

The four key priorities above emerged because veterans spoke up. This priority remains at the core of Mission Roll Call.

In 2026, we’ll carry forward not just issue‑areas but the method: listening to veterans, families, and caregivers, and turning their perspectives into action. That means more surveys, more regional outreach, more transparency in how we use what we hear.

Why it matters: Change without input is incomplete. When those most affected have a seat at the table, the outcome is stronger.

6. Strengthening Partnerships & Resource Networks

Our advocacy is built on collaboration with veteran service organizations (VSOs), community groups, policymakers, and families.

In 2026, we’ll expand our resource‑directory model, deepen local‑level partnerships, and ensure that knowledge and connection travel as fast as policy changes. That means more stories, more tool‑kits, more live events, and more ways for every veteran to link into the network of support.

Why it matters: When resources are scattered and hard to find, they may as well not exist. Bringing them together amplifies impact.

Looking Ahead

These six focus areas are not silos; they’re interconnected threads in a broader mission. Veterans and families told us what matters; now we carry that work into action.

At Mission Roll Call, we are honored to amplify your voices, turn your feedback into policy and practice, and build a future where every veteran is seen, heard, and supported.

If you haven’t yet participated in our Veteran Voices survey, now’s your chance. Your experience matters, and your voice remains the fuel for change. Join us and be part of the movement.

November was a month of reflection, gratitude, and honoring the people at the center of our mission: America’s veterans. From the history of Veterans Day to the lived realities of military families, we spent this month uplifting the stories, traditions, and voices that define the veteran experience. Veterans Day may be one moment on the calendar, but the impact of service lasts a lifetime, and so does our commitment to listening, learning, and advocating for those who served.

Here’s what you might have missed:

Articles + Blogs

Our November content paid tribute to veterans and those who support them, offering both meaningful reflection and practical resources for military families, spouses, and children.

Featured articles included:

MRC in the Media

As the country reflected on Veterans Day and the ongoing impacts of the government shutdown, Mission Roll Call helped ensure veterans’ experiences remained front and center.

Media features included:

Mission Roll Call University (MRCU)

This month’s MRCU video explored the surprising origins and evolution of Veterans Day and why honoring service remains so important today.

Veterans Town Hall

Veterans across the country joined CEO Jim Whaley and COO Ray Whitaker for our November Town Hall, sharing real-time feedback on belonging, trust, and the daily realities of navigating life after service.

Veterans Day: Honoring Service, Together

While Veterans Day is one moment on the calendar, honoring those who served is a year-round mission. This November, we invited our community to share the names of the service members who shaped their lives — fathers, mothers, siblings, battle buddies, mentors, and friends whose stories deserve to be remembered.

If there’s a veteran whose legacy you carry with you, you can add their name to the 2025 Honor Wall so their service can be recognized and preserved. Add a Name to the Honor Wall.

Speak Up: Your Voice Matters

Your feedback continues to shape our advocacy, research priorities, and national conversations around access to care, mental wellness, community, and belonging. Thousands of veterans shared their perspectives in November, helping guide our work for 2025.

 

Before I housed anyone, before I trained anyone, before I became a national advocate — I was a homeless female veteran the system didn’t know how to see.

My Beginning — and the Silence That Followed 

I entered the Army searching for direction and purpose. Instead, I was met with MST — trauma I didn’t have the language for, and the military didn’t have the courage to confront. The result was a discharge that felt more like being thrown away than being transitioned. I didn’t understand then that this was the first domino that would topple years of instability, abuse, and homelessness. 

After the Army, I married a Marine. I thought I was building a new life. Instead, I stepped into a nightmare. He was abusive — mentally, physically, and violently. I lost my first pregnancy because of one of his beatings. Between 1987 and 1993, I ran for my life more than once. And every time I ran, I ran straight into homelessness. 

What hurt just as much was the indifference: “We don’t have anything for women like you.” Not from the shelters. Not from the VA. Not from anyone. 

I survived by piecing myself together each time the world tore me apart.

Rebuilding — One Bathroom, One Shift, One Degree at a Time 

I eventually understood education was my only escape hatch. I took out student loans, pushed through the chaos, and earned my B.A. from Columbia College Chicago.

But leaving him meant survival on my own terms — even if those terms were brutal. When I finally walked away for good, I slept in my car for three weeks. 

I cleaned up in gas station bathrooms, switching locations so no one would catch on. But my favorite place — the one that kept me going — was McDonald’s. I’d wash up, do my hair, grab breakfast, and go straight to my new job at the City of Chicago Department of Revenue like nothing was wrong.

And strangely… even in that car, even exhausted and alone, I could feel my life returning. Piece by piece. Day by day. 

It wasn’t comfort. But it was freedom. And that mattered more.

The First Apartment — and the First Spark of My Mission 

I eventually scraped together enough to rent a tiny studio over a laundromat in Rogers Park. It was small, but it was safe, and it was mine. The building’s owner introduced me to real estate and a world that felt as foreign to me as starting over. But something about it clicked. I earned my real estate license in 1996 from the Chicago Association of Realtors and built a career completely from scratch with zero guidance. No mentor. No shortcuts. Just me, hunger, and the belief that I could rebuild a life worth living.

I grew quickly in the field, leasing hundreds of units, managing 633 apartments across 14 buildings, leading teams, and building systems no one had taught me. But my life changed the day I met a homeless veteran in a wheelchair during a housing workshop I was conducting at Access Living in Chicago. 

The moment I looked at him, I saw her — the young woman I once was, homeless, invisible, scared, trying to figure out why the system didn’t care.

I remember asking myself: “If he’s here… how many more are out there?” I soon found out. Through Hines VA and Jesse Brown VAMC homeless walk-ins, veterans began pouring in, telling stories that sounded too much like mine. And that’s when my mission stopped being accidental. 

It became personal.

For the past 22 years, I’ve done one thing relentlessly: I filled the gaps that almost swallowed me. I trained leasing agents. I trained VA social workers. I trained investors on how to serve veterans and remain profitable. I conducted workshops at Volunteers of America Illinois, the Cook County Department of Corrections, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and for 13 straight years at the Forest Park Vet Center.

Everywhere I went, I said it plainly: “We will not end veteran homelessness until realtors, investors, social workers, and agencies speak the same language and work the same mission.” Because that’s where veterans fall — in the gap between systems that should work together but don’t.

Why I Still Fight 

Women veterans remain one of the most invisible populations in America. We are often overlooked, misunderstood, and underserved. And homeless veterans, especially women, are still being turned away, dismissed, or pushed into systems never designed for them. 

We don’t end veteran homelessness with committees or promises. We end it with systems that see homeless veterans, understand their lived realities, and respond with urgency and coordination. Realtors, investors, social workers, agencies — you all matter. You are all part of this mission. 

I survived what the system missed. Now I’m here making sure no veteran has to survive it alone. The system failed me once — and I will not let it fail anyone else. 

And to Mission Roll Call — thank you for giving me the space to tell these stories to the nation. People deserve to know what’s really happening, and more importantly, how they can help. This is more than my story. It’s the truth about what our veterans face, and the mission we must finish together. 

Yvette Jones Swanson, M.A., is a writer and Mission Roll Call’s subject-matter expert on veteran homelessness and housing. A U.S. Army veteran and survivor of MST, she brings more than 22 years of frontline experience helping thousands of veterans secure stable housing.

Military children grow up with unique experiences such as frequent moves, parental deployments, and the challenges of adjusting to new schools and communities. These experiences can be difficult, but they also foster resilience, adaptability, and courage. It’s essential to recognize their sacrifices, provide resources for their growth, and ensure they feel supported both at home and in their communities.

Why Supporting Military Children Matters

Children in military families face challenges that can affect emotional, social, and academic development:

Supportive environments at home, school, and through community programs are critical in helping military children thrive despite these challenges.

Organizations Supporting Military Children

Here are national organizations and programs that provide resources, programs, and advocacy for military children:

  1. The Comfort Crew for Military Kids Provides letters, care packages, and support to children of deployed service members.

  2. Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Ensures quality education for military-connected children and offers programs for academic support and peer connection.

  3. Operation Homefront – Back-to-School Brigade Provides school supplies and resources to help military children succeed academically.

  4. Blue Star Families Offers community programs, research, and support specifically for military children and youth.

  5. National Military Family Association (NMFA) Grants, scholarships, and programs supporting education and overall well-being for military children.

  6. Operation Gratitude – Letters to Military Kids Encourages community engagement to uplift and connect with children of deployed service members.

  7. Military OneSource – Youth and Children Services Counseling, educational resources, and guidance for military children and teens.

Ways to Support Military Children

Conclusion
Military children often face hardships beyond those of their peers, but with the right support, they demonstrate remarkable resilience. By recognizing their contributions, connecting them with programs, and fostering strong emotional and academic support systems, we can help military children thrive and feel valued. They may be young, but their strength and adaptability play a key role in the success of military families and the broader military community.

Behind every service member is a family serving too, and military children are at the heart of that sacrifice. Mission Roll Call is committed to ensuring that military families and children have access to the resources, networks, and care they need to thrive.

Through the Mission Roll Call Resource Directory, families can easily find trusted programs for education, mental health, and community connection, all in one place. From counseling services to scholarships and youth programs, this directory helps families navigate transitions and access real, tangible support.

Explore the Resource Directory. Share it with a military family. Help build a community of care. Visit MissionRollCall.org to discover resources and join the movement to uplift military children and those who stand beside them.

 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become two of the biggest shopping days of the year, and for military families and veterans, they offer an even bigger opportunity. When you combine holiday discounts with year-round military savings, you can often get the lowest prices you’ll see all year.

In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28, and Cyber Monday on November 30, but many sales have already begun. Below is a complete guide to deals, early savings, and military-specific offers available this year, including at the Exchanges and commissaries, plus major national retailers.

Whether you’re shopping for gifts, household essentials, or upgrading electronics, this guide will help you shop smart and make the most of your military benefits.

All Services Online Exchange

The Exchange is delivering 12 weeks of holiday savings on electronics, housewares, and apparel. Check every Friday for new Black Friday deals.
Start shopping online now:
https://www.shopmyexchange.com/
Exchange Black Friday/Cyber Week Ads can be found online.
Check your local Exchange for operating hours.

Coast Guard Exchange (CGX)

Black Friday has already started. CGX Black Friday ads vary by location.
Select your location to view your local ad:
https://www.shopcgx.com

Marine Corps Exchange (MCX)

Early sales are already happening.Sales begin Monday, Nov. 20.
Check local MCX installations for Black Friday hours.

Navy Exchange (NEX)

Black Friday and Cyber Week Sales run the week of Thanksgiving.
Find weekly ads by location:
https://www.mynavyexchange.com/
Check local NEX installations for hours.

Veterans Canteen Service

Check your local installation for hours.
Shop the All Services online exchange.

Black Friday Commissaries

Check with your local commissary for Black Friday promotions and deals.

More Black Friday Deals

Bass Pro Shops Military and Veterans Discount

Year-round 5% discount with valid military ID.
Get the Bass Pro Shops Discount:
https://www.basspro.com/

Kohl’s Military Discount

15% discount on Mondays for active military, veterans, retirees, and families.
Get the Kohl’s Discount:
https://www.kohls.com/

Home Depot Military Discount

10% discount (up to $400/year) for active military, veterans, and spouses.
Get the Home Depot Discount:
https://www.homedepot.com/

SeaWorld Military Discount

Includes SeaWorld Orlando/San Antonio/San Diego, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place.
Get the SeaWorld Parks Discount:
https://seaworld.com/orlando/military/

23andMe

Up to 50% off.
https://www.23andme.com/

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Up to 50% off.
https://www.academy.com/

Adidas

Up to 50% off.
https://www.adidas.com/

Aeropostale

60–70% off sitewide + free shipping $25+.
https://www.aeropostale.com/

Amazon

Black Friday discounts on many items.
https://www.amazon.com/

American Eagle Outfitters

30% off + free shipping.
https://www.ae.com/

AT&T

Seasonal deals for new and existing customers.
https://www.att.com/

AutoZone

15% off $100+ with code NOVDEAL.
https://www.autozone.com/

Banana Republic

30% off purchases.
https://www.bananarepublic.com/

Bass Pro Shops

Up to 60% off.
 https://www.basspro.com/

B&H Foto and Electronics

Free expedited shipping $49+.
 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Bath & Body Works

Buy 3, get 3 free.
 https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/

Barnes & Noble

Black Friday offers online & in-store.
 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Bed Bath & Beyond

Deals on bedding, kitchen, home decor.
 https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/

Best Buy

Black Friday deals.
 https://www.bestbuy.com/

Big 5 Sporting Goods

Discounts Fri–Sun.
 https://www.big5sportinggoods.com/

Blizzard Gear

50% off.
 https://gear.blizzard.com/

Bloomingdale’s

25% off select items.
 https://www.bloomingdales.com/

Brooks Brothers

25% off almost everything.
 https://www.brooksbrothers.com/

Build-A-Bear

$8 doorbusters.
 https://www.buildabear.com/

Cabela’s

Deals all week.
 https://www.cabelas.com/

Calvin Klein

40% off apparel; 30% off accessories.
 https://www.calvinklein.us/

Canon

Deals on cameras & accessories.
 https://www.usa.canon.com/

Carnival Cruise Line

Special Black Friday/Cyber Friday offers.
 https://www.carnival.com/

Carter’s

60–70% off.
 https://www.carters.com/

CBS Store

Up to 70% off.
 https://www.cbsstore.com/

Celebrity Cruises

50% off second guest fare.
 https://www.celebritycruises.com/

The Children’s Place

Up to 60% off.
 https://www.childrensplace.com/

Coach

25% off select items.
 https://www.coach.com/

CVS Pharmacy

Deals sitewide.
 https://www.cvs.com/

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Up to 50% off.
 https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/

DJI Store

Free shipping $149+.
 https://store.dji.com/

Dr. Scholl’s

Up to 25% off + free shipping.
 https://www.drscholls.com/

Eddie Bauer

50% off + free shipping $49+.
 https://www.eddiebauer.com/

Express

40–50% off everything.
 https://www.express.com/

Forever 21

30–70% off.
 https://www.forever21.com/

Fossil

30–40% off.
 https://www.fossil.com/

Francesca’s

50% off sitewide.
 https://www.francescas.com/

Gap

40% off + additional 10%.
 https://www.gap.com/

Gap Factory

50–70% off.
 https://www.gapfactory.com/

Google Store

Black Friday deals.
 https://store.google.com/

GNC

BOGO 50% almost all items.
 https://www.gnc.com/

Guess

Up to 25% off + extra 15%.
 https://www.guess.com/

Guess Factory

Up to 40% off.
 https://www.guessfactory.com/

Guitar Center

Early deals + 15% off qualifying purchases.
 https://www.guitarcenter.com/

Hot Topic

Black Friday deals.
 https://www.hottopic.com/

HSN

Deals on electronics.
 https://www.hsn.com/

Hugo Boss

Up to 40% off.
 https://www.hugoboss.com/

JCPenney

Black Friday savings.
 https://www.jcpenney.com/

Journeys

Up to 40% off.
 https://www.journeys.com/

Kay Jewelers

Up to 60% online; up to 50% in-store.
 https://www.kay.com/

Kiehl’s

25% off.
 https://www.kiehls.com/

Kmart

Deals online & in-store.
 https://www.kmart.com/

Kohl’s

Black Friday deals.
 https://www.kohls.com/

Lego

20% off select items.
 https://www.lego.com/

Lenovo

Up to 60% off.
 https://www.lenovo.com/

Levi’s

20% off + free shipping.
 https://www.levi.com/

Lowe’s

Daily cyber deals.
 https://www.lowes.com/

Lucky Brand

Up to 50% off.
 https://www.luckybrand.com/

Michaels

Up to 70% off.
 https://www.michaels.com/

Neiman Marcus

Holiday savings.
 https://www.neimanmarcus.com/

New York & Company

50–80% off.
 https://www.nyandcompany.com/

Nikon

Camera & lens deals.
 https://www.nikonusa.com/

Nordstrom

Black Friday + Cyber Monday deals.
 https://www.nordstrom.com/

Nordstrom Rack

Deals through Nov. 30.
 https://www.nordstromrack.com/

Old Navy

Black Friday clothing deals.
 https://www.oldnavy.com/

Panasonic

Tech & appliance savings.
 https://shop.panasonic.com/

Pet Supplies Plus

Up to 50% off.
 https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/

PlayStation

Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals.
 https://www.playstation.com/

Rack Room Shoes

$10 off $89; BOGO deals.
 https://www.rackroomshoes.com/

REI Co-Op

Trip deals (TBA).
 https://www.rei.com/

Rite Aid

Black Friday savings.
 https://www.riteaid.com/

Sam’s Club

Online deals Thanksgiving; in-store Black Friday.
 https://www.samsclub.com/

Samsung

Black Friday week deals.
 https://www.samsung.com/

Sephora

Up to 50% off.
 https://www.sephora.com/

Shop Disney

Deals + free shipping on $75+.
 https://www.shopdisney.com/

Sportsman’s Guide

Up to 50% off select items.
 https://www.sportsmansguide.com/

Steve Madden

Up to 40% off.
 https://www.stevemadden.com/

Sunglass Hut

Up to 50% off.
 https://www.sunglasshut.com/

Sword & Plough

30% off.
 https://www.swordandplough.com/

Target

Black Friday deals.
 https://www.target.com/

The Home Depot

Black Friday savings.
 https://www.homedepot.com/

Ulta Beauty

Deals online & in-store.
 https://www.ulta.com/

Verizon

Phone deals + cash back.
 https://www.verizon.com/

Victoria’s Secret

Deals online & in stores.
 https://www.victoriassecret.com/

Walmart

Deals on gaming systems, TVs, phones.
 https://www.walmart.com/

Wayfair

Up to 80% off.
 https://www.wayfair.com/

World Market

Deals TBA.
 https://www.worldmarket.com/

Searching for more Black Friday ads?
 Microsoft Bing has a repository of ads:
 https://www.bing.com/

Cyber Monday Deals

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/

Best Buy

https://www.bestbuy.com/

JCPenney

https://www.jcpenney.com/

Macy’s

https://www.macys.com/

Nordstrom Rack

https://www.nordstromrack.com/

Seven Stars Resort & Spa

https://www.sevenstarsgracebay.com/

Target

https://www.target.com/

Ulta

https://www.ulta.com/

Walmart

https://www.walmart.com/

 

Military spouses are the backbone of military families. They navigate frequent relocations, deployments, and the unique pressures of military life, all while often balancing careers, childcare, and personal ambitions. Their support and resilience not only sustain service members but also help strengthen the military community as a whole. Recognizing and supporting military spouses is just as vital as honoring the service members themselves.

The Importance of a Spouse Support System

The life of a military spouse can be unpredictable. Deployments, frequent moves, and long hours of separation can create emotional, logistical, and financial challenges. A strong support system is crucial for:

Support doesn’t just benefit the spouse; it strengthens the family and improves the readiness and focus of the service member.

National Organizations Dedicated to Military Spouses

Here are several reputable organizations that provide programs, resources, and community for military spouses:

  1. Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) Provides networking, professional development, and advocacy opportunities for spouses nationwide. 
  2. National Military Family Association (NMFA) Offers grants, scholarships, spouse employment resources, and support programs. 
  3. Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) Connects spouses with employers nationwide who are committed to hiring military spouses. 
  4. Blue Star Families Provides resources, events, and research to help spouses and military families thrive. 
  5. Operation Homefront Offers financial support, housing assistance, and family programs that benefit military spouses and families. 
  6. Military Spouse Jobs Provides career resources and networking opportunities tailored to military spouses.
     Website 
  7. SpouseBuzz / Military Spouse Network Community platforms offering advice, career support, and social connections. 

How to Honor and Support Military Spouses

Conclusion
Military spouses provide quiet yet essential service to the armed forces. By recognizing their contributions, providing resources, and offering tangible support, we strengthen both the families and the broader military community. Honoring and assisting military spouses is a vital part of showing respect for the sacrifices that come with service.

Military spouses deserve the same support and recognition as the service members they stand beside. Mission Roll Call connects spouses with resources for mental health, career development, and family support through its national Resource Directory, helping them find trusted programs no matter where military life takes them.

Join the Mission

Add your voice and help us make lasting impact.

Join Us