In July, we celebrated two major themes—the legacy of American military service and the power of veteran independence. From commemorating 250 years of commitment and courage to highlighting modern-day stories of resilience, we focused on the tools, support, and spirit that allow veterans to thrive on their terms.
Through storytelling, research, interviews, and accessible resources, we continued our mission to elevate veteran voices, support autonomy, and honor every path forward after service.
Here’s what you might have missed:
We marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military by reflecting on the legacy of service that defines our country, and by exploring what independence looks like for today’s veterans.
– Countdown to 250: Honoring the Legacy of American Independence
– Taylor Morris: How a Quadruple Amputee Rebuilt His Life and Redefined Independence
– 7 Key Areas of Support for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
– Need to Modify Your Home? These VA Grants Can Help
– Spotlight on Paralyzed Veterans of America
– Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Veterans: A Breath of Fresh Air for Healing
The Lasting Mission Podcast
In July, The Lasting Mission featured powerful voices from two impactful organizations—Operation Honor: Rural Salute and the Wounded Warrior Project—highlighting both rural veteran challenges and the future of recovery for those with combat injuries.
– Operation Honor: Rural Salute – Part 1
– Operation Honor: Rural Salute – Part 2
– From Battlefield to Breakthrough – WWP: Part 1
– WWP CEO Walter Piatt: ‘We Owe Them More Than Thanks’ – Part 2
Mission Roll Call University (MRCU)
MRCU continued to deliver straightforward, practical content to help veterans and families navigate benefits and build stability. This month’s videos included guidance on adaptive housing grants, VA facility access, login systems, and even life insurance options many may not realize they qualify for.
– Make Your House a HOME With an Adaptive Housing Grant
– Find Your Veteran Affairs Facility – Fast & Easy
– Life Insurance: The Hidden Financial Superpower
– The Great Login Service Debate: Which One Is Right for You?
Veteran Town Hall: Your Voice in Real Time
Our July Town Hall brought together veterans from across the country to discuss pressing issues like healthcare access, disability support, and post-service independence. These live events are a powerful reminder that when veterans speak up, leaders listen.
– Watch the July Veteran Town Hall
From the Blog: Advocacy in Action
These articles gave readers the latest insights and policy perspectives rooted in our research and veteran polling.
– Prioritizing Veteran Healthcare in 2025 and Beyond
– Veterans Are Speaking Clearly on Suicide Prevention. It’s Time for a New Strategy.
– Want Alternate Healthcare Options? This Program Could Help Veterans and Their Families
MRC in the Media
Our message reached new audiences in July, with national and local coverage that emphasized our mission: to elevate veteran voices, push for smarter policy, and highlight solutions that work.
– Why Your Business Should Hire Veterans – Inc.
– Mission Roll Call Applauds Bipartisan Passage of VA Home Loan Program Reform Act
Speak Up: Your Voice Matters
Veterans and their families shape our advocacy—and we want to hear from you. Help guide our work by participating in our active polls and surveys.
– Take the Veteran Voices Survey
– Make Your Voice Heard in Our Open Polls
Looking Ahead: Employment, Transition & Opportunity
In August, we’ll focus on life after service—what it takes to transition well, build meaningful careers, and continue to find purpose in the civilian world. Stay tuned for powerful new content, real stories, and more updates from veterans like you.
If you’re a veteran, family member, or caregiver who’s used My HealtheVet or DS Logon to manage VA health care or benefits, there are some important changes coming. My HealtheVet has officially been retired, and DS Logon will no longer be available after September 30, 2025.
In our latest episode of Mission Roll Call University (MRCU), we explain what these changes mean, how to switch to a secure new login, and how to get support along the way.
Here’s what you need to know:
My HealtheVet is no longer available.
DS Logon will sunset on September 30, 2025.
To access VA.gov and other VA online services, you’ll now need to sign in with Login.gov or ID.me. Both options meet federal security standards and are free to use.
You can use either one—or even both—but here’s how to decide:
Choose Login.gov if you:
Choose ID.me if you:
Setting up Login.gov:
Setting up ID.me:
Need help getting started?
Support is available every step of the way.
Haven’t made the switch yet? Don’t worry. You can still manage your care and benefits the way you always have—by phone, mail, or in person. Call 800-698-2411 or visit your local VA regional office for support.
For caregivers and guardians:
Want to see exactly how to set up your account? Watch the full episode of MRCU to follow along with demos, tips, and help links to make the process simple.
Watch now:
For more how-to guides and helpful veteran-focused resources, explore our full video library on the MRCU YouTube channel.
When joining the military, recruits are generally expected to be in peak health to ensure they can meet the rigorous demands of training and the job itself. This includes both physical and mental well-being. Going from peak health to being discharged with a service-connected disability is an incredibly tough change. While leaving the military with a disability can qualify a service member for various benefits, including disability compensation from the VA, not all disabled veterans are eligible, and additional support is often needed to ensure they get the help they deserve.
Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
You might think this is a small group, but the numbers say otherwise. In 2023, roughly 30% of veterans in the U.S.—about 5.2 million people—had a service-connected disability. Additionally, about 50% of all veterans reported having some form of disability, including both service-connected conditions and self-reported disabilities via the American Community Survey (ACS).
With millions of veterans living with disabilities, how can we better support them?
7 Key Areas of Support for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
Making a Difference
By taking even one of these steps, you can make a real impact in the lives of disabled veterans and show your appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Whether you’re giving time or money, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.
To join us in advocating for veterans and ensuring their voices are heard, visit www.missionrollcall.org.
At Mission Roll Call, we connect veterans with organizations like PVA and WWP that offer support across the spectrum. Join the mission by being part of our Veteran Resource Directory. If your organization supports veterans or their families, apply today to be featured.
At Mission Roll Call, we’re always listening to what veterans and their families need—and one message came through loud and clear: not all veterans and families have VA healthcare options.
In a recent MRC poll, 73% of veterans told us that access and quality of care are top priorities. That’s why we’re sharing a new resource: My RXAccess Plus, a program that can help close care gaps, especially for those who are not eligible for VA healthcare, or who need more support than the VA can provide.
So what exactly is it?
My Rx Access Plus is not insurance, and it doesn’t require any government enrollment or paperwork. For a flat monthly fee, veterans and their families can access:
It’s designed to work with or without existing VA care, giving veterans and their loved ones more flexibility and faster access to support.
“Veterans told us loud and clear—they want more choices in how they access care,” says Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call. “Supporting programs like My Rx Access Plus is one way we’re helping ensure veterans and their families can access affordable care and prescription support—no matter where they live or what challenges they face.”
Whether you’re looking for an alternative to the VA or a complement to the care you already receive, My Rx Access Plus is worth exploring.
“Our veterans and their families have earned more than gratitude—they deserve real, accessible healthcare solutions,” said Keith Miller, CRO at My Rx Access Plus. “At My Rx Access Plus, we stand with Mission Roll Call to ensure those who served are never left behind, by delivering affordable medications, mental wellness support, and telemedicine services that honor their sacrifice with action.”
Why is Mission Roll Call sharing this program?
Because not every veteran qualifies for VA healthcare—and even those who do may need faster, more flexible, or family-friendly options. My Rx Access Plus helps fill those gaps. Even if you already use VA services, this program may offer additional benefits that help close gaps in care, provide faster access to specialists, or support loved ones who aren’t covered.
Mission Roll Call receives no financial benefit from promoting this resource. We simply want to ensure veterans and their families have access to care that fits their needs.
Learn more about My RXAccess Plus here.
If you’re a veteran or service member living with a service-connected disability, your home should support your independence. Thankfully, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers several disability housing grants that can help you buy, build, or modify a home to better meet your needs.
In our latest episode of Mission Roll Call University (MRCU), we break down everything you need to know about VA’s three main housing grant programs: who qualifies, how much you could receive in 2024, and how to apply.
Here’s what you need to know:
Want to explore your options or help someone else get started? Watch the full episode of MRCU to see how these grants work and how to apply.
Watch now:
For more veteran-focused resources, tips, and walkthroughs, check out our other episodes on the MRCU YouTube channel.
Because every veteran deserves a home that works for them.
Freedom and Independence: Basic Veteran Needs
More than 750,000 people in the United States, including veterans, live with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a key organization dedicated to supporting these veterans. PVA ensures that every veteran living with a spinal cord injury or disease can reclaim what they fought for: their freedom and independence.
At Mission Roll Call, we believe that amplifying veteran voices includes connecting them to valuable resources, especially organizations like PVA that help fill the gaps and restore the freedom so many fought to protect.
PVA supports research, educational programs, and other initiatives that unite people and activities toward a single mission: improved quality of life for everyone with SCI/D. PVA is the only nonprofit Veteran Service Organization dedicated solely to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), and diseases, like MS and ALS.
Founded on Experience
PVA was founded by a group of service members who returned home from World War II in 1946 with spinal cord injuries and few to no solutions to the major challenges they faced. Unable to comfortably live in their homes or get around by public transportation, they found barriers to independence everywhere.
On a mission to improve accessibility for themselves, their fellow paralyzed veterans, and all people with disabilities, these veterans joined together to form PVA. Today, more than 75 years later, PVA remains a major support system for our nation’s paralyzed and disabled heroes. These wounded heroes made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society.
PVA and Mission Roll Call have similar goals in that we both amplify veteran voices through research, resources, and fight for actual change.
PVA’s Impact by the Numbers:
Veterans are Counting on Us
More than 12,000 people in the US, including veterans, sustain a spinal cord injury each year. This often leads to a loss of motor and/or sensory function. While PVA plays a vital role in advocating for and assisting these veterans, there are ways we can all help.
To give veterans independence, you can support organizations like Paralyzed Veterans of America, volunteer with specific advocacy groups, or offer direct assistance by helping with transportation to appointments or providing emotional support. At Mission Roll Call, we amplify the voices of veterans and their families and connect them with the resources they need to thrive. Every action matters. With your support, paralyzed and disabled veterans can access the programs and services that make a life of dignity and independence possible. With one action, you can help paralyzed and disabled veterans move forward in life by supporting programs and services they rely on to live a life of dignity and independence.
When it comes to healing from the invisible wounds of war, many veterans find themselves searching for relief beyond traditional treatments. One increasingly talked-about option is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)—a treatment that’s been around for decades but is now gaining attention for its potential to help veterans, especially those dealing with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS).
But what exactly is HBOT? How does it work? And why are more people, including members of Congress, urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to embrace it? Let’s break it down.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The pressure is typically about 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This environment allows your lungs to take in significantly more oxygen than they would at sea level.
Why does that matter? Because oxygen is essential for healing. In a hyperbaric chamber, the oxygen you breathe dissolves into your blood plasma and spreads more effectively throughout your body, even to areas with poor circulation or tissue damage. This super-oxygenation helps fight infection, reduce inflammation, promote the growth of new blood vessels, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
HBOT is FDA-approved for several conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, diabetic foot ulcers, and decompression sickness (aka “the bends” in divers). But it’s the emerging applications—like treating brain injuries—that are drawing attention from the veteran community.
How Can HBOT Help Veterans?
Veterans returning from military service often face a unique set of health challenges. Chief among these are TBIs and PTS—both of which can have long-term effects on mental clarity, memory, sleep, and emotional well-being.
Several studies and anecdotal reports suggest that HBOT may offer relief. The theory is that by flooding the brain with oxygen, HBOT can reduce inflammation and promote the repair of damaged brain tissue. For veterans who’ve suffered from blast injuries or repeated concussions, this could be a game-changer.
In some cases, veterans undergoing HBOT have reported improvements in:
– Cognitive function and memory
– Mood and emotional regulation
– Sleep quality
– Headache frequency and severity
– Anxiety and depression levels
While HBOT is not a cure-all, it appears to offer promising results when used alongside other therapies. For many veterans, especially those who’ve tried traditional medications or counseling without success, HBOT can feel like a long-overdue breath of hope.
Which Veterans Are Most Likely to Use or Need It?
HBOT is most commonly considered for veterans who:
– Have suffered a TBI from explosions, falls, or combat incidents.
– Are diagnosed with PTS, particularly when accompanied by symptoms like brain fog or chronic fatigue.
– Experience chronic pain, such as from wounds that have healed poorly or nerve damage.
– Struggle with treatment-resistant conditions, where conventional treatments haven’t provided relief.
In particular, veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars—where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were a constant threat—are among the most likely candidates. However, HBOT may also benefit older veterans with lingering effects from service-connected injuries.
Who’s Funding the Research?
Research into HBOT for brain injuries and PTS has been a mix of private and public funding, though much of the recent momentum has come from private organizations and state-level pilot programs.
Nonprofits like HBOT4Heroes, The TreatNOW Coalition, and The Healing Arizona Veterans Foundation have stepped up to sponsor HBOT treatments and conduct studies outside of the traditional VA system. Meanwhile, some state governments—like those in Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida—have launched their own HBOT pilot programs for veterans.
On the public side, there has been limited but growing federal interest. Agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) have funded some HBOT studies, but the VA has been slower to act, citing a need for more conclusive scientific evidence.
That said, many in the medical and veteran communities argue that the real-world results speak for themselves—and that further inaction may be costing lives.
What’s Happening in Congress?
The push to make HBOT more accessible to veterans isn’t just coming from doctors and advocacy groups—it’s also gaining traction in Washington.
Over the past few years, several bills and resolutions have been introduced in Congress urging the VA to recognize and adopt HBOT as a treatment option. These efforts are typically bipartisan, reflecting widespread concern for veterans’ mental health across the political spectrum.
Some of these legislative efforts have aimed to:
– Authorize funding for HBOT pilot programs within the VA.
– Allow veterans to seek HBOT treatment from approved private providers and have it covered by the VA.
– Mandate further research into HBOT’s effectiveness for TBI and PTS.
Though progress has been slow, the increasing pressure from veterans’ groups and state-level successes is pushing the issue forward. Advocates argue that if the VA won’t offer HBOT, it should at least allow veterans to access it through the Veterans Community Care Program, which enables treatment from non-VA providers.
The Bottom Line
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy isn’t new, but its application for veterans with TBI and PTS is. As more veterans share stories of healing and as research continues to show promise, the momentum behind HBOT is growing.
While it’s not yet widely adopted within the VA, there’s hope on the horizon. From state-funded pilot programs to bipartisan efforts in Congress, the push to give veterans access to this therapy is gaining steam.
For many veterans, especially those who feel like they’ve tried everything else, HBOT could offer not just treatment, but renewed hope for recovery.
If you or someone you know is a veteran struggling with TBI, PTS, or chronic pain, it may be worth exploring whether HBOT is available in your state and keeping an eye on future developments from the VA and Congress.
Because sometimes, the path to healing really is just a matter of taking a deep breath.
In this special two-part episode of The Lasting Mission podcast, Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley sits down with longtime friend and fellow veteran Walt Piatt, retired Lieutenant General and the new CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project.
Their conversation covers a lot of ground—from their early days in Panama to leading two major veteran organizations—but the message is clear: we need to do more to support the men and women who served.
Part One: Finding Purpose After Service
In Part One, Walt shares his journey from enlisted infantryman to Army general, and now to CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project. He talks about the challenges many veterans face after leaving the military—losing their sense of identity, struggling to reconnect, and carrying the invisible wounds of war.
Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans find their way back through mental health support, programs like Project Odyssey, and simply reminding them they’re not alone.
“Healing begins with movement,” Walt says. “And we walk with veterans every step of the way.”
Watch Part One:
Part Two: Advocacy, Transition & Family Support
Part Two focuses on what’s next for the Wounded Warrior Project and for the veterans and families they serve.
Walt explains how WWP is working to improve access to care, support veteran families, and make sure lawmakers hear directly from warriors themselves. He also opens up about how writing poetry helped him process his experiences, and how important it is for all veterans to find their outlet for healing.
“You can’t just leave the military and expect everything to fall into place,” Walt says. “We have to meet veterans where they are—and keep showing up.”
Watch Part Two:
Why This Matters
If you’re a veteran, a caregiver, or someone who wants to help, visit woundedwarriorproject.org to get involved, or check out missionrollcall.org to see how we’re working together to make sure no one is left behind.
As we mark 249 years of freedom, Mission Roll Call reflects on the veterans, families, and communities who continue the fight for independence every day.
As the nation gathers for barbecues, fireworks, and patriotic celebrations, July 4 marks a checkpoint on a journey nearly two and a half centuries long. This year, we celebrate 249 years of American independence, just one year shy of the nation’s 250th anniversary. But freedom, as every veteran knows, isn’t just something we inherited—it’s something we continue to fight for, defend, and rebuild.
At Mission Roll Call, we see independence not only as a founding principle, but as a shared responsibility—one carried most directly by our veterans and military families.
From the Minutemen of 1776 to the service members of today, American freedom has always depended on ordinary people rising to meet extraordinary moments. But service doesn’t end with enlistment. It doesn’t even end with a homecoming.
For many veterans, the real battle begins after the uniform comes off—fighting for physical healing, mental well-being, stable housing, meaningful work, and a sense of purpose that comes from being part of something bigger.
That’s why we say: independence is a team effort.
It’s the veteran learning to navigate a new career after service.
It’s the caregiver who helps a loved one manage post-traumatic stress.
It’s the community that installs a ramp, offers a job, or shows up to listen.
It’s the network of support—both seen and unseen—that helps veterans reclaim their own freedom after fighting for ours.
These efforts are especially important as we look ahead to America’s 250th year. Milestones like this invite us to reflect not only on how far we’ve come, but on where we’re going, and who we may be leaving behind.
Today, more than 18 million veterans live in the United States, and nearly half are not connected to the VA or any veteran service organization. Many are navigating complex challenges alone. Rural veterans face geographic isolation and gaps in care. Others struggle with the invisible wounds of war. And too many are still fighting to be seen and heard, long after their last deployment.
At Mission Roll Call, we’re working to change that. Through nationwide polling, community outreach, veteran storytelling, and policy advocacy, we bring veteran voices directly to the people and places where change can happen. And that starts with you.
This Independence Day, let’s do more than celebrate freedom. Let’s honor it by supporting those who make it possible. Lend your voice through our open polls and surveys so we can continue to enact positive change and support those who need it most.
The fight for freedom didn’t end in 1776. It continues every day—across dinner tables, hospital rooms, town halls, and Capitol Hill. And together, we can carry it forward.
In June, we turned our focus to two groups who too often go unseen—underserved veterans in rural and minority communities, and those living with the effects of post-traumatic stress. Through storytelling, research, media outreach, and open polling, we continued our mission to elevate the voices of veterans, advocate for policy that meets their needs, and provide tools that support their well-being.
From local heroes rebuilding after disaster to national conversations about suicide prevention and access to care, we worked to ensure that no one who served is left behind.
Here’s what you might have missed:
Underserved Veterans and PTS Awareness in Focus
We shined a light on rural and minority veterans and their families, exploring the barriers they face and the work being done to close the gaps. From highlighting key facts about rural veteran populations to uplifting efforts like Operation Honor: Rural Salute, June’s features challenged us to pay closer attention to the communities that are often overlooked.
– Connecting Rural Veterans and Their Families Through Operation Honor: Rural Salute
– 6 Things You Might Not Know About Rural Veterans
– Veterans Are Speaking Clearly on the ACCESS Act. Congress Should Listen.
– The State of Veteran Post-Traumatic Stress
– How to Find Mental Health Care If You’re A Veteran – Even In A Rural Area
– 7 Everyday Ways to Support Veterans’ Mental Health
The Lasting Mission Podcast
In June, The Lasting Mission podcast wrapped up its two-part conversation on the opioid epidemic with Voices for Non-Opioid Choices. We also continued our coverage of veteran homelessness with Part 2 of Matthew Landis’ powerful story—from hitting rock bottom to rediscovering purpose and community.
Subscribe to The Lasting Mission on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, and help us spread these critical conversations by sharing the podcast with others.
Mission Roll Call University (MRCU)
Our YouTube channel, Mission Roll Call University, continues to grow as a trusted resource for veterans and families. In June, we released a practical guide to locating VA facilities near you—an important step in connecting to care and support.
Watch, subscribe, and share to help us ensure veterans have access to the guidance and resources they need to thrive.
MRC Town Hall: Your Voice, Your Power
We hosted a live-streamed Veteran Town Hall, bringing together voices from across the country to talk about real veteran experiences and solutions. From policy gaps to personal stories, these conversations help guide our work—and remind us how powerful it is when veterans speak directly to one another and to leaders.
MRC in the Media: Real Stories, Real Impact
In June, our work was featured in national and local media outlets, amplifying veteran voices and advocating for smarter, more compassionate policy solutions. From thoughtful conversations around VA reform to spotlighting events like Hockey Heals 22, our media presence underscored our mission.
– Smart Budget Cuts at the VA Could Help Preserve Critical Services – The Hill
– 5th Annual Hockey 22 Event Raises Awareness for Veteran Suicide – FOX 13
– Veterans Play 22 Hours of Hockey for Suicide Awareness – NPR Affiliate
From the Blog: Stories That Matter
This month’s stories included a look at veteran-led disaster recovery efforts in the Palisades, a historical reflection on 250 years of military service, and a recap of a community hockey event that raises awareness for the veteran suicide crisis.
– Where the Flag Still Flies: Veterans Rebuild the Palisades
– Hockey Heals 22
– 250 Years of the Military
Speak Up: Participate in Our Open Polls
Your voice shapes our work. We’re actively gathering feedback on topics like VA care, suicide prevention, and rural veteran access. These surveys help us bring real-time concerns to lawmakers and leaders who can make a difference.
– Take Our Open Polls
– Participate in Our Veteran Suicide Survey
Looking Ahead: Independence Through Support and Access
In July, we’ll focus on veteran independence—honoring the strength and resilience of wounded veterans, caregivers, and those navigating life after service with courage and adaptability. We’ll explore how accessibility, autonomy, and practical support can help more veterans thrive on their own terms.
Stay tuned for new stories, new research, and new opportunities to connect.