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You might know M&M’s for their colorful candy shells and the unforgettable slogan, “melts in your mouth, not in your hand.” But did you know these chocolate treats have military roots?

At Mission Roll Call, we’re always looking for stories that spotlight the ways our military history weaves itself into everyday life. The story of M&M’s is one of innovation, partnership, and a quiet kind of service — bringing comfort to troops when they needed it most.

Born From the Battlefield

In the late 1930s, Forrest Mars Sr.—yes, that Mars—was traveling through Spain during the Spanish Civil War when he noticed soldiers eating small chocolate pellets encased in a hard sugar shell. The candy didn’t melt in their hands or rations, even under the heat of the sun.

Mars took that idea and ran with it. In 1941, he partnered with Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey Chocolate’s president, to secure a steady chocolate supply. Their collaboration led to the creation of M&M’s, named after the initials of their last names: Mars and Murrie.

Made for War

The original M&M’s weren’t available to the public—they were made specifically for the U.S. military during World War II. The sugar shell meant the chocolate wouldn’t melt in hot or humid conditions, making M&M’s the perfect addition to soldiers’ rations, especially in tropical climates.

They were first packaged in cardboard tubes for easy transport and distribution in the field. And if you needed more proof of their military tie-in, wartime advertisements proudly labeled M&M’s as “100% at War.”

From Rations to Racks

After the war, returning veterans brought their love for M&M’s home. By 1947, the candy was made available to the public. To distinguish their product from imitators, Mars began stamping a small “M” on each candy in 1950—first in black, later changed to the now-familiar white.

The post-war popularity of M&M’s didn’t just reflect good marketing. It reflected something deeper: a shared experience between those who served and the candy that accompanied them through war zones, foxholes, and long deployments.

Still Supporting Service

Decades later, M&M’s continue to support the military community. Mars has partnered with organizations like Operation Gratitude to send care packages filled with M&M’s to deployed troops, offering a taste of home no matter where in the world they’re serving.

M&M’s have even made their way into space, included in NASA’s rations for astronauts. If that doesn’t prove their reliability under pressure, nothing will.

A Reminder of Resilience

M&M’s may not wear a uniform, but their history is rooted in service. They represent ingenuity under pressure, comfort in tough conditions, and the kind of simple joys that can carry us through hard days.

So next time you grab a handful of M&M’s, take a moment to remember their origins and the service members they were created to support. These stories, big and small, are threads in the larger fabric of our military history.

As we celebrate 250 years of military service and sacrifice, Mission Roll Call is committed to preserving that full story—every background, every era, every voice. Be part of the movement to honor these milestones and ensure they’re never forgotten. Join us in the $25 for 250 campaign today.

Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley Meets with VA Secretary Doug Collins for a VSO Breakfast Discussion 

Secretary Collins Emphasizes the VA Will Not Cut Veteran Health Services or Benefits. 

Mission Roll Call’s CEO Jim Whaley was in Washington, D.C. on March 20th at the invitation of VA Secretary Doug Collins for his first breakfast discussion with Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) since taking the helm at the VA.  During this breakfast, Secretary Collins outlined the VA’s plans to implement personnel cuts and reductions. Consistent with his public statements on these cuts, Secretary Collins assured the gathered VSO representatives that veterans would not see any cuts or reductions in their health care or service benefits. 

Secretary Collins also discussed the VA’s focus on improving delivery of care and services to veterans through increased use of community care options. Through our polling and communication efforts with veterans, Mission Roll Call has studied veteran preferences regarding the liberal use of community care. Most veterans support community care as a means to put the veteran at the center of their own care decisions, to ease wait times for care, and to reduce travel and time commitments many veterans face to receive care at VA facilities. 

Finally, Secretary Collins shared that much of the work currently being done at the VA involves streamlining many of the byzantine and duplicative administrative systems and processes put in place over the decades. He shared the focused effort to review contracts and seek areas of savings and performance improvements. As one example, the VA has over a dozen payroll programs, that combined makes it challenging for the VA to track and evaluate these programs. 

Mission Roll Call wasn’t alone at this meeting and were proud to represent the veteran community along with 9 other Veteran Service Organization’s in attendance. This included leadership from the Wounded Warrior Project, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, The American Legion, Boulder Crest, the Blinded Veterans Association, Student Veterans of America, and The Independence Fund. We take pride in our partnerships and productive working relationships with these organizations. Their success is beneficial to veterans everywhere. 

Mission Roll Call Conducts Survey of Veterans to Help Lead Discussion on VA Cuts 

Here at Mission Roll Call we work hard to amplify veteran voices and ensure those voices are heard during pivotal moments in time. Since the Trump administration took office in January 2025, we have seen a focus on government downsizing, including at the VA. Mission Roll Call designed a survey to help us understand the implications of the proposed changes and how veterans and their loved ones feel about these efforts.  

To view this survey and include your voice and thoughts, click here. 

Though we are still collating results, one aspect of these cuts has become clear through our discussions and communications with veterans. That is the administration’s efforts could be helped and supported through a robust and well-executed communication plan that leads implementation of cuts and changes. Such a plan would help paint a clear picture of the impending changes and alleviate concerns among veterans and their families that proposed cuts might dig into their health care benefits. 

Along with our coalition partners, we plan to share your voice directly with Capitol Hill and the VA to help inform and educate them on what these decisions mean for veterans and their families. 

Continued Collaboration with Congress on Legislative Efforts 

Also during March, Mission Roll Call continued to leverage veteran input to research, educate, and inform the debate on key pieces of legislation progressing through Congress. Most of these are introduced in the House Veterans Affairs Committee, led by Representative and Chairman Mike Bost of Illinois. 

Notable among these pieces of legislation are efforts to broaden community care options, to reauthorize grants to help reduce veteran suicide, to protect veterans’ 2nd amendment rights, to protect veterans’ education benefits, and to eliminate co-pays for veterans. 

This legislation, and more, is working through Congress’ process of introduction, discussion, markup, and voting. Mission Roll Call is tracking these bills and providing your voices as it helps educate the community and advance efforts in support of veterans.  

The Road Ahead 

At Mission Roll Call, we don’t just advocate—we take action. Through our polling and direct engagement with veterans and their families across the country, we bring their unfiltered perspectives straight to policymakers. Testifying in Washington, D.C. was a step forward in ensuring that veterans and their loved ones receive the respect, resources, and opportunities they deserve. 

But we can’t do it alone. Real change requires a collective effort. If you believe in this mission, join us at Mission Roll Call. We can challenge harmful stereotypes, push for impactful policy changes, and create a better future for veterans and their families. Your voice matters. 

 

Mission Roll Call had a busy month in February, as did Congress.

Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley Testifies Before Congress 

Mission Roll Call’s CEO Jim Whaley was in Washington, D.C., on February 25 to testify before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC). His testimony focused on several pressing issues affecting veterans, all rooted in the real concerns we hear from the veteran community daily. 

During this hearing, Jim addressed the following key issues, including, access to healthcare, protecting Veterans’ 2nd Amendment rights, holding the VA accountable in their delivery of services and performance, and safeguarding education benefits for Veterans. 

To read Mission Roll Call’s blog on Jim’s testimony, click here. 

Mission Roll Call’s Strategic Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, Mike Desmond, provided a video recap of the testimony and legislation. Watch it here. 

Mission Roll Call Teams Up With Call of Duty Endowment to Advocate in Washington 

Highlighting a Connection Between Negative Public Perceptions of Veterans and How These Contribute to the Military’s Recruiting and Retention Crisis 

Last week, Mission Roll Call took to Washington, D.C., to amplify the voices of veterans and their families and advocate for meaningful policy changes. Our team, including CEO Jim Whaley, joined forces with the Call of Duty Endowment (CODE) President Dan Goldenberg and the Marcus Foundation to present the findings of a joint study conducted by Ipsos. This research shed light on the widespread misperceptions about veterans, emphasizing how these inaccuracies negatively impact recruitment, employment, and overall support for those who have served. 

To read more about Mission Roll Call’s blog on our work with Call of Duty Endowment in DC in February, click here. 

Mission Roll Call Supports Dr. Paul Lawrence as Deputy Secretary of the VA 

On February 19th, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) held a confirmation hearing for President Trump’s nominee to Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Paul Lawrence. You can watch the full hearing here. Mission Roll Call supports Dr. Lawrence’s nomination and signed onto a joint letter of support with other Veteran Service Organizations. The SVAC referred Dr. Lawrence to the full Senate for further hearings and votes, fulfilling the Senate’s Article II constitutional authority to advise and consent the President through approval of certain Presidential nominees. 

Mission Roll Call Signs VSO Letter of Support for Senate Budget Language Supporting the Major Richard Star Act 

The Major Richard Star Act is an effort within Congress to provide combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of creditable service to concurrently receive, without reduction, veterans’ disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation.  

This legislation was first introduced in 2023, and considered again during Senate budget hearings in January and February for the 119th Congress. Mission Roll Call joined a host of other VSO’s in providing a Letter of Support to SVAC Ranking Member Blumenthal (D-CT), supporting this prudent and impactful legislation. 

House Veterans Affairs Committee Holds Robust Slate of Hearings in February 

The HVAC had an aggressive hearing schedule in February, holding seven hearings during the month on a range of crucial topics. To go direct to these hearings, click here. 

These hearings discussed important issues like improving VA’s Community Care options, VBA Education Benefits, and improving the VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization effort.  

The Road Ahead 

At Mission Roll Call, we don’t just advocate—we take action. Through our polling and direct engagement with veterans and their families across the country, we bring their unfiltered perspectives straight to policymakers. Testifying in Washington, D.C. was a step forward in ensuring that veterans and their loved ones receive the respect, resources, and opportunities they deserve. 

But we can’t do it alone. Real change requires a collective effort. If you believe in this mission, join us at Mission Roll Call. We can challenge harmful stereotypes, push for impactful policy changes, and create a better future for veterans and their families. Your voice matters. 

Last week, Mission Roll Call took to Washington, D.C., to amplify the voices of veterans and their families and advocate for meaningful policy changes. Our team, including CEO Jim Whaley, joined forces with the Call of Duty Endowment (CODE) President Dan Goldenberg and the Marcus Foundation to present the findings of a joint study conducted by Ipsos. This research shed light on the widespread misperceptions about veterans, emphasizing how these inaccuracies negatively impact recruitment, employment, and overall support for those who have served.

Challenging Misperceptions About Veterans

The joint study revealed alarming statistics about the public’s view of veterans:

These misconceptions create significant barriers for veterans transitioning to civilian life and contribute to the ongoing military recruitment crisis. To combat this, Mission Roll Call and CODE are advocating for policy reforms and increased public awareness to reshape how veterans are perceived and supported in America.

Policy Recommendations for Lasting Change

During our meetings with congressional leaders, we outlined four key recommendations to enhance veteran support and change public perception:

The study reinforced that veterans are among the most engaged and productive members of society. They vote at higher rates, volunteer in their communities, and excel in the workforce. Changing the narrative around veterans isn’t just about recognition—it’s essential to ensuring the future strength of our all-volunteer military force.

The Road Ahead

At Mission Roll Call, we don’t just advocate—we take action. Through our polling and direct engagement with veterans and their families across the country, we bring their unfiltered perspectives straight to policymakers. Testifying in Washington, D.C. was a step forward in ensuring that veterans and their loved ones receive the respect, resources, and opportunities they deserve.

But we can’t do it alone. Real change requires a collective effort. If you believe in this mission, join us at Mission Roll Call. We can challenge harmful stereotypes, push for impactful policy changes, and create a better future for veterans and their families. Your voice matters.

Mission Roll Call’s CEO Jim Whaley was in Washington, D.C., on February 25 to testify before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC). His testimony focused on several pressing issues affecting veterans, all rooted in the real concerns we hear from the veteran community daily. 

Mission Roll Call’s Strategic Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, Mike Desmond, provided a video recap of the testimony and legislation. Watch it here. 

Watch the entire hearing here or watch Jim Whaley’s testimony below.

During this hearing, Jim addressed the following key issues: 

The Road Ahead 

At Mission Roll Call, we don’t just advocate—we take action. Through our polling and direct engagement with veterans and their families across the country, we bring their unfiltered perspectives straight to policymakers. Testifying in Washington, D.C. was a step forward in ensuring that veterans and their loved ones receive the respect, resources, and opportunities they deserve. 

But we can’t do it alone. Real change requires a collective effort. If you believe in this mission, join us at Mission Roll Call. We can challenge harmful stereotypes, push for impactful policy changes, and create a better future for veterans and their families. Your voice matters.

Watch Jim’s Testimony

After the historic election in November 2024, the 119th Congress was sworn in and convened on January 3, 2025, and went straight to work on issues directly impacting veterans and their families.

On January 22nd, the full House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) held a hearing addressing community care. Mission Roll Call provided a Statement for the Record, including supporting data from your poll responses, that demonstrates the need for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve on delivering care to Veterans through more active use of the community care option. Watch the hearing

In a follow-up to the full HVAC hearing addressing Community Care, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) convened a separate hearing addressing community care on January 28th. The SVAC heard testimony detailing administrative and bureaucratic shortcomings in the VA’s community care system. Senators discussed some of the causes of these shortcomings, particularly considering the MISSION Act’s express intent to solve many of these problems. 

Following these two hearings, HVAC Chairman Mike Bost, and SVAC Chairman Jerry Moran, introduced legislation to increase access to care for veterans through VA providers in the community. Watch the hearing 

On January 23, the House subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) held a hearing on the VA’s practice of reporting Veterans with fiduciaries to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database, restricting their Second Amendment rights. Mission Roll Call joined a pre-hearing roundtable to ensure Veterans’ voices were heard. Watch the hearing 

February is already shaping up to be an equally busy month for Advocacy. We will keep you posted as major developments impacting Veterans come up! 

Your voice informs our action. Share yours and join our polls.

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

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

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

1. Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

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

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

2. VA Electronic Health Records Management (EHRM) Poll

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

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

3. Changing the VA Motto Poll

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

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

Why Your Voice Matters

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

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

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