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

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

What makes a veteran rural?  

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

Empowering Rural Veterans, Building Thriving Communities 

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

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

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

Reaching and Connecting Rural Veterans 

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

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

Get Involved 

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

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

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