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.