October at Mission Roll Call centered on wounds that are hard to see and the families who carry part of that weight alongside the veteran. Across articles and stories, we looked at traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury, and at what recovery can look like when a spouse, a parent or a child is part of it. Doug’s story from the UNC THRIVE Program, along with pieces on structure and purpose, caregiver support and practical ways for families to help, gave the month its shape.
October also brought a fresh look at what veterans want from us next year. Among 1,505 respondents to our 2027 priorities survey, who were asked to select the four issues that should guide our work, access to quality health care led at 55.3%, followed by VA benefits, disability claims and appeals at 49.6% and aging veterans, long-term care and independent living at 41.9%. With Election Day on Nov. 3, we also published a voting checklist and a look at why veterans make strong poll workers.
Stories and Articles on Healing the Whole Veteran
- 7 Ways Families Can Actively Support a Veteran’s Recovery Journey
- How Structure and Purpose Help Veterans Heal from TBI
- Casting Hope: How Project Healing Waters Helps Veterans Find Healing Beyond the Water
- The Invisible Wound You Can’t See: Understanding Moral Injury vs. PTSD
- Semper Fi, Still Standing: How Doug Learned Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness
- When the Battle Comes Home: A Guide to Supporting a Partner with TBI or PTSD
- The Weight of the Pack: How One Veteran Found Healing Through Heroes and Horses
Stories on Housing and Homelessness
- Sheltered, but Still Homeless: Panella Page’s Journey From Instability to Service
- When Home Was Not Safe: Marine Veteran Shane McCrea’s Experience With IPV and Homelessness
2027 Priorities and Benefits
- What Veterans Want Mission Roll Call to Prioritize in 2027 – A Two-Part Series
- Moving Veteran Suicide Prevention Further Left of Clinical – A Two-Part Series
- 2027 VA Disability Pay Rates: How Much More Money Will Veterans Receive?
- Strengthening Support for Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities
Ready for Election Day
- Voting Checklist for Veterans and Military Families: 8 Things to Do Before Nov. 3
- From the Barracks to the Ballot Box: Why Veterans Make Great Poll Workers
MRC Polls That Need Your Voice
Six polls are open right now, including questions on the biggest obstacle to receiving health care, the hardest part of VA disability claims and the challenges veterans face in finding and keeping civilian employment. One poll asks which priority area we should feature at an upcoming Town Hall, and your answer guides which veteran service organization we invite. Vote in our open polls or take our monthly survey.
Veteran Town Hall
At our Oct. 14 Town Hall, MRC COO Ray Whitaker examined findings from the VA’s 2026 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report and led a candid conversation about access to care, military transition, isolation and the need to better understand which prevention efforts are helping veterans. The discussion also covered the challenges facing younger veterans, women veterans and rural communities, and how connection, purpose and community support can strengthen the move out of uniform.
Ray also shared the survey results shaping our 2027 priorities. Community Engagement Director Nate Kinney then walked through the Veteran Discount Directory, which listed more than 280 discounts at the time of recording, along with upcoming exclusive offers and free listings for participating businesses. Watch the recording on the Town Hall page or on our YouTube channel.
The next Town Hall is Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. Central, when CEO Jim Whaley and Ray will discuss the issues that came up over the past month and take your questions. Submit a question ahead of time, or follow us on YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn or X to get notified when we go live.
Mission Roll Call in the News
Looking Ahead to November
November’s theme at Mission Roll Call is Beyond the Uniform, a look at how veterans keep serving their communities and country long after their time in service ends. Election Day falls on Nov. 3 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11, and we will be sharing stories and resources that connect the two. Our next Town Hall is Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. Central, and we hope you will join us and bring a question.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255 or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net.