April was all about honoring the heart of military life—our families. As we recognized the Month of the Military Child, Mission Roll Call focused on the unsung heroes growing up in the shadow of service: military children. These resilient young people face frequent moves, long deployments, and the everyday realities of life with a parent in uniform. This month, we celebrated their strength, shared critical resources, and spotlighted the support systems that lift them up.
But we didn’t stop there. April was also a month of action, highlighting legislative updates, reflecting on military innovations that changed the world, and elevating veteran voices around issues that matter most.
Here’s what you might have missed:
Honoring Military Children and Families
We were proud to spotlight this year’s recipients of Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year Awards—young leaders whose achievements reflect the unique challenges and strengths of military life. Meet the winners and learn more about their inspiring stories:
2025 Military Child of the Year Award Winners
We also took a deeper look at the resources available to military children and families, breaking down the organizations, benefits, and support systems that help them thrive:
A Deep Dive into Support for Military Children
And we highlighted the vital work of the National Military Family Association, a nonprofit that has been advocating for military families for over 50 years:
Learn More About NMFA
The Lasting Mission Podcast: Healing, Surfing, and Service
This month’s episodes of The Lasting Mission podcast took listeners from legacy-focused scholarships to the healing power of the ocean.
– In one episode, Sean Corrigan of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation shared how his organization honors fallen heroes by supporting their children’s education:
Listen to the episode
– In another, Van Curaza and John Hallet of Operation Surf explored how surfing can help veterans recover from trauma and find purpose after service:
Tune in here
MRC in the Media: Your Voice on the National Stage
Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley appeared in several national outlets this month to speak on urgent issues impacting veterans:
– The National Desk: Over a dozen bills introduced to improve VA services »
– NewsNation: Addressing concerns over VA staffing cuts »
– The National Desk: Fighting to restore gun rights stripped without due process »
– The Washington Examiner: Expanding due process for veterans deemed incompetent »
From the Blog: History, Policy & the Pulse of the Community
– What the Executive Order on DEI Means for Veterans »
– M&M’s and Military History »
– The Sticky Truth: How Super Glue Saved Lives in Combat »
– VASP Program Ending May 1—What It Means and What’s Next »
– VA Survey Results Recap: What Veterans Are Saying »
Speak Up: Ongoing Community Survey
We’re continuing to collect feedback on how veterans and their families are being affected by recent VA staffing changes and budget shifts. Make your voice heard:
Take the survey
Looking Ahead: Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and Military Appreciation Month
May brings Military Appreciation Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month. At Mission Roll Call, we’ll be turning our focus to suicide prevention, emotional wellness, and the power of connection. Through podcast episodes, new MRCU videos, and stories from the veteran community, we’ll continue our mission to connect, educate, inform, and empower.