December was a month of reflection, accountability, and looking ahead as 2025 came to a close. We focused on listening to veterans’ experiences, amplifying their voices, and ensuring that their stories inform real action. From personal reflections to national media coverage and year-end insights, December reminded us that while progress matters, the work is far from done.
Here’s what you might have missed:
Articles + Blogs
Our December content centered on reflection, lessons learned, and practical ways to support veterans and their families.
Featured articles included:
Veterans’ Quotes That Stayed With Us This Year
A collection of powerful words from veterans that shaped our advocacy throughout 2025.
Homelessness Doesn’t Always Mean Hopelessness
An exploration of how veterans face housing challenges with resilience and hope, showing that homelessness is not the end of their story.
What Didn’t Change for Veterans This Year and Why It Matters
A look at persistent challenges veterans face and why continued attention and accountability are critical.
10 Things Veterans Taught Us This Year
Lessons learned from veterans’ experiences that will guide our work in 2026.
5 Simple Acts of Service for Those Who Served
Practical ways individuals and communities can support veterans beyond symbolic gestures.
6 Action Items We’re Carrying Forward Into 2026
The priorities shaping our advocacy, research, and outreach as we enter the new year.
When the System Failed Me—and Why I Refuse to Let It Fail Another Veteran
Reflections on systemic gaps and why veteran-led accountability is essential.
MRC in the Media
Mission Roll Call ensured veterans’ voices remained front and center in national conversations throughout December.
Media features included:
- CNN This Morning — Millions of Veterans Face Food Insecurity on Thanksgiving
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-    Mission Roll Call Statement on VA’s Veterans Health Administration reorganization
- Military.com on Seasonal Depression: Mission Roll Call Helps Veterans Overcome Holiday Anxiety
Research + Reports
We released our 2025 Impact Report, highlighting how veterans’ voices shaped our research, advocacy, and priorities throughout the year. It captures key insights and outcomes that will guide our work in 2026.Â
Mission Roll Call University (MRCU)
December’s MRCU videos offered practical guidance and new opportunities for veterans.
Featured videos included:
Mission Roll Call on YouTube
Year-end reflection and resolve highlighted our continued commitment:
Veterans Town Hall
Veterans joined CEO Jim Whaley and COO Ray Whitaker for the December Town Hall, sharing feedback on trust, belonging, and the realities of navigating life after service.
Watch the December 17 Veterans Town Hall:
https://missionrollcall.org/veteran-town-hall/
December was about setting direction. The voices Veterans shared throughout the year will guide our advocacy, research, and outreach in 2026. Thank you to everyone who shared their story, joined a conversation, or took a survey. Your voice matters.
Speak Up: Your Voice Matters
Your feedback continues to shape our advocacy, research priorities, and national conversations around access to care, mental wellness, community, and belonging. Thousands of veterans shared their perspectives in December, helping guide our work for 2026.0
- Â Â Â Take the January Veteran Survey addressing support for the most severely injured veterans
- Â Â Â Explore Open Polls