October highlighted a different kind of service — the kind that takes place quietly, daily, and often without recognition. Warrior caregivers are the spouses, partners, parents, and loved ones who support veterans through transition, trauma, treatment, and the ongoing realities of post-service life. Their role is not secondary; it is central to the veteran experience. This month, we elevated their voices, examined the barriers they face, and spotlighted the care models and peer support networks that are making a difference.
Here’s what you might have missed:
Articles + Blogs
We explored care from every angle, including the GI Bill “kicker” that can increase education benefits, transition challenges unique to women veterans, and how to build peer support circles when formal caregiving support isn’t available. We also honored the lived experience of veteran Don Legun, whose insights helped shape one of our most-read mental wellness pieces of the month.
– Did You Know? The GI Bill “Kicker” Could Boost Your Education Benefits
– The Debt We Owe: Defending Veterans Against a Misguided Narrative
– 17 Ways to Recognize When Your Mental Health Is Shifting
– America’s Hidden Heroes at Home: Caregivers in Veteran and Military Families
– Caring for the Caregivers: Operation Healing Forces Supports Those Who Support Our Heroes
– Our 2026 Veteran Priorities
– Left of Clinical: A New Approach to Veteran Wellness, Parts I, II, and III
– Transition Challenges Unique to Women Veterans
– Building Your Own Support Team: How Veteran-Led Peer Networks Fill the Caregiver Gap
– Veteran Owen Lonsdale’s HBOT Journey
The Lasting Mission Podcast
This month’s episode spotlighted a veteran working to transform the future of care in rural America, building solutions that meet people where they are. Meet Katt Whittenberger from Mountain Valor:
– The Climb Toward Hope: Inside the Mountain Valor Mission – A Hero for Rural Virginia Veterans
Mission Roll Call University (MRCU)
October’s resource focused on career readiness, providing veterans with practical tools to identify available opportunities and connect with employers seeking their unique skills. WATCH: Find Available Career Openings FREE with Oplign.
Veteran Town Hall
Veterans joined CEO Jim Whaley and COO Ray Whitaker to discuss trust in the system, real experiences navigating the VA, and what they need most to thrive in civilian life.
MRC in the Media
Veteran voices resonated nationwide this month as outlets across the country examined the real-world impact of political decisions, shutdown risks, and access to care.
– The Hill || Veteran groups warn Congress against shutdown: ‘Resist the pull of political brinkmanship’
– The Washington Post || I’m a veteran on disability. This reporting hurt me.
– Connecting Vets || Veteran says service dogs serve a purpose
– The Center Square || 91% of U.S. veterans concerned about food assistance amid shutdown
– The National Desk || Veterans worried, confused over government shutdown that’s stretching into second month
Speak Up: Your Voice Matters
Every survey, poll, and comment shared with Mission Roll Call helps guide how we advocate, what policies we elevate, and where we focus our research. Veteran feedback has already shaped national conversations on access to care, mental wellness, and homelessness. Your perspective is the foundation of meaningful change. By sharing your experiences, you help ensure that decision-makers hear directly from those who have served.
– Take the November Community and Belonging Survey
– Explore Open Polls
Looking Ahead: Veterans Day and Beyond
November will be dedicated to honoring the service, sacrifice, and humanity of America’s veterans through their stories, their experiences, and the lasting impact they continue to make every day.
If there is a veteran in your life whose story you carry with you, we invite you to add their name to our 2025 Honor Wall so their service can be honored publicly and preserved. Add a name to the Honor Wall.