September marked a solemn and significant month for Mission Roll Call as we focused on resilience and remembrance. Twenty-four years after the attacks of September 11th, we honored the lives lost, reflected on how that day continues to shape our nation, and elevated the voices of veterans and families whose service and sacrifice have defined the two decades since.
Here’s what you might have missed:
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
We began the month by honoring Michael Verardo, whose courage on the battlefield and tireless advocacy at home continue to inspire lasting change. We also reflected on the impact of September 11th, 24 years later, and how that day continues to shape veterans, their families, and the country they served.
– Honoring Michael Verardo: A Legacy of Courage and Advocacy
– 24 Years Later, The Impact of September 11th Endures
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Week served as a critical reminder of the work still ahead to support veterans in crisis. We highlighted both the ongoing gaps and the innovative solutions that can make a difference, from technology-based support tools to community-driven approaches.
– National Suicide Prevention Week: Standing Up for Veterans, Together
– Digital Tools for Wellness: How Tech Is Reshaping Veteran Mental Health
Care, Healing, and Quality of Life
We also focused on stories that reflect the broader needs of the veteran community. Access to TBI care, the transformative impact of service dogs, and the ongoing efforts to improve support for caregivers all play a vital role in quality of life after service.
– TBI Care Remains Out of Reach for Too Many Veterans and Caregivers
– How Service Dogs Transformed A Veteran’s Life
Community, Policy, and Advocacy
Finally, we shared how veterans continue to lead in their communities and shape policy. Whether building networks of support in remote areas or weighing in on critical debates in Washington, their voices are driving real change.
– How a Navy Veteran is Building Community in the Mountains
– Don’t Put Veterans in the CR Debate Crossfire
The Lasting Mission Podcast
September featured one of our most meaningful podcast episodes to date. In a special 9/11 tribute, The Lasting Mission brought together one service member from each branch of the U.S. military to share how that day changed their lives, their service, and the nation they swore to defend.
Their stories are deeply personal — where they were on September 11, 2001, how it shaped their decision to serve, and how its legacy continues to influence their families, communities, and missions decades later. Together, they remind us why remembrance is not a single day on the calendar but a continued commitment to those who answered the call.
– The Dust That Never Settled: An Army Veteran’s 9/11 Story
– One Nation, Five Voices: Veterans Reflect on 9/11
Mission Roll Call University (MRCU)
MRCU continued to deliver practical and accessible resources to support financial literacy and planning for veterans and their families. September’s videos broke down investment fundamentals and demystified how the stock market works.
– WATCH: How the Stock Market REALLY Works – Financial Literacy
– WATCH: Investing – Risky Gamble or Smart Move?
– READ: Veteran Financial Readiness and Literacy: Building Peace of Mind
Veteran Town Hall: Your Voice in Real Time
Our September Town Hall brought veterans together to discuss critical issues like VA mental health support, access to care in rural communities, and improving transition services. These conversations, led by CEO Jim Whaley and COO Ray Whitaker, help shape our advocacy and ensure veteran perspectives are heard where decisions are made.
– Watch the September Town Hall
MRC in the Media
Mission Roll Call continued to amplify veteran issues in the national conversation. This month, The National Desk highlighted the VA’s $818 million initiative to combat veteran homelessness, a topic closely tied to the broader conversation around access to care and post-service support.
– The National Desk || VA Announces $818 Million to Combat Veteran Homelessness
Speak Up: Your Voice Matters
Your input shapes our advocacy. This month, we launched a new survey focused on transition and VA enrollment to better understand the challenges veterans face when accessing care and benefits. Your feedback helps guide our work and ensures that policies reflect real needs and lived experiences. Share your voice with us below:
– Take the Transition and VA Enrollment Survey
Looking Ahead: Warrior Caregivers
In October, we’ll turn our focus to warrior caregivers—the spouses, parents, partners, and loved ones who support our nation’s heroes every step of the way. Their strength and sacrifice are vital to the veteran experience, and their stories deserve to be told. Stay tuned for more throughout the month.