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In June, we turned our focus to two groups who too often go unseen—underserved veterans in rural and minority communities, and those living with the effects of post-traumatic stress. Through storytelling, research, media outreach, and open polling, we continued our mission to elevate the voices of veterans, advocate for policy that meets their needs, and provide tools that support their well-being. 

From local heroes rebuilding after disaster to national conversations about suicide prevention and access to care, we worked to ensure that no one who served is left behind. 

Here’s what you might have missed: 

Underserved Veterans and PTS Awareness in Focus 

We shined a light on rural and minority veterans and their families, exploring the barriers they face and the work being done to close the gaps. From highlighting key facts about rural veteran populations to uplifting efforts like Operation Honor: Rural Salute, June’s features challenged us to pay closer attention to the communities that are often overlooked. 

– Connecting Rural Veterans and Their Families Through Operation Honor: Rural Salute
– 6 Things You Might Not Know About Rural Veterans
– Veterans Are Speaking Clearly on the ACCESS Act. Congress Should Listen.
– The State of Veteran Post-Traumatic Stress
– How to Find Mental Health Care If You’re A Veteran – Even In A Rural Area
– 7 Everyday Ways to Support Veterans’ Mental Health 

The Lasting Mission Podcast 

In June, The Lasting Mission podcast wrapped up its two-part conversation on the opioid epidemic with Voices for Non-Opioid Choices. We also continued our coverage of veteran homelessness with Part 2 of Matthew Landis’ powerful story—from hitting rock bottom to rediscovering purpose and community. 

Subscribe to The Lasting Mission on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, and help us spread these critical conversations by sharing the podcast with others. 

Mission Roll Call University (MRCU) 

Our YouTube channel, Mission Roll Call University, continues to grow as a trusted resource for veterans and families. In June, we released a practical guide to locating VA facilities near you—an important step in connecting to care and support. 

Watch, subscribe, and share to help us ensure veterans have access to the guidance and resources they need to thrive. 

MRC Town Hall: Your Voice, Your Power 

We hosted a live-streamed Veteran Town Hall, bringing together voices from across the country to talk about real veteran experiences and solutions. From policy gaps to personal stories, these conversations help guide our work—and remind us how powerful it is when veterans speak directly to one another and to leaders. 

MRC in the Media: Real Stories, Real Impact 

In June, our work was featured in national and local media outlets, amplifying veteran voices and advocating for smarter, more compassionate policy solutions. From thoughtful conversations around VA reform to spotlighting events like Hockey Heals 22, our media presence underscored our mission. 

– Smart Budget Cuts at the VA Could Help Preserve Critical Services – The Hill
– 5th Annual Hockey 22 Event Raises Awareness for Veteran Suicide – FOX 13
– Veterans Play 22 Hours of Hockey for Suicide Awareness – NPR Affiliate 

From the Blog: Stories That Matter 

This month’s stories included a look at veteran-led disaster recovery efforts in the Palisades, a historical reflection on 250 years of military service, and a recap of a community hockey event that raises awareness for the veteran suicide crisis. 

– Where the Flag Still Flies: Veterans Rebuild the Palisades
– Hockey Heals 22
– 250 Years of the Military 

Speak Up: Participate in Our Open Polls 

Your voice shapes our work. We’re actively gathering feedback on topics like VA care, suicide prevention, and rural veteran access. These surveys help us bring real-time concerns to lawmakers and leaders who can make a difference. 

– Take Our Open Polls
– Participate in Our Veteran Suicide Survey 

Looking Ahead: Independence Through Support and Access 

In July, we’ll focus on veteran independence—honoring the strength and resilience of wounded veterans, caregivers, and those navigating life after service with courage and adaptability. We’ll explore how accessibility, autonomy, and practical support can help more veterans thrive on their own terms. 

Stay tuned for new stories, new research, and new opportunities to connect. 

 

 

If there is something we have learned about supporting our veterans, it is that mental health is one of the most complicated problems to tackle, especially for veterans in rural areas.  VA reports have found that veterans are most vulnerable in the first three months following separation from military service, although suicide risk “remains elevated for years after the transition.” With this information, we can better support our veterans and their families to get them the assistance they need.

While veterans can access mental health care through a variety of channels, knowing what is available to them and gaining access are common hurdles for not just rural veterans but all veterans. Listed below are resources available to veterans looking for mental healthcare.

The two main mental health resources are the VA and the Veteran Crisis Line. 

VA Mental Health Services

Veterans Crisis Line (988, then press 1)

But if those are unavailable to you due to location or other reasons, here’s a list of other mental health resources you might not know about.

Boulder Crest Foundation

Boulder Crest is the home of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). They offer life-changing programs free of charge to members of the military, veterans, and first responder communities, and their families.

America’s Warrior Partnership
America’s Warrior Partnership’s mission is to partner with communities to prevent veteran suicide. Their programs accomplish this by starting at the community level and understanding the unique situations of veterans and their families. 

Avalon Action Alliance

Avalon Action Alliance connects our nation’s veterans and first responders with life-changing programs. Their Alliance Partners offer a wide range of treatments, training and support tailored to the unique needs of our veterans and first responders. 

Shields & Stripes

Shields & Stripes provides a top-tier rehabilitation program for our military veterans and first responders.

Warrior Canine Connection

Warrior Canine Connection utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to help Warriors recovering from the stress of combat reconnect with their families, communities, and life. By interacting with the dogs as they move from puppyhood to training to adult service dogs, Warrior Trainers benefit from a physiological and psychological animal-human connection. 

Wounded Warrior Project
Provides various mental health services, including individual and couples counseling, and PTSD and addiction treatment. 

Military OneSource
Offers resources for veterans, including mental health information and a directory of services. 

Mission Roll Call’s Veteran Resource Directory

Our comprehensive directory connects veterans and their families to organizations ready to help.

When it comes to the mental health of veterans and their families, we know there’s not one solution that fits all. But what we do know is that we need to be more proactive. Help exists for veterans and their families; they just need to know what is available to them. Share this article with a veteran – they might need it or know someone else who does.

Supporting a veteran’s mental health requires active listening, encouragement, and resourcefulness. It involves creating a safe space for them to share their feelings, finding local support groups or mental health professionals, and being patient and understanding. Small, everyday gestures like offering a helping hand with tasks, expressing empathy, and attending local veterans’ events can also make a significant difference.

Here are 7 everyday ways to support veterans’ mental health:

1. Be present and consistent. Let them know you care and are there for them, even if you don’t fully understand what they’re going through. Offer encouraging words and focus on their strengths and resilience. 

2. Encourage without pushing. Acknowledge that recovery takes time, and don’t pressure them to “get better” quickly. Be patient and understanding as they navigate their journey. Allow the veteran to decide when and how they want to share their feelings. Offer space for them to share if they wish, but don’t pressure them. 

3. Help navigate resources. Help them find resources like local support groups, mental health professionals, or the VA’s mental health services. Mission Roll Call and the Veterans Crisis Line can also provide valuable resources, information, and assistance. Knowing that there is a path to recovery with tailored resources is its own kind of reassurance.

4. Share space without judgment. Be a supportive listener, offering a non-judgmental space for the veteran to share their experiences and feelings. Give them your full attention and avoid offering unsolicited advice. 

5. Offer practical help. Support them with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, meal planning, or errands if they are struggling to manage their routine. 

6. Stay connected regularly. Staying connected with veterans in your life can provide a sense of purpose and community. If your veteran is hard to get a hold of, consider social media platforms or other online routes to keep the conversation going at their preferred speed. Also, small actions like attending veteran-specific events with them can go a long way to make them feel connected with you and other veterans.

7. Self-Care for you. Supporting someone with mental health challenges can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to prioritize your own well-being and seek support for yourself if needed. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and it is important for those who support our veterans to give them our best – to do this, you must take care of yourself.

By employing these strategies, both veterans and those who care about them can foster stronger connections and build supportive communities, ultimately leading to greater well-being and a sense of belonging. Supporting veterans is crucial. By providing support, we acknowledge their service, help them navigate the challenges they face, and ensure they can lead fulfilling lives. 

Looking for more mental health information and resources? Discover the support you need in Mission Roll Call’s Veteran Resource Directory. Our comprehensive directory connects veterans and their families to organizations ready to help.

If you or a veteran in your life needs support, consider requesting help from the AWP Network. The AWP Network is staffed by a dedicated team of case coordinators with social services backgrounds who are experts at holistically identifying problems and finding one-size-fits-one solutions. For immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line – dial 988 then press 1.

This June 21-22, Mission Roll Call is proud to join forces with the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program and the Malone Family Foundation for Hockey Heals 22, an inspiring event where 22 hours of continuous hockey are dedicated to one powerful mission: ending veteran suicide. 

Veteran suicide is a national crisis. For years, the number “22” has served as a symbol, representing the estimated 22 veterans lost to suicide each day. While different studies and data sources have offered varied figures over time, the truth remains painfully clear: we are losing far too many heroes to invisible wounds. 

Behind every number is a name, a family, and a story. And events like Hockey Heals 22 remind us that awareness alone isn’t enough—we need action, connection, and purpose to drive real change. 

The Lightning Warriors 

Founded in 2017 and formally incorporated in 2020, the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program is a Tampa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving the disabled veteran community through hockey. Their mission is to create a therapeutic and educational environment—both recreational and competitive—that fosters healing, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Hockey Heals 22 is an extension of that mission. It brings together athletes, veterans, and supporters to raise awareness, build community, and honor those we’ve lost by fighting for those still here. 

MRC’s Role 

As a national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Mission Roll Call gives a voice to veterans and their families through real-time polling, storytelling, and advocacy. Our mission is simple: to ensure every veteran is seen, heard, and supported. 

In 2025, we’re focused on four critical priorities: 

These challenges are deeply interconnected. That’s why we listen directly to veterans, share their experiences, and advocate for smart, effective policies—like the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which expands mental health care access and support for underserved communities. 

Events like Hockey Heals 22 help bring our work to life, uniting national advocacy with local action and community care. 

MRC is proud to share this space with the Malone Family Foundation, a fellow co-beneficiary whose mission centers on mental wellness and recovery for veterans, first responders, and their families. Their work—especially through sport-based wellness programs—echoes the values at the heart of this event. 

If you’re in the Tampa area, we invite you to join us in person for Hockey Heals 22, as we stand alongside the Lightning Warriors, the Malone Family Foundation, and all those who are committed to saving lives and building a stronger future for our nation’s veterans and their families. If you can’t make it, follow along on MRC’s social channels for photos, stories, and updates from the event.  

Together, we can help ensure that every veteran knows: you are not alone, and your life matters. 

 

 

May is a month rooted in reverence, honoring those who serve, those we’ve lost, and the invisible battles many veterans still fight every day. At Mission Roll Call, we used this month to spotlight both Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, elevating the importance of recognition, resilience, and reform. 

From celebrating the contributions of our service members to confronting the mental health crisis within the veteran community, May’s stories, interviews, and insights brought our mission into sharper focus. 

Here’s what you might have missed: 

Military Appreciation and Mental Health Awareness in Focus 

We explored the true meaning of appreciation and support—not just in words, but in action. 

– The Real Meaning of Military Appreciation
– Carrying the Mission of Memorial Day All Year
– From Waves to Wellness with Operation Surf
– 2025 Military Appreciation Month Discounts 

Helpful Tips and Awareness 

– Real ID and Veterans: What You Need to Know
– 5 Essential Financial Tips for Life After the Military
– The Military Fix-All That Held It All Together 

The Lasting Mission Podcast 

In May, The Lasting Mission podcast continued to elevate critical conversations that impact the veteran community. 

This month’s episode features U.S. Representative Greg Landsman in part one of a two-part discussion on the opioid epidemic and how bipartisan action can lead to safer, non-opioid alternatives for pain management.
Listen to the episode 

Subscribe to The Lasting Mission on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, and help us spread these important conversations by sharing the podcast with others. 

Mission Roll Call University (MRCU) 

Our YouTube channel, Mission Roll Call University, continues to serve as a go-to resource for veterans, families, and supporters. This month, we released a new episode focused on managing finances and reducing stress before and after separation from military service. 

– Break FREE from Financial Stress: Prepare for Your Military Transition NOW 

Watch, subscribe, and share to help us ensure veterans have access to the guidance and tools they need to thrive. 

MRC in the Media: Advocacy that Resonates 

– Lawmakers Move to Stop VA from Quietly Taking Gun Rights from Veterans
– Veterans Concerned About Proposed VA Cuts
– VA Reform: Veteran Advocate Calls for Less Bureaucracy, Better Care
– Newsmax Interview with CEO Jim Whaley
– The Tony Kinnett Podcast – Daily Signal Interview
– Veterans group rises to Collins’s defense over VA cuts: ‘Gotta think differently’

Speak Up: Participate in Our Open Polls 

Your voice shapes our mission. From VA services to veteran employment, our open polls help guide where we focus next.
Take the latest poll 

Support the Mission: $25 for 250 Campaign 

As we honor 250 years of military service, we’re asking supporters to give just $25 to power our next chapter. Every gift helps amplify the voices of veterans and their families.
Donate and explore the timeline 

Looking Ahead: Rural and Minority Veterans, PTS Awareness, and Mental Health Resources 

In June, we’ll shine a light on rural and minority veterans, communities often overlooked in national conversations, and honor Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month with practical resources, inspiring stories, and expert insights. From navigating VA enrollment to supporting mental health in everyday life, we’re committed to supporting veterans and families and bridging gaps in care. 

Stay tuned for new research, new conversations, and new ways to get involved. 

 

 

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