In July, we celebrated two major themes—the legacy of American military service and the power of veteran independence. From commemorating 250 years of commitment and courage to highlighting modern-day stories of resilience, we focused on the tools, support, and spirit that allow veterans to thrive on their terms.
Through storytelling, research, interviews, and accessible resources, we continued our mission to elevate veteran voices, support autonomy, and honor every path forward after service.
Here’s what you might have missed:
We marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military by reflecting on the legacy of service that defines our country, and by exploring what independence looks like for today’s veterans.
– Countdown to 250: Honoring the Legacy of American Independence
– Taylor Morris: How a Quadruple Amputee Rebuilt His Life and Redefined Independence
– 7 Key Areas of Support for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
– Need to Modify Your Home? These VA Grants Can Help
– Spotlight on Paralyzed Veterans of America
– Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Veterans: A Breath of Fresh Air for Healing
The Lasting Mission Podcast
In July, The Lasting Mission featured powerful voices from two impactful organizations—Operation Honor: Rural Salute and the Wounded Warrior Project—highlighting both rural veteran challenges and the future of recovery for those with combat injuries.
– Operation Honor: Rural Salute – Part 1
– Operation Honor: Rural Salute – Part 2
– From Battlefield to Breakthrough – WWP: Part 1
– WWP CEO Walter Piatt: ‘We Owe Them More Than Thanks’ – Part 2
Mission Roll Call University (MRCU)
MRCU continued to deliver straightforward, practical content to help veterans and families navigate benefits and build stability. This month’s videos included guidance on adaptive housing grants, VA facility access, login systems, and even life insurance options many may not realize they qualify for.
– Make Your House a HOME With an Adaptive Housing Grant
– Find Your Veteran Affairs Facility – Fast & Easy
– Life Insurance: The Hidden Financial Superpower
– The Great Login Service Debate: Which One Is Right for You?
Veteran Town Hall: Your Voice in Real Time
Our July Town Hall brought together veterans from across the country to discuss pressing issues like healthcare access, disability support, and post-service independence. These live events are a powerful reminder that when veterans speak up, leaders listen.
– Watch the July Veteran Town Hall
From the Blog: Advocacy in Action
These articles gave readers the latest insights and policy perspectives rooted in our research and veteran polling.
– Prioritizing Veteran Healthcare in 2025 and Beyond
– Veterans Are Speaking Clearly on Suicide Prevention. It’s Time for a New Strategy.
– Want Alternate Healthcare Options? This Program Could Help Veterans and Their Families
MRC in the Media
Our message reached new audiences in July, with national and local coverage that emphasized our mission: to elevate veteran voices, push for smarter policy, and highlight solutions that work.
– Why Your Business Should Hire Veterans – Inc.
– Mission Roll Call Applauds Bipartisan Passage of VA Home Loan Program Reform Act
Speak Up: Your Voice Matters
Veterans and their families shape our advocacy—and we want to hear from you. Help guide our work by participating in our active polls and surveys.
– Take the Veteran Voices Survey
– Make Your Voice Heard in Our Open Polls
Looking Ahead: Employment, Transition & Opportunity
In August, we’ll focus on life after service—what it takes to transition well, build meaningful careers, and continue to find purpose in the civilian world. Stay tuned for powerful new content, real stories, and more updates from veterans like you.
If you’re a veteran, family member, or caregiver who’s used My HealtheVet or DS Logon to manage VA health care or benefits, there are some important changes coming. My HealtheVet has officially been retired, and DS Logon will no longer be available after September 30, 2025.
In our latest episode of Mission Roll Call University (MRCU), we explain what these changes mean, how to switch to a secure new login, and how to get support along the way.
Here’s what you need to know:
My HealtheVet is no longer available.
DS Logon will sunset on September 30, 2025.
To access VA.gov and other VA online services, you’ll now need to sign in with Login.gov or ID.me. Both options meet federal security standards and are free to use.
You can use either one—or even both—but here’s how to decide:
Choose Login.gov if you:
Choose ID.me if you:
Setting up Login.gov:
Setting up ID.me:
Need help getting started?
Support is available every step of the way.
Haven’t made the switch yet? Don’t worry. You can still manage your care and benefits the way you always have—by phone, mail, or in person. Call 800-698-2411 or visit your local VA regional office for support.
For caregivers and guardians:
Want to see exactly how to set up your account? Watch the full episode of MRCU to follow along with demos, tips, and help links to make the process simple.
Watch now:
For more how-to guides and helpful veteran-focused resources, explore our full video library on the MRCU YouTube channel.
In this special two-part episode of The Lasting Mission podcast, Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley sits down with longtime friend and fellow veteran Walt Piatt, retired Lieutenant General and the new CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project.
Their conversation covers a lot of ground—from their early days in Panama to leading two major veteran organizations—but the message is clear: we need to do more to support the men and women who served.
Part One: Finding Purpose After Service
In Part One, Walt shares his journey from enlisted infantryman to Army general, and now to CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project. He talks about the challenges many veterans face after leaving the military—losing their sense of identity, struggling to reconnect, and carrying the invisible wounds of war.
Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans find their way back through mental health support, programs like Project Odyssey, and simply reminding them they’re not alone.
“Healing begins with movement,” Walt says. “And we walk with veterans every step of the way.”
Watch Part One:
Part Two: Advocacy, Transition & Family Support
Part Two focuses on what’s next for the Wounded Warrior Project and for the veterans and families they serve.
Walt explains how WWP is working to improve access to care, support veteran families, and make sure lawmakers hear directly from warriors themselves. He also opens up about how writing poetry helped him process his experiences, and how important it is for all veterans to find their outlet for healing.
“You can’t just leave the military and expect everything to fall into place,” Walt says. “We have to meet veterans where they are—and keep showing up.”
Watch Part Two:
Why This Matters
If you’re a veteran, a caregiver, or someone who wants to help, visit woundedwarriorproject.org to get involved, or check out missionrollcall.org to see how we’re working together to make sure no one is left behind.