Veterans have given so much of their time, energy, and sacrifice in service to our country. Sometimes the simplest gestures can mean the most. Below are 11 meaningful ways to say “thank you” to a veteran — from personal acts of kindness to nationwide programs that make a real difference.

1. Write a Personal Thank-You Note

A handwritten letter or card expressing genuine appreciation can be incredibly meaningful. Mentioning specific freedoms or opportunities you’re thankful for personally goes a long way.
Tip: Organizations like A Million Thanks collect letters of gratitude and deliver them to active-duty service members and veterans.

2. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Shop at, dine in, or hire veteran-owned companies. Your purchases directly support veterans’ livelihoods.
Try: Use the Buy Veteran Directory from the National Veteran-Owned Business Association to find businesses near you.

3. Volunteer with a Veterans Organization

Offering your time can mean just as much as donating money. Check out Mission Roll Call’s Veteran Resource Directory to find trusted organizations to volunteer through.

4. Attend or Organize a Veterans Event

Show up at local or national ceremonies, parades, or community events on November 11 and throughout the year.
Find events: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Events Calendar lists nationwide Veterans Day and remembrance gatherings.

5. Offer Your Skills or Services

If you’re a professional in finance, legal aid, healthcare, or home repair, offer free or discounted services to veterans.
Idea: Partner with Hire Heroes USA, which helps veterans transition to civilian careers.

6. Spend Time Listening

Invite a veteran for coffee or lunch and ask about their story — then truly listen. Sometimes the best “thank you” is genuine attention and respect.

7. Fly the American Flag Respectfully and Proudly

Displaying the flag properly, especially on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day, shows your pride and appreciation.
Learn more: The American Legion’s Flag Etiquette Guide explains how to display the flag correctly.

8. Support Veterans’ Mental Health Initiatives

Help break the stigma by supporting or advocating for programs that provide mental-health care for veterans.
Programs to support:

• Give an Hour – offers free mental-health services.
• Stop Soldier Suicide – provides crisis support and long-term care.

9. Invite a Veteran to Share Their Story at a School or Community Event

Sharing personal stories helps preserve history and fosters understanding across generations.
Resource: Nominate a veteran—or even yourself—to be honored on our platform. Share their story and help us celebrate their service and sacrifice.

10. Include Veterans in Everyday Community Activities

Inclusion is one of the simplest ways to show appreciation. Invite veterans to join neighborhood projects, book clubs, or volunteer efforts.
Organization spotlight: Team Rubicon engages veterans in disaster-response missions worldwide.

11. Say “Thank You for Your Service”

Never underestimate the power of a sincere “thank you.” When you meet a veteran, eye contact and gratitude can go a long way.

Conclusion

Every veteran’s story is unique, and so is the way they receive thanks. Whether you write a note, attend a parade, or simply say, “Thank you for your service,” every gesture matters. By supporting veteran-focused organizations and practicing everyday gratitude, we strengthen the bond between those who served and the nation they defended.

If this list inspired you, share it with friends or post it on social media this November. Encourage others to pick one of these 11 ways and act on it. Gratitude becomes more powerful when it’s shared — let’s keep saying “thank you,” not just in words, but in action.

Turn gratitude into action with Mission Roll Call. Saying “thank you” is powerful, but listening and acting alongside veterans is even more meaningful. Mission Roll Call gives every veteran a voice in shaping the policies and programs that impact their lives. When you join, you’re not just expressing gratitude — you’re helping ensure veterans are heard, valued, and supported long after their service ends.

Join the movement. Stand with those who served. Share your voice with MissionRollCall.org to get involved today.

When you don’t have a dedicated caregiver, it can feel like you’re going it alone. You may be wondering: who’s going to check in? Who’s going to make sure I’m okay when things get heavy? The good news is, you don’t have to rely solely on a traditional caregiver model. Community is care. For veterans, peer networks and veteran-led groups are proving to be powerful alternatives or complements to formal caregiving.

Why community-based support matters

Veterans often find healing in connection with people who “get it” and have walked the same path. Peer-to-peer programs have been shown to offer real benefits. For example, a study found that veterans identified peer support as offering social support, a sense of purpose, hope, and normalization of symptoms

Another study showed that community-based peer networks helped with reintegration into civilian life. These programs improve social support, enhance coping, and strengthen community connection. 

In short, if you don’t have a caregiver, a support circle built from peers, veteran-led groups, or community networks can help fill the gap.

What types of support exist when caregiving isn’t available

• Peer support networks: These are groups where veterans voluntarily support one another by sharing experiences, challenges, and resources. You don’t need to be “in crisis” to join.
  • Gallant Few: Assists members of the Ranger community in reintegrating from active duty service to the civilian world. Gallant Few is an Army Ranger-led active duty and veteran military support organization founded in 2010.
  • Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB): Connects veterans through physical activity, leadership development, and community events. Their chapters host weekly runs, yoga, and fitness meetups that help build camaraderie.
  • The Warrior’s Journey: Offers online and in-person support groups, mentorship, and spiritual connection for veterans navigating life’s challenges.
  • Veterans Recovery Network: Peer-led support groups inside VA medical centers for veterans in recovery from mental health or substance use disorders.
    

• Veteran-led advocacy and community groups: These groups often combine social connection with a shared mission or volunteer activity. Being part of something bigger than yourself can shift the dynamic from “I need help” to “We’re in this together.”
  • The Mission Continues: Empowers veterans to serve through community service projects, creating purpose-driven teams and strong local networks.
  • Travis Manion Foundation: Offers leadership and mentorship opportunities for veterans, including school talks and service projects that reinforce identity and community connection.
  • Team Rubicon: Serves communities all over the country, from a glacial flood in Alaska to the devastation of Hurricane Helene in the Southeast, from Long Term Recovery operations in Kentucky to wildfire response in California. This veteran-led organization builds belonging through service.
• Local Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and community chapters: Groups like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and others often offer non-clinical support such as weekly gatherings, peer discussions, rides to appointments, or simply regular check-ins.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Beyond benefits claims, many VFW posts host peer check-ins, community meals, and volunteer opportunities.
  • American Legion: Offers everything from benefit assistance to youth mentorship programs and local post events like breakfasts and meetings.
  • Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Offers transportation to VA medical appointments, local chapter meetings, and peer navigation support for injured veterans.

• Online communities and remote networks: If mobility, geography, or logistics are barriers, virtual groups can help you connect with peers who understand.
  • RallyPoint: A social media platform for service members and veterans to ask questions, share stories, and find community.
    
  • Togetherall: A peer support community monitored by clinicians, free to U.S. veterans through the VA, offering a safe online space to talk through struggles anonymously.
    
  • VA’s Peer Support Outreach: The VA offers virtual and in-person peer support services nationwide. You can request to be connected with a trained peer specialist through your local VA medical center.

How to build your own informal “care network”

• Acknowledge your needs without shame
  Recognizing that you don’t have a caregiver isn’t admitting defeat. It’s being strategic. Consider what you would want: regular check-ins, someone to pick up groceries, a peer to talk to when you’re struggling.
  
• Reach out rather than isolate
  Look for a veteran peer group in your area or online. Ask someone at your local VSO, “Is there a peer-to-peer group for veterans who live alone or need social connection?”
  
• Create a circle of support
  Think smaller than a “caregiver.” Identify two to four people you can count on such as a fellow veteran, a VSO volunteer, a mentor. Ask each one for one specific role. For example: “Will you call me once a week?” or “Will you come over on Saturdays?” This informal network acts like a team instead of putting everything on one person.
  
• Tap into tech and remote tools
  Use apps, online groups, or virtual meet-ups to stay connected. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that trained peer-sponsor networks help transitioning veterans overcome risk factors for isolation and improve outcomes.
  
• Volunteer or give back
  One of the strongest ways to build community is to serve. When you help others, you build relationships, purpose, and reciprocity. That strengthens the network around you.
  
• Check in on your network regularly
  Like any team, your circle needs maintenance. That could mean a quick text, a planned coffee meet-up, or a peer call. Staying connected now can prevent deeper struggles later.

You’re not alone, and you don’t need a traditional caregiver to get support

Not having a caregiver doesn’t mean you’re unsupported. Veterans supporting veterans, and communities embracing shared purpose, offer a powerful alternative. Research shows that peer-led and veteran-led networks improve belonging, reduce isolation, and enhance well-being.

Start today by taking one small action: join a veteran peer group, ask a fellow veteran to be your weekly check-in buddy, or attend a local veteran gathering. Your community is out there. Building your own support team is not only possible — it’s powerful.

Need a place to begin? Explore Mission Roll Call’s Resource Directory to find veteran-led organizations, mental health services, peer networks, and local support programs near you. Whether you’re looking for a group to join or help with navigating your next step, this directory is a great place to start connecting with the care and community you deserve.

 

Veteran suicide rates have remained stubbornly flat for nearly two decades despite billions invested and countless initiatives. The current model largely waits until veterans are already in crisis, and by then, the tools left are prescriptions and clinical interventions that treat symptoms but rarely restore purpose and connection. At Mission Roll Call, we believe it is time to test a different path.

In Part One of this series, we saw the cost of lost camaraderie. Veterans told us they miss the team, struggle to build new networks, and often lack healthy outlets for stress. Nearly all agreed that structured opportunities for connectedness are essential. Without them, isolation grows, stress compounds, and too many veterans arrive at the VA only when a crisis is at their doorstep.

Part Two asks the next question: what would it look like to act Left of Clinical—to create preventive opportunities for connection, service, and purpose before the prescription pad comes out? Our survey results outline what veterans want, what keeps them from joining today, and what would make participation possible. The answers are clear, practical, and veteran-led.

Part Two: Designing Interventions Left of Clinical

Veterans told us exactly the kinds of interventions they would choose. When asked what preventive wellness opportunities mattered most, the top answers were physical fitness and outdoor activities, community service projects, peer mentorship groups, and creative or skill-based workshops.

These are not exotic solutions. They are the same habits that keep people healthier across all populations: exercise, social connection, meaningful activity, and self-expression. Veterans are pointing to everyday practices that build resilience — only they want them structured, accessible, and veteran-oriented. Independent research from Frontiers in Psychology also confirms that peer- and group-oriented programs have been shown to reduce loneliness and increase purpose and engagement among veterans.

What Keeps Veterans Out

So why aren’t more already engaged in these activities? The biggest barrier, by far, was lack of awareness. More than half of respondents (53.7 percent) said they simply don’t know what programs are available. Cost came next at 18.8 percent, followed by scheduling conflicts (11.3 percent) and transportation (7.5 percent).

This tells us something important: veterans are not rejecting preventive wellness. Most just don’t know it exists or can’t make it fit into their lives. The problem is not demand. The problem is design. This tracks with what we’ve reported at Mission Roll Call about awareness and navigation challenges across VA systems.

What Would Tip the Balance

We also asked what would make veterans more likely to participate. The answers clustered around four practical needs: free access, local availability, peer- or veteran-led activities, and integration with VA care. These directly mirror the barriers: address cost, geography, trust, and legitimacy, and you unlock participation.

This is not about inventing something new, and it points directly to solutions. If we want preventive wellness to be real, we don’t need to invent a new model. We need to remove the obstacles veterans themselves have identified. Independent research from RAND catalogs preventive activities where peer and community strategies complement clinical care, suggesting VA endorsement and integration can multiply impact.

The Power of VA Endorsement

Finally, we asked how likely veterans would be to join preventive wellness programs if the VA supported or endorsed them. Nearly half (48.1 percent) said “very likely,” another 33.3 percent said “somewhat likely,” and only 4.7 percent said unlikely.

That endorsement matters. It signals credibility, safety, and legitimacy. Veterans are telling us they would proactively join preventive opportunities if those opportunities existed and if the VA put its weight behind them.

This is the essence of Left of Clinical. Veterans do not want to wait for crises. They are asking for earlier options that are cheaper, healthier, and more sustainable than endless clinical interventions. Broader research also associates routine physical activity with lower rates of mental-health problems and suicidality, underscoring why fitness-based, peer programs can be smart prevention.

Why This Matters

If half of veterans are already struggling with stress or isolation, and more than 80 percent say they would likely participate in preventive programs if endorsed by the VA, then the opportunity is enormous. We can intercept isolation and despair early. We can substitute connection and purpose for medication and symptom management.

The system has never truly invested in preventive wellness, but the message from veterans is unmistakable: they are ready. In Part Three, we turn to how the VA, Congress, and community organizations can work together to build the three-legged stool that makes preventive wellness real.

 

 

 

Women have served in the U.S. Armed Forces with courage, commitment, and professionalism across generations. Today, women veterans represent one of the fastest-growing populations in the military community. As they transition from military to civilian life, many face distinct challenges in areas such as employment, housing, identity, and health care.

Recognizing and understanding these unique transition challenges is essential for building more inclusive and supportive systems that help all veterans succeed after service.

Employment

Finding meaningful employment after military service is one of the most important steps in a veteran’s transition journey. While many veterans benefit from federal and state-level employment programs, women veterans often face different barriers when reentering the civilian workforce.

Veteran Employment Statistics

In 2024, the overall veteran unemployment rate was 3.0%, with women veterans experiencing a slightly higher rate of 3.5%, compared to 2.9% for male veterans, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Common Employment Challenges

• Translating military experience: Many women serve in roles such as administration, logistics, healthcare, or communications; positions that may be undervalued or misunderstood by civilian employers.
• Workplace bias: Women veterans sometimes face gender-based discrimination or skepticism about their military service, especially in male-dominated industries.
  
• Caregiving responsibilities: Upon leaving the military, women often resume or continue caregiving duties for children or family members. This can limit access to full-time roles or positions with inflexible hours.

Helpful Resources

Programs like Hire Heroes USA, VA’s Women Veterans Program, and the Department of Labor’s VETS program offer tailored career counseling, resume assistance, and employer outreach for women transitioning to civilian employment.

Housing and Stability

Stable housing is a critical foundation for successful reintegration. While many services exist for homeless veterans, recent data shows that housing insecurity among women veterans is a growing concern.

Housing Statistics

• From 2020 to 2023, homelessness among women veterans rose by 24%, from 3,126 to 3,980.
  
• Unsheltered homelessness (living in vehicles, on the streets, or in unsafe conditions) increased by 48%, from 1,464 to 2,165 in the same period.
  
• In FY2024, more than 27,444 women veterans were served through VA homeless programs.

Contributing Factors

• Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and domestic violence histories may impact housing stability.
  
• Limited access to family-friendly shelters makes it harder for women with children to find transitional housing.
  
• Underreporting: Women experiencing homelessness are more likely to stay with friends or family than enter shelters, making them less visible to service providers.

Supportive Solutions

Initiatives such as Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) help provide rent assistance, case management, and long-term housing solutions for women veterans.

Identity and Belonging

A less visible but equally important challenge is the issue of identity and recognition. Many women veterans report feeling unseen or excluded within both military and civilian spheres.

Common Identity Challenges

• Public perception still largely associates military service with men, leading to misconceptions about who qualifies as a veteran.
  
• Underrepresentation in veteran imagery, leadership, and outreach efforts can cause women to question whether they belong in veteran spaces.
  
• Women who mention their service may be assumed to be a spouse or family member of a veteran, rather than a veteran themselves.

Rebuilding Identity

Organizations like Women Veterans Alliance, Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) and Mission Roll Call are working to elevate the voices of women veterans and foster a stronger sense of identity and belonging within the veteran community.

Health Care

Health care remains one of the most critical components of a successful transition. While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to expand care options for women, understanding the specific health needs of women veterans is essential to ensuring quality and access.

Key Health Insights

• Military Sexual Trauma (MST) affects about 1 in 3 women veterans using VA services, according to the National Center for PTSD.
  
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may present differently in women and can go underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
  
• Reproductive health care access is improving, but gaps remain in access to OB/GYN services across some VA locations.
  
• Suicide risk: Women veterans using VA care are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide as their male counterparts, per a DAV mental health report.
  

Resources for Women Veterans

• VA Women’s Health Clinics offer specialized care for reproductive health, mental health, and MST recovery.
  
• Whole Health programs provide personalized wellness support for veterans.

Strategies and Recommendations

Transitioning from military to civilian life is not a one-size-fits-all experience. For women veterans, it’s essential that transition programs, support systems, and outreach efforts reflect their unique journeys. Listed below are strategies and recommendations we could all advocate for to better support women veterans in the workplace, at home, and in the world.

• Tailor transition programming: Expand content in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to address caregiving needs, civilian workforce reentry, and gender-specific challenges.
• Support women-focused housing solutions: Increase access to safe, trauma-informed, and child-friendly transitional housing options for women veterans.
• Strengthen women’s health care access: Ensure all VA facilities have properly staffed women’s clinics, and offer MST-trained providers with same-gender care options when requested.
• Promote visibility and leadership: Highlight women veteran leaders in national campaigns and ensure representation across VA boards and advisory councils.
• Expand outreach and benefit education: Utilize community-based partnerships (e.g., women’s shelters, clinics, colleges) to reach women veterans who may not engage with traditional channels.

Conclusion

At Mission Roll Call, we believe that every veteran’s voice deserves to be heard, and that includes the voices of women who have worn the uniform with pride. As the population of female veterans continues to grow, so too must our commitment to supporting their transition to civilian life, ensuring they have the tools, recognition, and resources they need to thrive. You can help by amplifying women veterans’ stories, hiring those who have served, or supporting organizations dedicated to their success.

By working together — across government, community, and industry — we can build a future where women veterans are not just supported but celebrated.

When the call of duty sends a warrior into harm’s way, it often draws a caregiver into a world of unseen burden and quiet sacrifice. You — spouses, partners, family members, and loved ones — take on the weight of recovery, navigating injuries both visible and invisible. You advocate for medical care, manage daily life through uncertainty, support emotional healing, and often do it all while pushing your own needs aside.

The weight can feel heavy, relentless, and isolating.

But there is support for you. One organization making a powerful impact is Operation Healing Forces (OHF). This nonprofit is dedicated to serving America’s wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their families. And while many know about their Couples Retreats and crisis support, fewer realize that OHF offers specialized Caregiver Retreats, created just for people like you.

Why Caregiver Retreats Matter

As a caregiver, it’s easy to lose yourself in the role. Stress, burnout, sleeplessness, compassion fatigue, and emotional exhaustion can build up over time. That’s why OHF’s Caregiver Retreats offer more than just a break, they offer a lifeline.

These immersive retreats are hosted in peaceful, restorative locations. They provide time and space for you to reset, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. You’ll engage in meaningful activities, enjoy nature, and build connections with others who understand the caregiving journey firsthand.

Led by former SOF operators and their spouses, these retreats offer comfort and understanding. Unlike traditional therapy sessions, these experiences are built on shared trust and mutual respect. Each retreat includes private accommodations, small group support, and the chance to experience real healing in a safe, supportive environment.

Support Beyond the Retreat

Operation Healing Forces understands that caregiving doesn’t end when the retreat does, and neither should support.

In addition to their retreats, OHF offers a range of ongoing caregiver resources:

• Immediate Needs Program: Providing financial assistance for emergencies, travel, medical supplies, and respite support.

• HatchPath Behavioral Health Coaching: A virtual wellness platform offering customized coaching in resilience, stress management, nutrition, life balance, and more. This resource is available at no cost to approved caregivers and SOF family members.
  

One of the most unique aspects of OHF is that 100% of donations go directly to programs, not overhead. This means more direct impact and deeper care for the people who need it most, including you.

You Are Eligible And You Deserve This

If you are caring for a wounded, ill, or injured SOF service member or veteran, or if you are a spouse or family member supporting someone in that category, you may be eligible to apply for an OHF caregiver retreat or support program.

The application process is simple. Share your story, complete the intake form, and request the support that fits your needs. Retreat spots are limited, so early applications are encouraged.

Many past participants describe the experience as life-changing. Some report feeling renewed hope. Others say they found the clarity, energy, and connection they had been missing for years.

A Stronger Network Through Mission Roll Call

Operation Healing Forces is proud to be a partner of Mission Roll Call to impact the lives of more veterans, military families, and supporters.

Through this partnership, you can find OHF listed in the Mission Roll Call Resource Directory, along with many other vetted organizations that serve the veteran and caregiver community. Whether you’re looking for legal resources, mental health support, financial aid, or peer connections, the directory is a one-stop shop for real, accessible help.

Explore it here: Mission Roll Call Veteran Resource Directory

Take the First Step Toward Your Own Healing

Your journey as a caregiver matters. Your health, your peace, and your purpose are just as important as those you care for.

Visit operationhealingforces.org to learn more about the Caregiver Retreat Program or to apply today. Don’t wait until you’re burned out or breaking down. Give yourself the gift of healing, connection, and rest. You have carried others for so long. Let someone carry you for a change.

Each September, Congress faces the same deadline. The fiscal year ends on September 30, and if lawmakers cannot agree on appropriations, they pass a continuing resolution, or CR, to keep the government funded. A CR is meant to be a bridge. Owing to political gridlock, too often it becomes a bargaining chip. When that happens, veterans risk getting caught in the crossfire. 

This year’s Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, carries more than budget numbers. It extends the Department of Veterans Affairs’ authority to operate programs that directly serve the most vulnerable veterans. Without passage, those authorities expire at the end of the month. If they expire, lifelines disappear overnight. 

One example is the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. These grants fund community organizations that reach veterans outside VA walls. They support peer networks, local outreach, and prevention specialists who connect with veterans in crisis. Many of these veterans may not walk into a VA hospital, but they will talk to a peer who has worn the uniform. Interrupting that network, even briefly, means lives are put at risk. 

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Health Care for Homeless Veterans programs are just as critical. They provide emergency housing, rental assistance, and case management for veterans already on the edge of losing stability. If those services stop, veteran homelessness rises immediately. For veterans struggling with mental health challenges, the result is dangerous and destabilizing. 

Rural veterans face another risk. The Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) program provides case management for veterans with serious mental illness who live far from traditional care. If RANGE falters, those veterans lose their only lifeline. 

The CR also extends VA’s obligation to provide nursing home care for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities. That obligation is a national promise. Allowing it to lapse would break faith with those who carry the deepest wounds of war. 

These programs are not line items on a spreadsheet. They are suicide prevention hotlines, housing vouchers, peer counselors, case managers, and long-term care beds. They are veterans’ safety nets. And they are all at risk if this CR fails to pass by the end of the month. 

Veterans did not create the fiscal year deadline. They did not ask for their programs to be wrapped into political debates. They served their country, and in return their country made commitments that cannot be subject to delay or disruption. 

This is a simple concept that all can rally behind. We cannot allow veterans’ care to become collateral damage in budget politics. Congress should pass the CR to keep these programs running and then complete the job of passing full-year appropriations. Larger debates about health care or spending priorities belong on separate ground, not tied to whether veterans at risk of suicide or homelessness receive help. 

Veterans deserve certainty. They deserve to know that the programs designed to save their lives will not shut down because of a missed deadline. Keeping those programs funded is keeping faith with sacred promises made to our veterans. 

You’ve served. You’ve sacrificed. Now, as you transition or have transitioned out of uniform, there is another kind of readiness that matters: financial readiness. It’s not just about making ends meet. It’s about understanding the tools available, building confidence in financial decisions, and securing long-term stability. With the right financial understanding, small steps become strong foundations. All veterans deserve that peace of mind.

Why Financial Readiness and Literacy Matter

Financial pressure is something many veterans quietly carry, especially during and after the transition to civilian life. Rising costs of living, unexpected medical bills, and navigating unfamiliar financial systems outside the military can quickly become overwhelming. In fact, a survey by Wounded Warrior Project found that 64 percent of their participants said they did not always have enough money to meet their basic expenses in the past year. This clearly shows many veterans are living under financial strain with limited room for error.

That strain does more than affect bank accounts. It weighs on mental health, too. Financial stress can increase anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness, especially when combined with other post-service challenges. While grants and assistance can offer short-term relief, true financial readiness comes from something deeper: literacy. 

Understanding how to budget, build credit, invest wisely, and protect yourself financially gives veterans long-term tools, not just temporary fixes. It is that knowledge and the confidence that comes with it that can help transform instability into security.

What Financial Readiness Looks Like

Here are the core pieces that add up to true readiness:

• Know your benefits, inside and out
  • Benefits from the VA, educational benefits, service-related support, insurance, and housing programs all matter. Sometimes benefits overlap. Sometimes, the details like eligibility, tax implications, and documentation matter more than people realize.
• Budgeting and cash flow management
  • Track every dollar: income, obligations, discretionary spending
  • Build a buffer: even a small emergency fund helps reduce the risk of a financial crisis
  • Adjust as life changes: deployment, family additions, separation, or civilian jobs
• Credit, debt, and loans
  • Understand what affects your credit score and work to keep it healthy (on-time payments, low credit card balances)
  • Be cautious with high-interest lenders
  • Know your student loan or GI Bill options and repayment plans, if applicable
• Investing and long-term planning
  • Retirement savings (for example, TSP or IRAs) are tools for growth, even if contributions are modest at first
  • Diversify when possible, based on your risk tolerance and timeline
  • Understand basic stock market principles so you can evaluate opportunities and avoid pitfalls
• Planning and protection
  • Estate planning: wills, power of attorney, beneficiary designations
  • Insurance: health, life, disability — know what is covered and what is not
  • Fraud prevention: identity theft, scam awareness, and understanding your rights, especially when dealing with VA or contracting organizations

Spotlight: Effective Programs and Resources

These programs and tools can help veterans build financial literacy and readiness:

• Mission Roll Call’s “How the Stock Market REALLY Works”, a friendly, beginner-oriented video to help veterans make sense of investing
• Veteran Benefits Overview in 2024 breaks down benefit programs and eligibility clearly
• FINVET (National Veterans Financial Resource Center) helps veterans find trusted financial tools, learn best practices, and navigate their financial path
• Wounded Warrior Project’s Financial Readiness Program offers one-on-one counseling, budget planning, and tools for managing unexpected costs
• Office of Financial Readiness (FINRED) offers courses, resource libraries, and materials for all stages of military and post-military life

Practical Steps You Can Take Now

You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Here are simple actions you can take today:

• Start small with budgeting: For one month, write down everything you spend. You’ll often spot easy areas to cut, such as unused subscriptions, banking fees, or impulse buys
• Automate what you can: If possible, have a portion of your income go directly into savings or investments
• Set clear, achievable goals: Examples: “Save $500 emergency fund in 3 months,” or “Reduce credit card debt by 25 percent in 6 months,” or “Watch one video per week to learn investing basics”
• Seek trustworthy mentorship or counseling: Use vetted resources that understand military and veteran needs 
• Educate before big decisions: Whether buying a house, switching jobs, investing, or taking out loans, take time to research, compare options, and ask questions
• Protect yourself: Monitor credit reports, guard your identity, and understand what you are signing before entering any agreement. Know your rights under VA programs and military law, such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Empowering Your Financial Journey

Start with Mission Roll Call University. Watch the video How the Stock Market REALLY Works to build a solid and approachable foundation in investing. Then explore the Veteran Benefits Overview for 2024 to fully understand what benefits are available to you and how to access them.

Reach out to organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, VeteransPlus, or FINVET to schedule a free or low-cost counseling session, or browse the resources in MRC’s Veteran Resource Directory. Choose one financial goal, whether it’s saving, paying off debt, or building credit, and take that first step toward achieving it.

Conclusion

Financial readiness is not about having a lot of money. It’s about having the right knowledge, healthy financial habits, support systems, and the mindset to stay steady through challenges. It’s about being able to breathe easier, sleep better, and face the unexpected with confidence. You earned that.

You may use grants and benefits, and those matter. But it is financial literacy that turns short-term relief into long-term security. The tools are out there. So are the people who understand what you’re navigating. Taking that first step may feel small, but it can lead to something steady and strong.

Subscribe to Mission Roll Call University (MRCU) to explore Mission Roll Call’s financial resources today and take the next step toward financial peace of mind.

 

September 7–13 marks National Suicide Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness, break down stigma, and take meaningful steps toward preventing suicide in our communities. For our nation’s veterans, this week carries special urgency. The mental health crisis among those who’ve served continues to deepen, and it’s one we must face together.

Veteran Suicide Is a National Crisis

The numbers are sobering:

• According to the VA’s 2024 annual report, an estimated 17.6 veterans die by suicide every day.
• But other research suggests the true number could be significantly higher. A study by America’s Warrior Partnership, Operation Deep Dive, estimates as many as 44 veteran suicides per day when accounting for drug-related deaths and self-injury mortality.
• That means we could be losing more than 16,000 veterans each year—more than all U.S. combat deaths since Vietnam.

Behind every number is a person. A family. A story that ended too soon.

Understanding the Risk

Transitioning out of the military can be one of the most vulnerable times in a veteran’s life. Studies show that the first two years after leaving active duty are especially high-risk due to challenges like isolation, loss of identity, and limited access to care.

There are also alarming disparities across groups:

• Male veterans are 60% more likely to die by suicide than civilian men.
• Women veterans face a 92% higher suicide rate than civilian women.

Post-traumatic stress continues to affect a significant portion of the veteran community. About 15% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience PTS in any given year, and roughly 1 in 3 will experience it at some point in their lifetime.

Access to care remains a major barrier as well. Nearly 45% of veterans report long wait times or delays in receiving health care through the VA. In some areas, wait times for mental health care exceed 50 days.

Progress Is Happening — But It’s Not Enough

The recent passage of the Elizabeth Dole Act has been a step in the right direction. It expands resources for employment, disability claims, mental health care, and support for the 7.8 million caregivers who walk alongside our veterans every day.

But policy alone can’t solve this crisis. It takes all of us veterans, families, communities, and advocates working together to ensure no veteran is left behind.

Support Starts Here

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you’re not alone.

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1
• Veterans Resource Directory
• Mission Roll Call Suicide Prevention Page

Together, we can build a future where no veteran feels that suicide is their only option.

Get Involved: Ride & Run 4 Their Lives with HBOT4Heroes

This National Suicide Prevention Week, MRC is teaming up with HBOT4Heroes to help turn awareness into action through two powerful events that support veteran suicide prevention efforts and honor those we’ve lost:

Ride 4 Their Lives with Raging Bull Harley-Davidson

Sunday, Sept. 7 | Durham, NC
Kick off National Suicide Prevention Week with a scenic group ride to the Orange County Veterans Memorial.

• Registration at 10 AM | Kickstands up at 11 AM
• Riders: $25 pre-registration | $30 day-of
• Raffle prizes, community vendors, and more
  Register here: hbot4heroes.org/events/ride-4-their-lives

Run 4 Their Lives 5K

Saturday, Sept. 13 | American Tobacco Trail
Run, walk, or roll — every step you take honors the 44 veterans we lose to suicide each day and helps protect the living.

• Family-friendly and fully accessible
• All proceeds support suicide prevention outreach and treatment
  Register here: hbot4heroes.org/events/5k-run4theirlives

Can’t ride or run? You can still stand with us.

• Donate.
• Spread the word.
• Volunteer.
• Share your story.

National Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that hope is real, and help is out there. We honor those we’ve lost by showing up for one another, speaking out, and standing together in the fight for life.

Let’s ride. Let’s run. Let’s rise for their lives.

According to a recent Mission Roll Call poll, when asked if they found it difficult to acclimate to civilian life, 46% of respondents answered “yes.” In spite of resources available, a further 81% indicated that they had never received transition assistance such as mentorship, financial assistance, or job placement from a local business, nonprofit, or community provider. Additionally, in a study done by Syracuse University, nearly half of veterans said they felt the military transition assistance program did not prepare them well for leaving military service.

Supporting veterans in their job search involves leveraging resources and programs designed to translate military experience into civilian careers and connect them with employers who value those skills. Several organizations and initiatives offer tailored support, including resume building, interview skills training, and direct connections to potential employers. Listed below are 10 organizations dedicated to supporting veterans with their career transition.

1.Veterans Bridge Home (VBH)

VBH serves as a bridge between service members, veterans, and families, forging connections with nonprofits providing job readiness resources and businesses keen on hiring veterans.

2. Operation Second Chance, Inc.

Operation Second Chance supports veterans and their families by identifying and supporting immediate needs and interests, promoting public awareness of the many sacrifices made by our Armed Forces. Operation Second Chance also helps maintain resources to assist veterans and their families with their numerous health, employment, and financial needs.

3. Operation Honor: Rural Salute

OHRS empowers rural veterans with resources, jobs, and community support, helping them thrive, feel connected, and build strong, fulfilling lives in the places they call home.

4. Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Veterans Career Program, formerly known as PAVE, provides free employment support and vocational counseling assistance to all veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, and caregivers.

5. Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) 

Part of the U.S. Department of Labor, VETS helps veterans, separating service members, and their spouses prepare for careers by providing employment resources, expertise, and protecting their employment rights.

6. Hire Heroes USA 

Hire Heroes USA helps military families build bright futures by assisting U.S. servicemen and women, and their spouses, in finding rewarding career paths. They have a proven track record, with over 110,000 confirmed hires.

7. Warrior Foundation Freedom Station

Warrior Foundation Freedom Station supports medically retiring men and women as they transition to civilian life through transitional housing, outdoor therapy, career guidance, and much more.

8. VetJobs

VetJobs offers free career placement and training services to military veterans, retirees, transitioning members, National Guardsmen, reservists, and their spouses. They have a successful approach, citing 111,000+ verified placements since 2010, that combines personalized support, technology, and education to help job seekers succeed.

9. RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary is a comprehensive military-to-civilian recruiting company that connects veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses with employment opportunities. They offer career fairs, placement services, and a job board, leveraging their expertise in translating military experience into civilian skills.

10. American Corporate Partners (ACP)

ACP offers free career counseling and mentoring to recently returned veterans, connecting them with professionals from top companies and universities.

As you can see from the wide array of resources listed above, supporting veterans with employment involves a tailored, multi-faceted approach with resources from both government and private organizations. By utilizing these resources and programs, veterans can overcome employment barriers and find meaningful careers that leverage their skills and experience.

Mission Roll Call’s comprehensive Veteran Resource Directory connects veterans and their families to organizations ready to help. Visit missionrollcall.org/resource-directory to discover the support you need to find employment for you or your veteran.