In this important episode of The Lasting Mission Podcast, MRC’s Britt Myers sits down with Katt Whittenberger, founder and executive director of Mountain Valor - an unwavering VSO (veteran service organization) advocating for rural Virginia veterans, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive in their communities through multiple outlets.

 In this installment, Katt details her mission to serve an all to often forgotten sect of forgotten veteran; those living in rural America with little access to the resources they have fought for and earned through honorable service. 

“An Admiral once told me that “no” was never a final answer unless he was the one who said it. I was a very junior Sailor then - and it blew my mind that he was practically admitting the easy answer is usually the one that actually halts all progress.  That was one of those key moments that showed me there was always a way to get to yes.” -Katt Whittenberger

Learn more about, and how to support, Mountain Valor: https://mtnvalor.org/about-us 

👉🏼 About Mission Roll Call and The Lasting Mission Podcast
Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities.

Join Mission Roll Call:  https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe
Learn More About TLM: http://www.thelastingmission.org/ 

“The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones.​

In this special 9/11 episode of The Lasting Mission, we sit down with Army veteran and 9/11 first responder Ron Pastino at the World Trade Center Museum in Albany, New York—where his gear from that day is permanently on display. Ron shares his powerful story of service, sacrifice, and resilience, reflecting on the moments that changed our nation forever and the lasting impact of September 11 on veterans, first responders, and their families.

Our dedication to the perspectives of those who served continues the month of September as we dive into interviews with veterans regardling the attacks on 9/11.

 #veteranvoices #IraqWarVeteran #MentalHealthAwareness #PostWarLife #TheLastingMission #RickWelch #VeteranSupport #InvisibleWounds #MissionRollCall #CombatToCommunity #groundzero #9/11 #911 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
👉🏼 About The Lasting Mission Podcast: “The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families, and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate, and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones. More from The Lasting Mission: http://www.thelastingmission.org

 👉🏼 About Mission Roll Call: Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities. Join Mission Roll Call: https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe

 #VeteranSupport #RickWelch #MissionRollCall #TheLastingMission #VeteranAdvocacy #Post911Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #MRC #VeteranLeadership #PodcastForVeterans

🎙️ Welcome to part two of this two-part episode of The Lasting Mission featuring Army veteran Rick Welch. Mission Roll Call’s Britt Myers continues the discussion around Rick’s experience during the Iraq War, the unforeseen triggers of PTS, and his focus on healing after experiencing the worst, and best, parts of deployment. Rick reflects on brotherhood, having formed lifelong relationships in the midst of the chaos of combat, and how important it is to all transitioning soldiers to maintain those connections. 

 Rick challenges how society and government support (or fail) veterans after service, offering personal insights on finding a tribe, and the critical need to support veteran communities. This conversation is a must-watch for veterans, military families, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what truly happens after the uniform comes off. 

 If you haven’t started with part one, watch that full episode HERE: https://youtu.be/G-Dw4TmTQs0 

#VeteranVoices #IraqWarVeteran #MentalHealthAwareness #PostWarLife #TheLastingMission #RickWelch #VeteranSupport #InvisibleWounds #MissionRollCall #CombatToCommunity 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
👉🏼 About The Lasting Mission Podcast: “The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families, and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate, and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones. More from The Lasting Mission: http://www.thelastingmission.org

 👉🏼 About Mission Roll Call: Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities. Join Mission Roll Call: https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe

 #VeteranSupport #RickWelch #MissionRollCall #TheLastingMission #VeteranAdvocacy #Post911Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #MRC #VeteranLeadership #PodcastForVeterans

🎙️ In part one of this two part episode of The Lasting Mission, Army veteran Rick Welch opens up about his experience during the Iraq War, the unseen toll of combat, and the difficult road back to civilian life. With gripping honesty, Rick shares the moments that shaped him—from the emotional weight of losing friends in combat to the moral injuries sustained by witnessing the chaos of war firsthand.

He discusses what it felt like to return home, the struggles with identity, guilt, and mental health, and how his personal journey led him to advocate for other veterans. Rick challenges how society and government support (or fail) veterans after service, offering powerful insights on purpose, healing, and the critical need to listen to those who’ve lived it.

This conversation is a must-watch for veterans, military families, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what truly happens after the uniform comes off.

#VeteranVoices #IraqWarVeteran #MentalHealthAwareness #PostWarLife #TheLastingMission #RickWelch #VeteranSupport #InvisibleWounds #MissionRollCall #CombatToCommunity
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

👉🏼 About The Lasting Mission Podcast:
“The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones.​ 
 More from The Lasting Mission: http://www.thelastingmission.org 

👉🏼 About Mission Roll Call:
Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities.
 Join Mission Roll Call:  https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe

 #VeteranSupport #RickWelch #MissionRollCall #TheLastingMission #VeteranAdvocacy #Post911Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #MRC #VeteranLeadership #PodcastForVeterans

Welcome to Part 2 of our exclusive conversation with Wounded Warrior Project CEO, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter E. Piatt, on The Lasting Mission.

 In this final installment of our two-part series, we go deeper into the evolution and impact of one of America’s most well-known veteran service organizations. With over 40 years of distinguished military service, Walt Piatt shares how his leadership journey has shaped his vision for veteran advocacy, mental health support, and long-term care for wounded warriors.

This episode explores how WWP programs help post-9/11 veterans find connection, purpose, and healing—and how the future of veteran care depends on leadership that understands service firsthand.

👉 New to the series? Don’t miss Part 1 — where WWP’s CEO opens up about his transition from the Army to the nonprofit world, and the emotional weight of taking on this national responsibility. Watch Part 1 HERE: https://youtu.be/bClwB3JHtZI

Whether you're a veteran, a caregiver, or someone committed to supporting our military community, this powerful two-part interview offers an inside look at the mission, momentum, and heart behind Wounded Warrior Project.

👉🏼Learn More About WWP: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

👉🏼 About The Lasting Mission Podcast:
“The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones.​ 
 More from The Lasting Mission: http://www.thelastingmission.org 

👉🏼 About Mission Roll Call:
Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities.
 Join Mission Roll Call:  https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe

#WoundedWarriorProject #VeteranSupport #WalterPiatt #MissionRollCall #TheLastingMission #VeteranAdvocacy #Post911Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #WWP #VeteranLeadership #PodcastForVeterans

In the second installment of this powerful two-part episode of The Lasting Mission Podcast, MRC’s Britt Myers sits down with Michelle Lang, founder and executive director of Operation Honor: Rural Salute - a grassroots initiative committed to connecting veterans in rural America with the care and community they deserve.

 In part 2 we explore the impact of Michelle’s work, the power of community partnerships, and what it will take to ensure no veteran falls through the cracks.

 Michelle’s story starts in a small town in Pennsylvania, where she and her husband - recently retired from a military career - found themselves cut off from resources, support, and connection. When the realities of transition set in, the isolation became overwhelming. Michelle quickly realized their experience wasn’t unique. For many veterans living in rural areas, geography alone can mean the difference between getting help, or being left behind.

What began with a handful of small outreach events has evolved into a growing movement advocating for equity in care, no matter your ZIP code.

 If you are yet to listen to Part 1; Michelle shares her personal journey, the founding of Operation Honor, and the systemic challenges faced by rural veterans across the country. PART 1 HERE: https://youtu.be/KH3xNYf6OO0

Subscribe and stay tuned for
👉🏼 About Mission Roll Call and The Lasting Mission Podcast
Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities.

Join Mission Roll Call:  https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe
Lear More About TLM: http://www.thelastingmission.org/ 

“The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones.​ 
​

In this powerful two-part episode of The Lasting Mission, we sit down with Wounded Warrior Project CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter E. Piatt to explore the evolution, challenges, and future of one of the most recognized veteran service organizations in the country.

 In Part 1, we dive into Walter’s personal transition from active-duty military service to becoming the head of WWP, the deep-rooted responsibility he feels toward veterans, and how the organization has evolved to meet the changing needs of post-9/11 warriors. This episode reveals how connection, purpose, and trust are key pillars in modern veteran support.

 Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or someone passionate about supporting those who’ve served — this two-part episode will give you a renewed sense of the mission and momentum behind Wounded Warrior Project.

👉🏼Learn More About WWP: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org 

🔔 Be sure to check back for Part 2 to hear the full conversation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

👉🏼 About The Lasting Mission Podcast:
“The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones.​ 
 More from The Lasting Mission: http://www.thelastingmission.org 

👉🏼 About Mission Roll Call:
Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities.
 Join Mission Roll Call:  https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe

In this powerful two-part episode of The Lasting Mission Podcast, MRC’s Britt Myers sits down with Michelle Lang, founder and executive director of Operation Honor: Rural Salute—a grassroots initiative committed to connecting veterans in rural America with the care and community they deserve.

Michelle’s story starts in a small town in Pennsylvania, where she and her husband—recently retired from a military career—found themselves cut off from resources, support, and connection. When the realities of transition set in, the isolation became overwhelming. Michelle quickly realized their experience wasn’t unique. For many veterans living in rural areas, geography alone can mean the difference between getting help, or being left behind.
What began with a handful of small outreach events has evolved into a growing movement advocating for equity in care, no matter your ZIP code.

 In Part 1, Michelle shares her personal journey, the founding of Operation Honor, and the systemic challenges faced by rural veterans across the country. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation.

Subscribe and stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore the impact of Michelle’s work, the power of community partnerships, and what it will take to ensure no veteran falls through the cracks.

👉🏼 About Mission Roll Call and The Lasting Mission Podcast
Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities.

Join Mission Roll Call:  https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe
Lear More About TLM: http://www.thelastingmission.org/ 

“The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones.​ 
​

Welcome back to the highly-anticipated, inspirational PART 2 of our 2 part episode featuring MRC's Britt Meyers as she continues our conversation with Air Force veteran Matthew Landis. 

 If you have not had the chance to watch or listen to the incredible beginning of Matthew's story, we strongly suggest you watch that episode first: https://youtu.be/b97DpkP8TAc

 In this episode, Matthew shares how he rediscovered faith—in a higher power, in humanity, and most importantly, in himself—as a father, a veteran, and a man committed to something greater than himself.

👉🏼 About Mission Roll Call and The Lasting Mission Podcast
Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities.

Join Mission Roll Call:  https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe

“The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones.​

Welcome back to part 2 of 2 in this incredibly important discussion with Voices for Non-Opioid Choices' Executive Director Chris Fox. Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley sits down for a followup to part 1 featuring Congressman Greg Landsman (watch that full episode here: https://youtu.be/L6QHhnzdxL8 ). 
 
As our nation faces an opioid epidemic, the gravity of the issue effects our nations veterans as hard as any. In this installment we discuss alternative treatments, the efforts of the organization, and what can be done to work towards a future free from opioid over-saturation.

👉🏼 Learn more about Voices for Non-Opioid Choices: https://nonopioidchoices.org/

👉🏼Join Mission Roll Call:  https://www.missionrollcall.org/subscribe

 About Mission Roll Call: Mission Roll Call® is a nonpartisan movement providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders and communities.

“The Lasting Mission” podcast is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories and experiences of veterans, their families and supporters. Our mission is to provide a platform where their voices can inspire, educate and support others as they pursue a lasting mission of learning and purpose. Through candid conversations about both successes and challenges, we aim to foster a community of resilience, understanding and growth for all who have worn the uniform and their loved ones.​