Episode Summary In this episode, Katt Whittenberger—founder of Mountain Valor and retired Navy Senior Chief—dives into the heart of our mission: supporting veterans in rural communities. With fewer services, higher rates of isolation, and lower access to benefits, rural veterans face unique challenges that too often go unaddressed.

We break down:

• Why veterans in rural areas are more likely to be older, underserved, and invisible to larger systems

• How policy shifts and benefit changes (including those in recent years) create confusion and gaps in access

• What Mountain Valor is doing differently: mobile outreach, hands-on navigation help, and community-first support

• The critical needs of elderly veterans and surviving spouses—and how we're stepping in with clear answers and real solutions

• How YOU can get involved to help us reach more veterans across rural Virginia

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Mountain Valor Outreach Schedule: www.mtnvalor.org/outreach

• Virginia Department of Veterans Services: www.dvs.virginia.gov

• GiveLocal Fundraising Campaign (June): https://www.givelocalnrv.org/organization/Mountain-Valor-Veteran-Services

• Contact us: [email protected]

Upcoming Events 🧠 Veterans Panel – Mental Health Summit at Virginia Tech 📍 June 17, 2025 – Blacksburg, VA

🎪 Mountain Valor Fest 📍 September 13, 2025 – Crooked Mountain Farm & Campground, Floyd, VA 🎶 Live music, veteran resources, food trucks & more

Connect with Us 🌐 Website: www.mtnvalor.org 📱 Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn: @MountainValor 🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your shows!