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...

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 se...

🎙️ 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 ...

🎙️ 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...

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 wo...

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. Mic...

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...

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 real...

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 ...

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...

Join Mission Roll Call’s Britt Meyers for a powerful and deeply human conversation with Air Force veteran Matthew Landis. Once a standout engineer, Matthew found himself homeless and battling addiction on the streets of Anytown, USA. His raw and redemptive journey will both chill and inspire you. 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...

Welcome to part 1 of this special 2-part episode of The Lasting Mission in which Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley sits down with U.S. Representative Greg Landsman to discuss the opioid epidemic within the veteran community — and what’s being done to fight it. Congressman Landsman shares insights on his bipartisan efforts and his support of Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, a non-profit leading the charge for safer, more effective pain management alternatives. Together, they explore how policy, ...

In this powerful episode of The Lasting Mission podcast, we hear from Van, a former professional surfer who overcame years of addiction and incarceration to now give back to the veteran community through his love of surfing. Alongside him is John, a 14-year Army veteran who, after multiple deployments and a life-changing battle with depression and suicide, found healing through Operation Surf, where he now serves as the Program Manager. Listen now to hear how these two men are making a lastin...

Welcome back to The Lasting Mission Podcast. In this episode, MRC COO Ray Whitaker sits down with retired U.S. Army Colonel Sean Corrigan, former commander of Joint Operations Group Central within Special Operations and now Executive Vice President of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Sean shares insights from his distinguished military career and his transition to nonprofit leadership—focusing on his mission to support the families of fallen Special Operations personnel. His story ...

In this inspiring episode of The Lasting Mission Podcast, Mission Roll Call’s Britt Myers sits down with Zaneta Adams, a dedicated advocate for veterans and a former Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force Agent. After serving for over eight years, Zaneta faced a life-changing challenge but defied the odds to not only recover but to thrive. Since her medical retirement from the military, she has made an incredible impact on veterans and their families through her work as an attorney within the Vet...

Welcome to a special 2 part episode of The Lasting Mission Podcast featuring Mighty Hero Homes, a 501(c)(3) working to eradicate veteran homelessness by providing affordable, permanent, personal homes to all homeless veterans in safe environments with a full array of on-Base amenities and wraparound services... We also welcome special guest, and the country music recording artist responsible for crafting the Mighty Hero Homes anthem, Mark Ware. In part 2, we sit down with Drew Wa...

Welcome to a special 2 part episode of The Lasting Mission Podcast featuring Mighty Hero Homes, a 501(c)(3) working to eradicate veteran homelessness by providing affordable, permanent, personal homes to all homeless veterans in safe environments with a full array of on-Base amenities and wraparound services In part 1, we sit down with Derek Layne, Director of Partnerships and Development for Mighty Hero Homes, as we discuss what led him from a career in for-profit real estate developm...

Welcome to season 2 of The Lasting Mission Podcast... Chive Charities has been a game-changer for veterans, military families, and first responders, providing life-changing grants for medically necessary needs often overlooked by traditional resources. From wheelchair-accessible vehicles to service dogs and adaptive home modifications, their support restores independence and well-being to those who have sacrificed for our country and their loved ones. In this episode of The Lasting Mis...

Austin Carrigg’s passion for advocacy stems from her personal journey as a military spouse and mother of three children in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). As the founder of Exceptional Families of the Military (EFM), she shares how her organization is making a difference for families navigating complex needs. We discuss the challenges with Tricare and EFMP, legislative efforts, and the importance of uniting voices for change. Check out this episode of The Lasting Mission to hear...

In this episode of The Lasting Mission, we sit down with Heba Abdelaal, a dedicated advocate for military families and spouses. Heba shares her inspiring journey from nearly a decade on Capitol Hill to becoming a military spouse herself, bringing unique insights into the challenges and rewards of supporting military communities. Heba offers unique insights as we discuss support networks, spouse employment, and the power of advocacy. Tune in to learn how we can all support the incredible men a...