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...