The Lasting Mission

The Climb Toward Hope: Inside the Mountain Valor Mission - A Hero for Rural Virginia Veterans

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.

The Dust That Never Settled: An Army Veteran's 9/11 Story

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

Bagdad's Flies Still Haunt This Veteran Years Later - Rick Welch, Part 2

🎙️ 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

Left Behind After Battle: Rick Welch on War, Loss & the Fight for Rural Veterans

🎙️ 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

Wounded Warrior Project CEO: ‘We Owe Them More Than Thanks’ | Lt. Gen. Walter Piatt (Part 2)

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