Mountain Valor Veteran Services

Mountain Valor

Mountain Valor empowers veterans and their families every day across rural Virginia. We support our veteran community by providing them with the tools, connections and resources to thrive. Many of the resources we share are available nation-wide, but niche organizations to rural Virginia will be explored as well. If you can't find what you're looking for or just want more info: www.mtnvalor.org.

  1. 3 DE SET.

    After 9/11: Remembering and Reconnecting

    Every generation has one defining moment. For mine, it was 9/11. I still remember standing aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt as the attacks unfolded — and the way our country pulled together in the days that followed. But over the years, that unity faded, leaving too many veterans isolated. Isolation isn't just lonely — it's dangerous. Rural veterans die by suicide at higher rates than their urban peers, and one of the strongest protective factors isn't a program or a prescription. It's connection. In this episode, I talk about the cost of isolation, why connection is so hard, and how rural communities like Floyd are proving that it is possible to bridge the gap between the 1% who served and the 99% who didn't. Mountain Valor Fest is part of that solution. On Saturday, September 13th at Crooked Mountain Campground in Floyd, we'll gather for music, food, kids' activities, and a 4 p.m. Remembrance Ceremony honoring those lost on 9/11 and in the wars that followed. More than an event, MVF has already broken the mold and shown that rural communities can lead the way in reducing veteran isolation — and with continued community support, we can expand this model across Virginia in the years ahead. Sponsors This episode is made possible thanks to the support of our community partners: BAE Systems Angels in the Attic Firebrand Media Finn Graphics Wild Roots Consulting Your support helps us continue this mission — one connection at a time.

    6min
  2. 19 DE JUN.

    The Truth About Rural Veterans: Suicide Risk, VA Healthcare, and What You Can Do

    In this episode, Katt breaks down the uncomfortable truth about suicide rates among rural veterans—what's driving them, what systems are failing, and how we can push back. You'll hear data straight from a VA-led mental health summit, along with boots-on-the-ground insight from Mountain Valor's outreach work across rural Virginia. Most importantly, we're talking real solutions: how to enroll in VA healthcare, what you'll need, and why it matters right now. 🧠 Key Topics Covered: Why Virginia has the highest rate of eligible-but-unenrolled veterans How firearm access affects suicide fatality rates The dual risk of veterans who are also farmers The critical difference between VA healthcare and VA benefits How to apply for VA healthcare today Why community events like Mountain Valor Fest matter 🛠️ How to Enroll in VA Healthcare: Veterans can apply in three ways: ✅ Online: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply ✅ By phone: Call 877-222-8387 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm ET) ✅ In person: Visit your local VA Medical Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) You'll need: DD-214 (discharge papers) Social Security numbers for you and dependents Recent tax return or W-2s (proof of income) Any insurance info you currently have List of deductible expenses (if applicable) 💡 Important: VA healthcare and VA disability benefits are separate systems. Applying for one does not affect the other. 📆 Upcoming Event: Mountain Valor Fest – September 13th, 2025 📍 Floyd, VA 💬 Open to everyone – veterans, families, and the community 🎶 Live music | 🐐 Baby goats | 🍴 Food trucks | 🎖️ 40+ resource booths Details: https://mtnvalor.org/fest 💛 Support the Mission: We're raising funds through GiveLocalNRV to support our ongoing outreach and mental health education work. 🎯 Donate here: https://www.givelocalnrv.org/organization/Mountain-Valor-Veteran-Services

    6min
  3. 15 DE MAI.

    Why We Focus on Rural Veterans

    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: kattw@mtnvalor.org 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!

    8min

Sobre

Mountain Valor empowers veterans and their families every day across rural Virginia. We support our veteran community by providing them with the tools, connections and resources to thrive. Many of the resources we share are available nation-wide, but niche organizations to rural Virginia will be explored as well. If you can't find what you're looking for or just want more info: www.mtnvalor.org.