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: [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!