Mountain Valor Veteran Services

We're discussing VA's wartime pension, survivors pension, and aid and attendance - who's eligible and what it does. VA Resources: Veterans Pension: va.gov/pension/veterans-pension/ Survivors Pension: va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/survivors-pension/ Aid and Attendance and Housebound: va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/ Current Pension Rates: va.gov/pension/veteran...

Nick sits down with Ted Veggenburg, a driving force behind the local Marine Corps League and the man keeping Buddy Check 22 alive in the region. They talk about what it takes to build real community among veterans, why showing up matters, and how a simple check-in can save a life. If you know of a regional resource that deserves a spotlight, reach out at support@mtnvalor.org.

Join me on Mountain Valor Veteran Services as we delve into the crucial topic of education benefits for veterans and their families. In this episode, Unlocking Education Benefits for Veterans and Their Families, we explore the transformative potential of programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), and the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Educatio...

In this episode, Katt Whittenberger — retired Navy Senior Chief and Executive Director of Mountain Valor Veteran Services — speaks directly to civilian mental health providers about the realities facing service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF), especially in rural communities. Drawing from personal experience transitioning out of the military, Katt explores isolation, loss of belonging...

When a veteran is struggling, the impact ripples far beyond them. Spouses, caregivers, children, and extended family often carry invisible weight — trying to hold everything together while navigating complicated systems for help. In this episode, we talk honestly about what support for veteran families really looks like, where to find it, and why asking for help isn’t a weakness — it’s a survival...

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...

Some people think if a homeless veteran turns down help, it’s because they don’t really need it. The truth? It’s rarely that simple. In this episode, Navy veteran and Mountain Valor Executive Director Kathryn Whittenberger breaks down why some veterans say “no” to shelters and services—even when their needs are urgent. From chronic trauma and PTSD to shame, addiction, and distrust of the systems m...

DESCRIPTION: You don’t have to be a veteran to change a veteran’s life. In this episode, Katt Whittenberger, Executive Director of Mountain Valor, shares how everyday community members—from librarians to farmers—are stepping up to support rural veterans in powerful ways. We’ll explore why connection matters, how isolation impacts those who served, and what you can do to help… no uniform required....

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...

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 o...

Check out this update on what we're doing to help our rural Virginia veterans and their families, and a quick preview of Mountain Valor Fest - heading to Floyd, VA, Sept. 13, 2025. For more info, check out mtnvalor.org/fest

Welcome to the Mountain Valor Podcast! Our nonprofit empowers veterans and their families across Southwest Virginia by providing them with the tools, resources and connections they need to thrive. This podcast is one of the ways we have to reach more folks, and find the answers to more questions.   This episode features an interview with a veteran spouse on how her family has used these benef...

  Confused about veterans' education benefits? Mountain Valor breaks down Chapter 35 and VMSDEP in this episode! Tune in and navigate a smoother path to success. #veteranbenefits #education   VA's Chapter 35: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/dependents-education-assistance/   VMSDEP: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/benefits-services/education/virgi...

Confused about veterans' education benefits? Mountain Valor breaks down VR&E in this episode! Tune in and navigate a smoother path to success. #veteranbenefits #education   VA's VR&E: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/ Want to help us keep going? Check out www.buymeacoffee.com/mountainvalor For more information on our organization: www.mtnvalor.org FB/IG:...

Confused about veterans' education benefits? Mountain Valor breaks down the GI Bill in this episode! Learn about resources for veterans and their families in Southwest Virginia. Tune in and navigate a smoother path to success. #veteranbenefits #education   VA's GI Bill: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/   Want to help us keep going? Check out www.buymeacoffee.com/mount...

Welcome to the Mountain Valor Podcast! Our nonprofit empowers veterans and their families across Southwest Virginia by providing them with the tools, resources and connections they need to thrive. This podcast is one of the ways we have to reach more folks, and find the answers to more questions.   This episode is a very quick overview of some of the education benefits for veterans and their...

Welcome to the Mountain Valor Podcast! Our nonprofit empowers veterans and their families across Southwest Virginia by providing them with the tools, resources and connections they need to thrive. This podcast is one of the ways we have to reach more folks, and find the answers to more questions.   This episode wraps up our coverage of end of life planning, care options and benefits. We hope...

Welcome to the Mountain Valor Podcast! Our nonprofit empowers veterans and their families across Southwest Virginia by providing them with the tools, resources and connections they need to thrive. This podcast is one of the ways we have to reach more folks, and find the answers to more questions. To make an appointment with Virginia Department of Veteran Services benefit experts: https://vesa.dvs....

Welcome to the Mountain Valor Podcast! Our nonprofit empowers veterans and their families across Southwest Virginia by providing them with the tools, resources and connections they need to thrive. This podcast is one of the ways we have to reach more folks, and find the answers to more questions.   To make an appointment with Virginia Department of Veteran Services benefit experts: https://ve...

Welcome to the Mountain Valor Podcast! Our nonprofit empowers veterans and their families across Southwest Virginia by providing them with the tools, resources and connections they need to thrive. This podcast is one of the ways we have to reach more folks, and find the answers to more questions.   To make an appointment with Virginia Department of Veteran Services benefit experts: https://ve...

Welcome to the Mountain Valor Podcast! Our nonprofit empowers veterans and their families across Southwest Virginia by providing them with the tools, resources and connections they need to thrive. This podcast is one of the ways we have to reach more folks, and find the answers to more questions.   Caregiver Support Programs: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/help_landing.asp   Caregiver Supp...

Welcome to the Mountain Valor Podcast! Our nonprofit empowers veterans and their families across Southwest Virginia by providing them with the tools, resources and connections they need to thrive. This podcast is one of the ways we have to reach more folks, and find the answers to more questions.   To make an appointment with Virginia Department of Veteran Services benefit experts: https://ve...