#86 - Connecting Rural Veterans to Resources and Support - Michelle Lang

Passing The Torch with Martin Foster

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In this impactful episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster sits down with Michelle Lang, co-founder of Operation Honor Rural Salute (OHRS), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting rural and small-town veterans and their families.

Michelle shares her personal journey, including her husband’s challenging transition out of the military and the difficulties they faced finding support in rural Pennsylvania.

This experience, combined with helping their Vietnam veteran neighbor avoid homelessness, catalyzed Michelle’s commitment to closing the resource gap for rural veterans.

Key Themes:

• Rural veterans face unique challenges, including higher suicide rates and fewer accessible services.
• Operation Honor Rural Salute connects veterans in these areas to life-changing resources and community events.
• There is a cultural disconnect between older and younger veterans, with many newer veterans reluctant to embrace the “veteran” identity.
• Michelle’s leadership philosophy: personal self-awareness and serving from one’s strengths lead to a fulfilling life.
• Transitioning out of the military can be mentally challenging—early and inclusive planning is vital for both service members and their spouses.
• Michelle’s “pass the torch” wisdom: Find out who you are and how you can serve with what you’re best at.

This episode shines a light on an often-overlooked population and underscores the power of community-driven change and empathetic leadership.

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Time Codes:

00:00 Mark Harper's Inspiring Program Introduction

04:34 Barriers to Rural Relocation

06:30 Struggles with Mental Health & Service

10:54 VA Assistance Event Success

13:30 Veteran Culture Across Generations

17:22 Funding Needed for Rural Veterans Initiative

22:03 Homeless Veterans on Base

24:41 "Overcoming Mental Barriers in Leadership"

28:29 "Dream Billboard Message"

32:59 Podcast Guest Introduction

33:57 Understanding Rural Veterans' Experiences

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

More Amazing Stories:
Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure
Episode 49: Ryan Hawk – Crafting a Legacy of Leadership
Episode 52: Riley Tejcek – Mission of Empowerment and Endurance

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Barriers to Rural Relocation (00:04:34)

3. Struggles with Mental Health & Service (00:06:30)

4. VA Assistance Event Success (00:10:54)

5. Veteran Culture Across Generations (00:13:30)

6. Funding Needed for Rural Veterans Initiative (00:17:22)

7. "Overcoming Mental Barriers in Leadership" (00:24:41)

8. Dream Billboard Message (00:28:29)

9. Understanding Rural Veterans' Experiences (00:33:57)