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

In this impactful episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster sits down with Michelle Lang, 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.

Michelle discusses the unique challenges rural veterans face, from higher suicide rates due to geographical isolation to limited access to VA services and dwindling community spaces like VFWs and American Legions. She explains how Operation Honor Rural Salute organizes festivals and events that bring VA representatives and resources directly into the community, making support both accessible and approachable. Emotional stories emerge—veterans who felt seen for the first time and, in some cases, lives being saved by these efforts.

Martin and Michelle also explore the generational and cultural differences among veterans, barriers to identifying as a veteran, and misconceptions about service and trauma, emphasizing the importance of community and self-acceptance. Michelle offers inspiring leadership advice, drawn from her background as a competitive athlete and her lived experiences, encouraging listeners to look in the mirror, understand themselves, and find fulfillment in service.

The conversation concludes with practical advice for transitioning military families, emphasizing early preparation, involving spouses, and seeking out resources before separation from the service. Michelle’s message is one of hope, connection, and the importance of not feeling alone—especially for those in rural America who might otherwise feel forgotten.

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Key Themes:

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• 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:
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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 "Your Dream Billboard Message?"

32:59 Podcast Guest Introduction

33:57 Understanding Rural Veterans' Experiences

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🔥 Michelle's Resources
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Website: Operation Honor Rural Salute

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/ohruralsalute/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OHRuralSalute/about 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-baker-lang/ 

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Quote:
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“We’re not here to fix people. We’re here to remind them they’re not forgotten." 

- Michelle Lang 

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Keywords:
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Operation Honor Rural Salute, rural veterans, veteran resources, mental health, VA services, veteran suicide rates, community support, military transition, veteran isolation, resource accessibility, small town America, veteran events, nonprofit organizations, resource library, online community, military families, veteran leadership, Bush Institute Veteran Leadership Program, Military Influencer Conference, female veterans, VFW decline, American Legion, veteran identity, stigma in veterans, veteran homelessness, transitioning military, rural America demographics, spouse transition, veteran case studies, financial assistance for veterans, rural community engagement

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🎙️ Mentioned:

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Operation Honor Rural Salute

Mark Harper