Honoring Service Through Action: The Next Chapter in Veteran Health Equity

When I think about service, I think about my own family. My grandfather served in the Korean War, and my stepfather proudly served in the military. I was in ROTC throughout college and, for a time, was seriously considering enlisting in the Marines.

Although my path ultimately took a different direction, my respect for those who serve never changed. I’ve remained a consistent ally and advocate for Veterans, supporting initiatives that strengthen their access to health, healing, and opportunity.

That’s why I’m especially proud of PEP!IN’s partnership with the Multi-Faith Veterans Initiative (MVI) at DePaul University. This collaboration isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. It represents our shared belief that Veterans’ health equity begins in the same place their service ends: in community.

How It Began

Our work with MVI began with an important conversation between Cherrie Felisbret, MPH, CPH, a proud Veteran, Doctoral of Public Health Candidate School of Community Health and Policy at Morgan State University, and PEP!IN Pulse Ambassador, and Walidah Bennett, Founder and Executive Director of Multi-Faith Veterans Initiative, together, they explored how faith and community leaders can better support Veterans’ health and create stronger pathways for engagement in research.

You can watch that full conversation here: Flash Talk Live with MVI – Faith, Community, and Veteran Health.

During that conversation, Walidah shared something that stuck with me:

“When veterans come back to the community, they need to feel like there’s somewhere they belong. Health equity begins in community because communities can be a source of healing.”

That sentiment became the heartbeat of this partnership. It reminded us that service doesn’t end at discharge—it shifts, often quietly, into new forms of service to family, community, and self.

Cherrie built on that insight, reflecting from both her public health background and her lived experience as a Veteran:

“This isn’t just a topic for Veterans. It’s also for partners, providers, and community leaders. Everyone has a role to play in helping Veterans feel seen, supported, and connected.”

Through that shared vision, PEP!IN and MVI recognized a powerful opportunity to create spaces where Veterans could be empowered, heard, their experiences valued, and their insights used to guide the design of better health systems.

The Evolution: Veterans Pulse Checks

From that initial conversation came the idea for Veterans Pulse Checks.

These are not just webinars or one-time discussions. They are ongoing, community-driven dialogues that bring Veterans, caregivers, researchers, and community leaders together to discuss the real issues affecting their lives—access to care, trauma, trust, inclusion, and advocacy.

Each Pulse Check is designed to educate, connect, and inspire action while keeping Veterans’ voices at the center of every conversation.

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, we’ll premiere our first official Veterans Pulse Check titled “Closing the Gap: Health Equity for All Who Served.”

Moderated by Walidah Bennett, this session will feature Rev. Dr. James L. Miles Sr. and Dr. Terrell Odom, two respected leaders who have each dedicated their work to improving Veteran health, equity, and community outcomes. Together, they will explore what health equity truly means for Veterans, the systemic barriers that persist, and how faith, community, and research can intersect to drive meaningful change.

Why This Matters Now

As a nation, we often say “thank you for your service.” But gratitude has to extend beyond words. Our Veterans deserve care that is culturally competent, systems that listen, and opportunities to participate in research that reflect their realities and needs.

During that first conversation, Walidah described the partnership best:

“We believe this collaboration creates space for honest dialogue around the health issues impacting Veterans and their families. When voices are heard, policies can change.”

That is the heart of our mission.

At PEP!IN, we see Veterans not as beneficiaries of services, but as partners in change. The PEP!IN x MVI partnership amplifies that principle by bringing communities, researchers, and faith-based networks together to build systems that honor both data and dignity.

Honoring Service Through Action

Our Veterans Pulse Checks are more than conversations. They’re an open invitation to take part in the process of change. They remind us that honoring service means listening, learning, and acting with intention.

As Cherrie said during our first conversation:

“This isn’t just for veterans — it’s for partners, community leaders, and anyone who believes in equity. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring veterans feel seen, supported, and connected.”

That’s the heart of this work.

So, this Veterans Day, we’re honoring service by continuing the conversation. I invite you to join us November 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM CST for the premiere of Veterans Pulse Check(s): “Closing the Gap: Health Equity for All Who Served.”

"Because when veterans thrive, communities do too."

Watch the Veterans Pulse Check premiere:

📍 Streaming on LinkedIn, StreamYard, and YouTube🔗 Click Here to register.

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