We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Juanita Myers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Juanita, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Yes, The Mission Continues is deeply committed to serving underserved communities across the country. Our mission is to empower veterans to continue their service by working alongside local organizations to address critical needs in under-resourced neighborhoods.

Juanita, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

One story that stands out comes from our work in Killeen, Texas—a military town with a large veteran population but also a high rate of food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce in some areas. We partnered with a local church that operates a soup kitchen, providing meals to low-income families and individuals, many of whom are veterans themselves. The church was struggling to meet the demand due to the rising costs of food.

Through our Earth Month campaign, our veteran volunteers—along with community members—built raised garden beds to help the church grow its own fruits and vegetables. This not only helped cut costs but also created a sustainable solution for providing healthy meals to those in need. For our veterans, it wasn’t just about planting food; it was about restoring dignity, rebuilding connections, and showing up where help is most needed.

Our brand exists to bridge the gap between veterans who want to serve and communities that need support. We don’t just respond to need—we build relationships, invest time, and create change alongside the people we serve.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale within The Mission Continues starts with leading by example and creating a culture built on trust, purpose, and connection.

As a Platoon Leader, I’ve learned that clarity and consistency are essential. My team knows what’s expected on prep days and project days, but more importantly, they understand why their service matters. When people connect with the mission—empowering veterans and uplifting underserved communities—they show up with heart.

I make it a point to foster ownership and collaboration. My leadership team is hand-picked because each member brings unique strengths to the table. I give them the freedom to lead within their roles, and we make decisions together. That shared responsibility keeps everyone invested.

Recognition is key. Whether it’s a shoutout on social media, a leadership pin, or simply pulling someone aside to say “I see your effort,” I make sure my team knows they’re appreciated. Volunteers don’t get paid—but appreciation is the currency that keeps morale high.

I also prioritize personal connection. I check in regularly, not just as a leader but as a fellow veteran and community member. When someone feels seen and supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged.

Lastly, I create space for growth. I look for ways to develop leaders within the platoon by mentoring, delegating leadership roles, and encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones.

At The Mission Continues, morale isn’t just about keeping people happy—it’s about fueling a movement of purpose-driven service. When people feel empowered and connected, they keep showing up. And when they show up, we continue the mission.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within the community is consistency, authenticity, and a deep commitment to service.

I don’t just show up when the cameras are rolling—I show up when the work needs to be done, even when no one’s watching. Whether it’s loading supplies for a service project, mentoring a teen, or helping a local organization meet a need, I believe that leadership means being present, dependable, and hands-on.

I also built trust by listening first—to veterans, community members, faith leaders, and partners—so I could understand what people truly needed. Then, I acted on it. When people see that you’re not just there to take pictures or make promises, but to actually follow through and solve problems, they remember that.

My work with The Mission Continues and other community initiatives has been rooted in collaboration. I don’t do this work alone—I build teams, uplift other leaders, and make sure that every project reflects the voices of the people we’re serving.

At the end of the day, I think people see that my heart is in it. I serve because I care—and that care has helped me earn a reputation as someone who leads with purpose and follows through with action.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.missioncontinues.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msgoodvibezonly?igsh=MTk0YWc3ZTA3NjdlcA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/186rTYGNG8/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanitamyers?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Image Credits

Mike Bartoszek
MBPhotography.pro
Mike.mbphotography@gmail.com

Fredrick Owens Photography
https://frederickowensphotography.com/