Host Rob Couture welcomes Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin's 3rd District to the podcast. Van Orden is a retired Navy SEAL, VFW Life Member, chairman of the House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and recent recipient of the VFW Life Saving Award.

Van Orden reflects on his path from military service to Congress, the importance of veterans' voices in government, and his personal connection to the VFW dating back to his service in Bosnia. He shares how loss and hardship — including the passing of his daughter — shaped his sense of urgency in public service, and why mission-first leadership is essential to addressing the challenges facing America's veterans.

The conversation highlights his first bill signed into law protecting veterans' home loans, bipartisan efforts to strengthen VA–DoD collaboration, and his advocacy for suicide prevention and smoother transitions for service members. Van Orden also recounts the powerful story of saving a young boy's life after a horrific car accident, underscoring the value veterans bring to their communities long after service.

With humor, candor, and heartfelt storytelling — from his role in Act of Valor to his commitment to authenticity in Congress — Van Orden embodies the enduring spirit of service. This episode showcases how veterans continue to lead, protect, and serve their nation in every arena of life.

Derrick Van Orden's bio: https://vanorden.house.gov/about

Featured Guests:

Derrick Van Orden – Congressman (WI-03), Retired Navy SEAL, VFW Life Member

Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service

Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office

Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro and Roll Call

5:29 Why Van Orden joined the VFW

8:16 Running for Congress and lessons from loss

10:50 First legislative victory – VA home loans bill

17:03 Veterans in Congress and bipartisanship

20:57 Suicide prevention and transition support

24:00 Bridging VA and DoD

29:11 Behind the scenes of Act of Valor

33:30 VFW Lifesaving Award – saving an 11-year-old boy

42:24 Veterans' value in communities

46:10 Mental health, survivor's guilt, and support

50:29 Authenticity and leadership in Congress

52:40 Good of the Order – Closing reflections

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