#StillServing: The VFW Podcast

For the first time, Still Serving: The VFW Podcast hits the road for a live recording from a VFW Post.

Hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Murray, joined by VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, visit John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 in Frederick, Maryland, to see firsthand how one Post is building for the future while strengthening its connection to veterans and the surrounding community.

Department of Maryland Commander Todd Walter and Post Adjutant Patrick Pierson join the conversation to discuss Post 3285's growth, its new Post home and the role local, state and federal advocacy played in making the facility possible. The conversation explores mentorship, recruiting and retaining younger veterans, developing future VFW leaders and why grassroots advocacy begins at the Post level.

Later, Post Commander Darrell Warren and Post Benefits Advisor Danny Rodriguez join the show to share how Post 3285 went from barely making quorum to standing-room-only meetings. They discuss community service, partnerships, veteran outreach and the role Post benefits advisors can play in connecting veterans with earned benefits and local resources.

Then, the floor opens to the audience. The panel answers questions on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, preparing for the VFW Washington Conference, navigating veterans benefits, overcoming outdated perceptions of the VFW and supporting today's service members as they return home.

Recorded live on the VFW's 127th birthday, the episode closes with a reminder that the VFW's future is being built where it always has been: in communities, through service, advocacy and veterans looking out for one another.

Hosts: Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach

Featured Guests: Todd Walter – Commander, VFW Department of Maryland Patrick Pierson – Adjutant, John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 Darrell Warren – Commander, John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 Danny Rodriguez – Benefits Advisor, John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office; Assistant Adjutant General

Episode Highlights:

0:00 – Intro and Roll Call 5:27 – Inside John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 8:14 – Building a Post for Future Generations 10:08 – A Model for Membership and Involvement 15:38 – Why Grassroots Advocacy Starts at the Post 19:12 – How Advocacy Helped Build the New Post Home 20:37 – Turning Relationships with Lawmakers into Local Results 27:12 – Looking Ahead to the VFW Washington Conference 30:06 – Community Engagement at Post 3285 30:55 – From Barely Making Quorum to Standing Room Only 32:02 – Serving Veterans and the Frederick Community 45:16 – What Does a Post Benefits Advisor Do? 49:01 – Turning Veterans' Experiences Into Advocacy 52:59 – Expanding Access to Veterans Benefits Assistance 1:00:55 – Developing the Next Generation of Post Leaders 1:02:32 – Live Audience Q&A 1:03:02 – Latest on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act 1:08:23 – Advice for First-Time VFW Washington Conference Attendees 1:17:15 – Finding and Understanding State and Local Veterans Benefits 1:20:22 – Moving Beyond the "Old Boys" VFW Stigma 1:27:50 – Supporting Today's Service Members When They Come Home 1:38:08 – Good of the Order 1:38:31 – Why the VFW Action Corps Matters 1:40:12 – "This Is Not Your Grandfather's VFW" 1:41:21 – Reconnecting With the Veterans Who Shaped Your Life 1:43:01 – Learning From the VFW's Advocacy History 1:46:57 – The Future of Live Still Serving Episodes 1:48:51 – Closing Thoughts

VFW National Commander Cory Geisler and National Legislative Committee Vice Chairman Staci Boyer join hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray, along with VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, for a wide-ranging conversation from the VFW Fall Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

The group takes listeners inside the conference, from preparing new National Legislative Committee members to the evolving training that helps VFW advocates effectively communicate with lawmakers, staff and the media. Stacie reflects on her first year on the committee and discusses how personal stories can bring veterans' issues to life, including conversations surrounding Section 108, the Major Richard Star Act, the TAP Promotion Act, written informed consent and continuity of care.

With campaign season underway, the conversation turns to political engagement at the VFW Post level. The group discusses Post facility rentals, town halls, candidate forums, campaign materials, VFW members running for office and the distinction between advocating for veterans' issues and creating the appearance of a political endorsement.

Later, Cory breaks down Warrior Fitness Challenge, his initiative encouraging VFW members and veterans to get up, get moving and make physical activity part of their everyday lives. Staci, a competitive bodybuilder and gym owner, joins the discussion on strength training, consistency and ways Posts can encourage veterans of all ages and ability levels to become more active.

Finally, Ryan digs into the VFW archives with a September 1926 issue of Foreign Service magazine. A century later, the parallels are striking: advocating for veterans' earned benefits, protecting veterans from exploitation and helping hospitalized veterans remain physically active.

Hosts:

Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach

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

Featured Guests:

Cory Geisler – VFW National Commander

Staci Boyer – Vice Chairman, VFW National Legislative Committee

Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office; Assistant Adjutant General

Episode Highlights:

0:00 – Intro and Roll Call

3:47 – VFW Fall Legislative Conference

4:12 – Welcoming New National Legislative Committee Members

6:49 – Mobilizing VFW Advocates and Section 108

10:54 – How Advocate Training Has Evolved

12:04 – Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Advocacy Training

14:03 – Preparing VFW Advocates to Work With the Media

19:34 – Legislative Priorities and Meetings on Capitol Hill

21:54 – A Veteran's Story Demonstrates the Stakes of Advocacy

25:22 – Why Storytelling Matters

27:13 – Navigating Complex Veterans' Issues in Congress

29:46 – Continuity of Care and the TAP Promotion Act

31:22 – Cory on the Power of Personal Stories

35:19 – Challenging Lawmakers to See Programs Firsthand

37:23 – Campaign Season and VFW Political Engagement

39:03 – Post Rentals, Candidates and Avoiding Implied Endorsements

42:57 – Town Halls, Candidate Appearances and Post Events

46:13 – VFW Members Running for Office

47:44 – Lessons From a Nonpartisan Candidate Forum

51:15 – Wearing VFW Identifiers at Political Events

53:09 – Speaking as an Individual vs. Speaking for the VFW

54:40 – Warrior Fitness

58:31 – VFW Leaders and Members Getting Moving

1:00:00 – Strength Training and Women Veterans

1:02:29 – Bringing Fitness and Wellness to the Post Level

1:03:55 – What Was the VFW Doing 100 Years Ago?

1:05:03 – Inside the September 1926 Foreign Service

1:06:45 – Veterans' Benefits and Wellness, Then and Now

1:07:59 – Good of the Order

1:09:05 – Cory Meets a Virginia Post Charter Member

1:10:49 – Remembering the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

1:13:03 – Ask the VFW

1:14:30 – Brittany Reconnects With Her First VFW Post

1:14:50 – Rob Runs Into an Old Teammate at the Pentagon Memorial

1:16:10 – Closing Thoughts

Rob, Brittany, Kristina and Ryan return to the podcast to break down a busy September for veterans' advocacy in Washington, including the latest congressional activity, the VFW's continued opposition to Section 108 of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, and preparations for the VFW Fall Legislative Conference. The team discusses why the VFW continues to push back against using future veterans' disability benefits to fund other legislation, including the Major Richard Star Act. They address criticism surrounding the VFW's position, explain why proposed changes to the VA rating schedule are not inevitable, and emphasize the importance of preserving the regulatory process. They also highlight the power of grassroots advocacy, with VFW Action Alerts generating nearly 95,000 messages to Congress regarding Section 108. The conversation turns to the VFW Fall Legislative Conference and the National Legislative Committee members who advocate year-round in their communities and on Capitol Hill. Kristina and Ryan explain how VFW members can become more involved in advocacy, how resolutions give individual members a voice in national policy, and how programs like the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship help develop the next generation of veteran advocates. In the Still Serving Spotlight, Rob and Brittany welcome Dr. Kelly Brown of the Allied Forces Foundation to discuss the Warrior Yomp, a long-distance endurance event bringing together wounded, ill and injured veterans and allied service members from around the world. Brown shares how the foundation uses physical challenges, camaraderie and international partnerships to help veterans reconnect, heal and find their communities. The episode closes with a personal reflection ahead of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 and the fifth anniversary of the end of the war in Afghanistan. Rob, Brittany, Kristina and Ryan share how 9/11 affected their lives and military service, the challenges of reconciling the end of America's longest war, and why continuing to serve and advocate for the generations that follow remains so important. Hosts: Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Featured Guests: Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Still Serving Spotlight Guest: Dr. Kelly Brown – Board Chair and Operations Officer, Allied Forces Foundation Learn More: VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship: https://www.vfw.org/StudentFellowship Allied Forces Foundation and Warrior Yomp: https://www.alliedforcesfoundation.org/ Ask the VFW: https://vfw.org/AskTheVFW 127th VFW National Convention highlights: https://vfw.org/Convention Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 4:11 Congress returns and VA electronic health record oversight 13:17 Latest on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act 16:07 Why the VFW opposes Section 108 21:50 Major Richard Star Act and questions over funding 29:56 Nearly 95,000 messages sent to Congress through VFW Action Alerts 31:28 VFW Fall Legislative Conference 34:34 Training the VFW's grassroots advocates 39:06 How VFW members can get involved in legislative advocacy 44:32 The power of VFW resolutions and member-driven advocacy 45:46 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship 49:28 Legislative priorities heading into the fall 54:25 Still Serving Spotlight – Dr. Kelly Brown and the Allied Forces Foundation 56:08 How Allied Forces Foundation brings veterans together 58:22 The 2026 Warrior Yomp 1:02:36 Building camaraderie among allied veterans 1:06:10 How veterans and supporters can participate 1:15:23 Finding connection and community after service 1:17:17 Good of the Order – Reflecting on 25 years since 9/11 1:18:45 Ryan Gallucci reflects on serving during 9/11 1:24:27 Kristina Keenan reflects on 9/11 and military service 1:28:31 Brittany Dymond Murray on loss, Afghanistan and finding meaning in service 1:34:38 Rob Couture reflects on 9/11, war and bringing his soldiers home 1:42:42 Continuing the mission through advocacy 1:45:35 Closing thoughts

Rob and Brittany welcome VFW National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan, Deputy Director of Grassroots Advocacy Gabby Kubinyi, and National Veterans Service Deputy Director Chris Macinkowicz for a wide-ranging discussion on veterans' benefits, advocacy, and the choices lawmakers make that affect those who served.

The team provides an update on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act and the VFW's continued opposition to its proposed funding mechanism. With more than 80,000 grassroots messages sent to Congress, they explain why lawmakers have other options for advancing important veterans legislation without reducing future disability benefits. The conversation also challenges misconceptions surrounding VA disability compensation, fraud, tinnitus and sleep apnea, while emphasizing that earned benefits are part of the commitment made to those who serve.

The discussion turns to today's service members and the realities of prolonged deployments, particularly for sailors spending months aboard ships away from their families. Chris also recaps the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs conference and how the VFW is finding new ways to reach veterans through remote claims assistance, Combat Tested Gaming and community connections. Gabby highlights opportunities available through the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship, while Kristina previews the Fall Legislative Conference and the organization's push to finish the congressional session strong. The group also underscores the importance of informed, nonpartisan civic engagement and holding elected officials accountable on veterans' issues.

In the Still Serving Spotlight, Rob and Brittany welcome some of the team behind the upcoming feature film CIVILIAN: writer and director John J. Budion, producer Marissa Vitale, and Air Force Special Warfare veteran Anthony Budion. Inspired in part by Anthony's experiences, the film follows a veteran struggling to adapt to civilian life and explores PTSD, alcohol use, loss of purpose, moral injury, family reintegration and the difficulty of leaving behind the structure and identity of military service. Anthony shares the story of his own transition from the Air Force to the NYPD and FDNY and eventually into life outside a uniform, while John discusses drawing from his brother's experiences to create an authentic veteran character rather than relying on familiar Hollywood stereotypes.

Featured Guests:

Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Gabby Kubinyi – Deputy Director, Grassroots Advocacy, VFW National Legislative Service Chris Macinkowicz – Deputy Director, VFW National Veterans Service

Still Serving Spotlight: CIVILIAN John J. Budion – Writer and Director, CIVILIAN Marissa Vitale – Producer, CIVILIAN Anthony Budion – U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Veteran and CIVILIAN Adviser

Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 3:48 Take Care of America's Veterans Act update 7:03 Grassroots advocacy and more than 80,000 messages to Congress 9:52 The cost of veterans legislation and alternative paths forward 13:02 Congressional choices and the TAP Promotion Act 17:02 Protecting veterans' benefits and challenging disability misconceptions 18:53 Sleep apnea, VA disability compensation and fraud 23:39 The lasting effects of repeated military deployments 25:37 Supporting today's deployed sailors 32:41 Showing appreciation for service members and welcoming them home 35:22 National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs conference 36:30 Reaching veterans through remote claims assistance and Combat Tested Gaming 43:03 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship applications 48:16 VFW Fall Legislative Conference preview 52:22 Veterans, elections and nonpartisan civic engagement 1:02:16 Still Serving Spotlight – CIVILIAN 1:04:04 Meet the team behind CIVILIAN 1:06:03 The story behind CIVILIAN and the veteran transition experience 1:08:23 Building an authentic veteran story and cast 1:11:13 Why the film follows an Army officer 1:13:09 Moral injury and the invisible scars of service 1:14:44 Anthony Budion's transition from Air Force Special Warfare to civilian life 1:19:50 PTSD, alcohol, purpose and the struggle to "turn it off" 1:22:41 Military service and family reintegration 1:24:21 Portraying the military spouse experience 1:29:42 The CIVILIAN Veteran Impact Initiative 1:30:36 Creating opportunities for veterans in the film industry 1:32:34 Bringing CIVILIAN to military installations 1:35:14 Using authentic storytelling to bridge the military-civilian divide 1:37:34 Getting veterans' stamp of approval on the story 1:40:07 How veterans can get involved with CIVILIAN 1:41:50 Brazilian jiu-jitsu, camaraderie and Anthony's post-service experience 1:43:04 Target release timeline for CIVILIAN 1:45:05 Good of the Order – Food Edition

A new Commander-in-Chief means a new chapter for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In Episode 70 of Still Serving, Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray recap the 127th VFW National Convention before sitting down with newly elected VFW Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler to discuss his priorities for the year ahead. From veteran wellness and community engagement to protecting earned VA benefits and advocating for America's service members, Geisler outlines his vision for the organization.

The team also provides updates on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA), major legal victories against predatory claims companies, and why grassroots advocacy continues to shape veterans policy.

Later, actor Josh Patton (The Pacific) joins the podcast to discuss portraying Marine Sgt. J.P. Morgan, the unforgettable boot camp that prepared the cast, working with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, and how the series forever connected him to the veteran community.

Hosts:

Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach

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

Featured Guests:

Cory Geisler – VFW Commander-in-Chief

Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office

Mike Figlioli – Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office

Still Serving Spotlight: Josh Patton – Actor (The Pacific)

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & Roll Call

01:52 Convention recap

17:38 The Still Serving Stage

25:04 Irreverent Warriors hike

30:14 Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler's priorities

37:50 TCAVA update

55:48 Claim Sharks update

1:03:02 Josh Patton joins the podcast

1:20:01 Inside The Pacific boot camp

1:28:58 Supporting veterans beyond the screen

1:48:49 Good of the Order

Rob and Brittany are joined by Kristina Keenan and Ryan Gallucci to recap a historic week of VFW advocacy, explain how nearly 100 VFW members helped educate lawmakers on Capitol Hill and discuss why the organization remains firmly opposed to funding expanded veterans legislation by reducing future disability compensation. The conversation examines the outcome of the House vote, the growing momentum behind the VFW's grassroots advocacy campaign and why the organization believes Congress should never establish a precedent for legislating VA disability ratings. Ryan also shares highlights from his recent visit to Germany with Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Glenn Umberger, where they met with service members, military leaders and overseas VFW members to better understand the challenges facing today's force. Later in the episode, Rob and Brittany sit down with the founders of Unmasked Warrior—Dr. Mike Sapiro, Sam Juan, Anton Nootenboom and Noah Galloway—to discuss how storytelling can become a powerful tool for healing, connection and veteran mental health. The group shares the inspiration behind their new live experience and why every veteran's story has the power to help someone else. The episode concludes with a preview of the 127th VFW National Convention in Reno, Nevada, where members from across the country will help shape the organization's legislative priorities and continue advocating for veterans, service members and their families. Hosts Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Featured Guests Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Dr. Mike Sapiro – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior Sam Juan – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior Anton Nootenboom – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior Noah Galloway – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior Episode Highlights 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 2:16 Take Care of America's Veterans Act postponed 6:11 The aftermath of the House vote and online reaction 9:21 Alternative funding proposed for the Major Richard Star Act 15:35 The standalone Major Richard Star Act gains momentum 20:28 Why Section 108 sets a dangerous precedent 35:45 Ryan's visit to Germany with Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Glenn Umberger 40:09 New VFW Action Alert and how members can help 45:05 Preview of the 127th VFW National Convention 53:39 Still Serving Spotlight: Unmasked Warrior 1:17:20 Good of the Order Links & Resources VFW Action Alert https://www.vfw.org/actioncorps 127th VFW National Convention https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/7/127th-vfw-national-convention Unmasked Warrior https://www.unmaskedwarrior.com Afghanistan War Commission https://www.afghanistanwarcommission.senate.gov/

Congress may have delayed action on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, but the conversation surrounding the legislation is far from over. Rob and Brittany are joined by Kristina Keenan, Mike Figlioli and Gabby Kubinyi to break down the latest developments, explain why the VFW remains opposed to paying for expanded veterans legislation by reducing future disability compensation, and discuss what advocates are hearing during meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The discussion examines how the proposed changes could affect future veterans seeking disability compensation for conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea, why Congress legislating disability ratings would be unprecedented, and how the version of the Major Richard Star Act included in the package differs from the standalone legislation the VFW continues to support. The conversation also explores the history behind the VFW's decades-old political cartoon that has recently resurfaced in public debate, emphasizing the organization's longstanding tradition of advocacy on behalf of veterans. Rob and Brittany also highlight the success of the VFW's grassroots Action Alert campaign, discuss preparations for the 2026 VFW National Convention in Reno, and introduce new training opportunities designed to help members become even more effective advocates. Hosts Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Featured Guests Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Mike Figlioli – Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office Gabby Kubinyi – Deputy Director, VFW National Legislative Service Episode Highlights 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 4:58 Update on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act 7:04 Why grassroots advocacy on Capitol Hill matters 13:03 Survivor benefits and the Love Lives On Act 17:37 How proposed disability rating changes could affect future veterans 21:19 Why Congress changing VA disability ratings is unprecedented 31:22 The Major Richard Star Act explained 40:27 The history behind the VFW's political cartoon 55:28 Action Alert surpasses 50,000 messages to Congress 59:25 Preview of the 2026 VFW National Convention 1:14:01 New advocacy training for VFW members 1:16:42 Good of the Order Links & Resources Mentioned VFW Action Alert – Tell Congress to Oppose Veterans' Benefit Cuts https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-action-alert-tell-congress-to-oppose-veterans-benefit-cuts Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2102 Ask the VFW https://www.vfw.org/ask-the-vfw 127th VFW National Convention (Reno, Nevada) https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/7/127th-vfw-national-convention VFW National Legislative Service https://www.vfw.org/advocacy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) https://www.dpaa.mil/

We examine the Take Care of American Veterans Act and what it could mean for veterans' disability benefits.

The panel breaks down the legislation, which combines more than 60 veteran-focused bills—including a version of the Major Richard Star Act—with funding provisions that would reduce future disability compensation for sleep apnea and tinnitus. They explain why the VFW strongly opposes any effort to pay for veterans' legislation by cutting earned benefits and why the organization views the proposal as a dangerous precedent for future generations of veterans.

The conversation explores the legislative process behind the bill, reactions from lawmakers and veterans, and concerns over Congress intervening in the VA disability rating schedule. The guests also discuss the broader implications for military recruitment, retention, health care access, and trust in the commitments made to service members.

Featured Guests:

Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service

Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office

Mike Figlioli – Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office

Jason Johns – Chairman, VFW National Legislative Committee

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro and Roll Call

1:49 Overview of the Taking Care of American Veterans Act

4:14 Why the VFW opposes the bill's funding mechanism

6:12 Largest proposed veterans' benefit cut since the Great Depression

8:15 Impact on future veterans and military recruiting

10:35 Congressional involvement in VA disability ratings

14:09 Sleep apnea ratings and common misconceptions

16:50 Why sleep apnea remains a serious service-connected disability

21:12 Rules Committee hearing recap and next legislative steps

25:19 Concerns about the speed of the legislative process

28:01 The VFW's position on the Major Richard Star Act

30:42 Service members' concerns about future benefits

33:10 Comparisons to previous attempts to reduce veterans' benefits

37:32 Alternative funding options and congressional priorities

43:37 VFW Resolution 601 and protecting earned benefits

45:51 Why veterans should contact their elected officials

51:25 Tinnitus, VA access, and long-term health impacts

59:19 Good of the Order

1:05:42 Closing reflections and call to action

Editor's Note: We experienced some technical audio issues during the recording of this episode. While every effort was made to improve the sound quality, listeners may notice occasional audio fluctuations throughout the conversation. Thank you for your understanding.

Rob and Brittany welcome Congressman Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania's 17th District to the podcast. Deluzio is a Navy veteran, VFW member, and member of the House Armed Services Committee who continues to advocate for service members, veterans, and military families on Capitol Hill.

Before the interview, VFW National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan and Associate Director Joy Craig join the show for an in-depth legislative update covering several key issues impacting veterans and military families. The discussion includes ongoing efforts to secure justice for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination, implementation of the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, progress on the Major Richard Star Act, and developments in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Deluzio reflects on his path from the U.S. Naval Academy to military service and eventually Congress, discussing how veterans bring a mission-first mindset to public service. He shares his experiences serving as a Surface Warfare Officer, deploying to Iraq alongside Army units, and the importance of having veterans represented in government.

The conversation explores military quality-of-life issues, including pay, housing, spouse employment, child care, and the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life. Deluzio also discusses the importance of military credentialing programs, improving transition assistance, protecting veterans' benefits, and advancing legislation such as the Major Richard Star Act.

The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming 127th VFW National Convention in Reno, Nevada, and the launch of Ask the VFW, a new platform allowing listeners to submit questions directly to VFW subject matter experts.

Have a question for the VFW? Visit https://vfw.org/AskTheVFW or go to the Ask the VFW page to submit your question for a future episode.

Featured Guests:

Chris Deluzio – U.S. Representative (PA-17), Navy Veteran, VFW Member

Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service

Joy Craig – Associate Director, VFW National Legislative Service

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro and Roll Call

2:58 Camp Lejeune Justice Act and toxic exposure advocacy

7:36 VA Home Loan Program Reform Act implementation

11:54 Major Richard Star Act update and discharge petition progress

19:33 NDAA overview and military quality-of-life priorities

26:53 Military pay raises, transition assistance, and credentialing reforms

47:19 Congressman Chris Deluzio joins the podcast

47:39 Military service and path to Congress

50:44 Veterans in government and public service

52:17 NDAA priorities and military readiness

54:18 Quality-of-life challenges facing service members and families

57:15 Military transition and civilian credentialing

59:15 Major Richard Star Act discussion

1:03:24 Deluzio's perspective as a VA health care user

1:06:58 Introducing Ask the VFW

1:09:10 Good of the Order – Looking ahead to the VFW National Convention

Rob Couture welcomes back Kristina Keenan, Director of VFW National Legislative Service, alongside Ryan Gallucci, Executive Director of the VFW Washington Office, for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest veterans' legislation and advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.

The episode covers recent House Veterans Affairs Committee hearings on VA restructuring, toxic exposure oversight, expanded dental care, and transition support programs. The team also breaks down major updates surrounding the Major Richard Star Act, including growing bipartisan momentum and ongoing negotiations in Congress.

Ryan and Kristina provide an important update on the VFW's fight against "claim sharks" following a significant federal court ruling against Veterans Guardian, reinforcing long-standing concerns about unaccredited companies exploiting veterans for profit.

Later in the episode, co-host Brittany Dymond Murray sits down with Toni Lavery, co-founder and executive director of the Fox Force Foundation, to discuss empowering women veterans and first responders through mentorship, resilience, and community — including an upcoming historic all-women D-Day jump into Normandy featuring VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore.

Fox Force Foundation: https://foxforce55.org/

Featured Guests: Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Toni Lavery – Co-Founder & Executive Director, Fox Force Foundation

Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 1:26 House VA Committee hearings overview 10:42 Toxic exposure oversight and Pact Act transparency 21:40 Expanded VA dental care proposal 23:44 Guard Act update and claim shark legislation 28:42 Major Richard Star Act update 46:13 Major court ruling against claim sharks 1:01:37 VFW resolutions process and member advocacy 1:10:37 Still Serving Spotlight – Fox Force Foundation 1:23:23 Women veterans jumping into Normandy for D-Day 1:41:43 Transition challenges and finding purpose after service 1:56:12 Good of the Order and Memorial Day reflections