Everyone wants to operate at their top level of mental, emotional, and physical performance. Often, when service members leave the military, many believe they won't ever be at the top of their game again but that is not true. So, if now is the time of year when your New Year's resolution is going by the wayside, starting to slip through the cracks, or maybe even forgotten about altogether, here is some inspiration to help you get back after it.

Host Rob Couture speaks with three soldier Olympians from the Army World Class Athlete Program who are representing Team USA in the bobsled event at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. Then, CEO and Founder of the Fit-Ops Foundation and Founder of the University of Health and Performance, Matt Hesse shares how his organization and the University are helping veterans get to the starting line of a career in the fitness industry. Matt shares what motivated him to create his veteran-focused organization and how veterans benefit from it. This is great information, especially for those who want to get their foot in the door of a new wellness-centered career.

LTC Garrett Hines, Push Coach for Bobsled & Skeleton Teams SGT Shauna Rohbock, Assistant Coach, Bobsled Teams SPC Frank Del Duca, Athlete-Pilot, Bobsled Teams

• LTC Hines, SGT Rohbock, and SPC Del Duca describe their roles on the Olympic team and how they transitioned from track and field into bobsledding. [2:41]

• SGT Rohbock describes what it is like to coach the men and women as one of only two woman coaches in the sport of sledding. [10:48]

• LTC Hines talks about what it feels like to represent the USA on the world stage. [11:56]

• LTC Hines and SGT Rohbock explain what it feels like to be standing on the podium with a silver medal. [13:50]

• Parting thoughts about the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. [20:46]

Matt Hesse, CEO, and Founder of the FitOps Foundation and the University of Health and Performance

• With the intention of helping people grow stronger, Matt created FitOps for veterans to thrive in their lives through fitness and purpose. [30:05]

• Matt's forthcoming book, The Purpose Blueprint is based on four pillars and looks to help veterans regulate themselves and to serve others. [37:53]

• After completing the FitOps program, veterans become certified trainers and are alumni of the University of Health and Performance. [41:21]

• Matt shares how to learn more about the scholarships available through FitOps or to apply at the University of Health and Performance. [48:47]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program

FitOps and the University of Health and Performance

Make the Connection

Cup of Joe Radio Show — Helping Veterans Through the Power of Music

VA-backed Veterans Home Loans or 877-827-3702

The VFW is dedicated to the wellness of our members. Physical and mental wellness are well-known attributes of a good life but few consider financial wellness as a contributing factor to overall wellness. As we begin the new year, we always want to do better. We have resolutions. We want to make better financial decisions using all of the tools at our disposal. But, it can be a hunt to discover what all those tools are.

To explore some of the VA's financial offerings for veterans and service members, Host Rob Couture, talks with Mr. Shak Hill and Mr. Joe Bell. Shak Hill is a Program Analyst for the Office of Transition & Economic Development (OTED) in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). He describes the free Wellness Wednesday Financial Education courses offered by the VBA and Prudential. John Bell is the Acting Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He shares resources and information regarding the VA Home Loan program and why it is the right financial choice for veterans.

Shak Hill, Program Analyst for the Office of Transition & Economic Development (OTED), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

• Mr. Hill describes his service in the Air Force, becoming a flight commander, and how the fruits of his physical fitness developed into him officiating MLS games. [3:43]

• Wellness Wednesday Financial Education is a series of free classes offered to veterans, transitioning service members, and their families to help them achieve financial fitness. [7:52]

• Mr. Hill describes how individual needs and questions are addressed after a Wellness Wednesday class. [15:12]

• Additional financial educational opportunities are on the horizon, as Mr. Hill explains. [18:09]

• Mr. Hill provides how veterans, transitioning service members, and their families can register for financial classes and information. [20:41]

John Bell, Acting Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• In the military, John was part of Operation Restore Hope and later became involved in the mortgage business. [27:23]

• Joe describes his role as Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service at the VA and key elements of the VA Home Loan program. [29:28]

• What an appraisal is and what it isn't. [37:34]

• The residual income requirement ensures a veteran can stay in a home once the loan has been approved. [40:16]

• Resources for additional information about the VA's Home Loan program. [42:06]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship

Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us

Find more about the Financial Wellness classes offered by the VBA here

Cup of Joe Radio Show — Helping Veterans Through the Power of Music

VA-backed Veterans Home Loans or 877-827-3702

Just imagine it is December 1989, and you think you are just going out on a regular training mission. As it turns out, you are getting ready to jump into combat. That is what happened to SEAC (Ret.) John Wayne Troxell when he was a young Staff Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. And thus began Operation Just Cause and the invasion of Panama. John and his unit were the only people to ever jump into combat with armored vehicles.

But before John shares his remarkable story with Host Rob Couture, VFW National Commander Fritz Mihelcic offers updates as to what he's been doing since the time of the summer convention.

Fritz Mihelcic, VFW's National Commander

• Fritz confirms that any VFW member can be presented as a candidate for an office within the organization. [2:35]

• Video calls and online communication may suffice but there is nothing like meeting people face-to-face, as Fritz recalls from his trip to Hawaii. [8:58]

• Over 150 WWII veterans attended the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor on the pier across from the USS Arizona Memorial. [13:13]

• Fritz details his route as he compiles the list of priorities from the service organizations the VFW works to assist. [16:01]

• Words of wisdom and a personal holiday greeting from VFW National Commander, Fritz Mihelcic. [28:45]

John Wayne Troxell, SEAC (Ret.)

• John describes the days leading up to Operation Just Cause in Panama and shares his role in the forced-entry mission. [32:42]

• Operation Just Cause was the first to air-drop a Sheridan Mini Tank. [40:38]

• As the vehicle commander, just after landing, John's crew was created by the soldiers who arrived at the tank first. [54:11]

• For John, Operation Just Cause in Panama was more dangerous than Desert Storm in Iraq. [58:27]

• John was finally able to call his family on Christmas Eve after not communicating with them since before the operation. [1:13:31]

• Final words from John about leadership and training. [1:20:47]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship

Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us

This summer was a tough time for many veterans who watched the evacuation of Afghanistan and the end of the war after 20 years. It was difficult for many veterans to deal with the feelings that surfaced as they watched everything unfold. To give those feelings an outlet, Host Rob Couture decided to give veterans a platform to share their perspectives of history, combat, and what life was like serving their country at a time of war. In this episode, he speaks with Tony Mayne, an Army Ranger who jumped into Afghanistan the month after 9/11 as the war in Afghanistan and the global war on terrorism began. Now retired, Tony is the Founder and CEO of the Ranger for Life program.

Tony Mayne, U.S. Army Retired Major — Founder & CEO, Ranger for Life

• Tony recounts his journey from college to joining the Army Rangers. [2:29]

• Immediately after graduating from PDLC, Tony discovered the country was going to war and he was going to Kandahar. [6:50]

• A Kodak camera caused Tony more grief than any firefight. [17:07]

• Tony describes the beginning of his unit's deployment to Afghanistan. [21:17]

• No one knew how long Operation Enduring Freedom would last. [36:33]

• Tony went back to Afghanistan to execute government policy as a Public Affairs Officer. [43:25]

• Watching the evacuation, Tony saw examples of the American spirit being alive and well. [49:23]

• Tony describes the Ranger for Life program and how it assists the veteran community. [52:54]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship

Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us

Ranger for Life

Gallant Few — Rangers

In this special Veterans Day edition of #StillServing, Host Rob Couture interviews his friend and the only living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the Iraq War, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia. David was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 25, 2019, for his action at the battle of Fallujah.

Rob reflects on his time as a master sergeant serving as the Department of the Army's lead communicator for the Medal of Honor where he served as David's public affairs advisor and travel coordinator. The airing of this podcast on November 10th not only serves to celebrate David's birthday but also the anniversary of his action on November 10th, 2004.

David Bellavia, Medal of Honor Recipient — Operation Iraqi Freedom —

• A recording of David explaining the events surrounding the action that earned him the Medal of Honor. [2:03]

• How "Thank you for your service" translates for those #stillserving. [8:55]

• David describes the kinship, love, trust, and respect shared by those in the Armed Forces and how he became part of the tribe. [11:27]

• Military service is a great place to meet people with a rich tapestry of backgrounds and stories, which serve as life's entertainment. David shares a humorous example. [16:42]

• After 20 years of the war on terror, David reflects on his experience and the sacrifices veterans make. [25:13]

• Post-traumatic stress is not a lifetime condition. How David helps himself and others find balance. [32:27]

• Wearing the Medal of Honor can test your mettle. [40:41]

• In addition to House to House, David's new book, Remember the Ramrods will be released in 2022. [52:49]

• David's inspirational Pentagon Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony remarks. [55:23]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship

Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us

Learn more about David Bellavia at Army.mil/medalofhonor/bellavia

David Bellavia

ntinue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship

Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Memorial

Cohen Veterans Network

This past September 29th, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States celebrated its 122nd birthday. As one of the nation's oldest combat veterans service organizations, the VFW has been unwavering in its devotion to serving those who served. Whether it's fighting for health care, education, or disability compensation — No One Does More For Veterans than the VFW.

More than 100 Service Officers attended an eight-day training session put on by VFW's National Veteran Service. During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture speaks to Junior Vice Commander for the VFW, Duane Sarmiento, about how important this training is to the VFW in continuing our legacy of helping veterans. Deputy Director of National Veteran Service, Gregg Orto, breaks down the fundamentals of VA Claim eligibility and filing and an interview with the Defense Commissary Agency discussing commissary benefits veterans are entitled to even after leaving service.

Duane Sarmiento, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, VFW —

• Duane shares his opinion of the Service Officer training based on his many years of service as Director of Veterans' Affairs in NJ. [2:56]

• Taking care of veterans is paramount because only eight percent of Americans serve in the military to protect the nation's freedoms. [5:04]

• Duane's military service includes the Navy and the Navy Reserves. [11:19]

• Joining the VFW was a rite of passage and his continued membership is a significant part of his life, explains Duane. [14:15]

• Duane is the first person of color to be a VFW National Officer. [19:39]

Gregg Orto, Deputy Director, National Veterans Service —

• Gregg shares the story of his transition from active duty to working through his pre-disposition claims. [27:28]

• Gregg defines processes, timelines, and recommendations to use when being discharged from military service. [29:13]

Sgt. Maj. Michael Saucedo, U.S.M.C., Senior Enlisted Advisor & Deborah Harris, Dietician and Health and Wellness Program Manager, Defense Commissary Agency —

• Michael and Deborah describe how and why they arrived in the Defense Commissary Agency. [39:28]

• The commissary offers service members and retirees scientifically-backed nutritional food. [42:44]

• Veterans are now allowed to access the commissary benefit. [45:29]

• New initiatives by the commissary include the Come Back to Savings campaign and home delivery services. [51:49]

• The various payment options available at commissaries and final thoughts on DeCA. [1:01:05]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship

Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us

If you are a veteran enrolled in college for this fall semester, you are more than likely knee-deep in classes by now. If you took advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill you're probably not worried about the debt. But, scholarships can go a long way to help you reach educational goals when benefits don't quite get you there. Since 2013, the generous folks at Sport Clips Haircuts have helped raise millions of dollars for the VFW's Sport Clips Help A Hero scholarship. With that in mind, Rob took the #StillServing podcast on the road and traveled to San Antonio, Texas, for this year's Sport Clips Haircuts annual National Huddle convention.

During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture speaks with Sport Clips Chairman and Founder, and VFW life-member Mr. Gordon Logan to hear about how he went from being a C-130 pilot during the Vietnam war to the head of one of the most innovative franchises in North America. He also speaks with influencers within the Sport Clip system and with a mutual partner of both the VFW and Sport Clips, president and founder of Dream Flights, Mr. Darryl Fisher to learn about what his charity does to give the experience of a lifetime to our most senior veterans.

Gordon Logan, Chairman, and Founder, Sport Clips Haircuts —

• Mr. Logan shares his inspiration for developing Sport Clips and how the organization goes the extra mile to give men and boys the style and service they deserve. [3:20]

• How Sport Clips helps the VFW with the Help A Hero Scholarship program. [6:34]

• Being an Air Force veteran himself, Mr. Logan wanted to do something to say thank you to veterans for helping to keep America safe. [10:23]

Amanda Palm, Corporate Communications Manager, Sport Clips Haircuts —

• Amanda describes the purpose of the Sport Clips Haircuts Huddle. [13:53]

• Amanda highlights some of the fundraising efforts for the Help A Hero campaign that comes from Sport Clips clients and franchisees. [15:32]

• On Veterans Day, Sport Clips is offering free haircuts to active duty military personnel in addition to their fundraising efforts. [20:57]

Joe Klimek, Navy veteran and Area Developer, Sport Clips Houston —

• Joe shares his 5-year military service story. [23:15]

• How military service can translate into future civil career opportunities at Sport Clips for veterans. [24:50]

• Joe explains how leadership skills learned in the military are the same leadership skills needed to run a Sport Clips store. [28:00]

Ted McMurdo, Team Leader, Sport Clips Colorado —

• Ted describes his passion for fundraising and supporting the military through his 17 Sport Clips stores and golf events. [31:34]

• Teams in Colorado Springs look forward to free haircuts for veterans on Veterans Day. [35:39]

Darryl Fisher, President, and Founder, Dream Flights —

• Mr. Fisher describes how Dream Flights came into existence and how it serves elderly veterans. [39:15]

• The entire fleet of Dream Flights is all World War 2 era planes that still serve America in a multitude of significant ways. [43:20]

• Mr. Fisher shares a story of a 99-year-old World War 2 veteran who took his final flight. [45:50]

• The relationship between Dream Flights and Sport Clips was developed out of a similar mission to help veterans. [47:30]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

VFW Help A Hero Scholarship

Sport Clips

Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us

Dream Flights

ant is a present reminder that this pandemic is not quite over. Nevertheless, we must press on with life and continue to get after business even if we've got to make adjustments in the way we do things. The VFW's 2021 National Convention is proof that our organization can and will make things happen.

During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture speaks with the three leaders guiding the VFW through this time of transition. First, he speaks to the Adjutant General of the VFW, Kevin Jones, to learn about the tough decisions and hard work that brought about this year's business-only convention. Then the VFW's outgoing Commander-In-Chief Hal Roesch looks back at this year in the chair, and finally he introduces us to the VFW's incoming Commander-In-Chief, Fritz Mihelcic to understand his priorities and vision for this next year.

Kevin Jones, VFW Adjutant General —

• Kevin shares his Air Force service story. [2:47]

• Looking back at the 2020s VFW virtual convention and ahead to the 2021s business-only convention. [5:55]

• Kevin gives an audible tour of the logistics and safety protocols of the VFW convention. [14:33]

• The VFW gave everything they had during the difficult time during COVID. [19:53]

Hal Roesch, Outgoing Commander-in-Chief, VFW —

• In the Air Force, Hal was part of the most successful US military campaign, Desert Shield/Desert Storm. [24:05]

• How Hal became a member of the VFW during his active-duty service. [29:24]

• The fellowship and benefit of a VFW membership at the Post level. [33:35]

• A pandemic, the end of a war, and racial strife, how Hal led the VFW during the difficult days. [39:58]

• What veterans and community members need to keep in mind during the political process. [45:42]

• Hal speaks his final comments for the VFW organization. [54:49]

Fritz Mihelcic, VFW Commander-In-Chief—

• Born in Germany, Fritz started his service story in the National Guard because he is proud to serve this country. [1:00:31]

• The future of the VFW is to make the world a better place for all military generations. [1:05:47]

• Fritz traveled physically and virtually to perform as much member outreach as possible as Vice Commander during 2020. [1:12:24]

• How to leverage social media to tell the VFW story. [1:16:05]

• To break the cycle of PTSD, a service dog named Mama is Fritz's partner. [1:25:31]

• The time is now to focus on veterans' service and legislation. [1:32:44]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

VFW Action Corps

Veterans are a unique breed of individuals. They are the only demographic in the nation tied together by the oaths they take to the country and the values they hold instilled in them from the moment they step off that bus at boot camp. As they continue through life, the values, like duty and selfless service, continue to drive many of them to not walk past problems in their communities. When they see a need they step up to meet it. It's just who they are.

During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture speaks with Pat Murray, Director of the VFW's National Legislative Service who talks about the work his team does with Congress on behalf of veterans' rights. Then, Ryan Gallucci, Director of the National Veterans Service discusses what National Veteran Service is and how VA accredited VFW service officers help veterans and their families get the benefits they are due. And, Bob Jackson, Director of Operations at the VFW Washington office tells us about some of the history of the VFW Memorial Building and its unique role as the silent Sentinel on Capitol Hill.

Pat Murray, Director, VFW National Legislative Service —

• Pat shares his Marine Corps service story and how, today, he helps veterans with disability, employment, and education issues. [3:03]

• The National Legislative Service works face-to-face with Congress as the public voice of VFW on Capitol Hill. [8:08]

• Pat describes the process of how veterans' interests are introduced to Congress, how the issues are resolved, and partner organizations. [11:57]

• Current topics being addressed include Toxic Exposure Benefits. [21:50]

• How to sign up for the VFW Action Corps and how to support veterans. [28:27]

Ryan Gallucci, Director, National Veterans Service —

• Ryan shares his Army service story and how he came to advocate for veterans as Director of the National Veterans Service. [33:55]

• The National Veterans Service trains a global network of accredited advocates and represents 500,000-plus veterans for free. [43:02]

• Certain consulting groups not affiliated with the VA have taken advantage of newly transitioning veterans. [51:38]

• The importance of paying it forward by joining the VFW. [59:44]

Bob Jackson, Director of Operations, VFW Memorial Building —

• Bob recalls his service story, which started in 1976. [1:05:38]

• A virtual tour of the majestic VFW Memorial Building, which has a rich history of service to the country. [1:11:14]

• The VFW is the only service organization that ensures the U.S. Government keeps its promise to all service members. [1:28:48]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

VFW Action Corps