Smart Money: Exploring the VA’s Financial Literacy and Home Loan Programs
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Release Date: 01/12/2022
Rockstars!
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Rob Couture welcomes two historic leaders of the VFW in this inspiring episode of #StillServing: Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore and VFW Auxiliary National President Lois Callahan. Together, they share their personal journeys, their priorities for the year ahead, and their vision for how the VFW and Auxiliary can continue to strengthen advocacy and support for veterans and their families. Whitmore reflects on her decades of Army service, her milestone election as the first female Commander-in-Chief, and her focus on advocacy, service officers, and the POW/MIA mission. Callahan discusses her...
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An Unconventional Convention
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In this dynamic episode of #StillServing, host Rob Couture is joined by Mike Figlioli, Gabby Kubinyi, Ryan Gallucci, and Brittany Dymond Murray to break down a truly historic VFW National Convention in Columbus, Ohio, the organization’s birthplace. From the logistics of setting the stage and running the Claims Clinic to the long hours of delegate business, the team offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how convention comes together. The conversation dives into the emotional impact of the Afghanistan War Commission, where veterans courageously shared personal experiences, frustrations, and...
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Back to School
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In this engaging episode of #StillServing, Rob Couture and co-host Brittany Dymond Murray sit down with Tammy Barlet, Jennifer Ross, and Kristina Keenan for a deep dive into the partnership between the VFW and Student Veterans of America (SVA). Together, they explore how SVA chapters support student veterans on campus, the impact of the GI Bill, and the opportunities created through the VFW–SVA Legislative Fellowship. From personal journeys to national advocacy, the conversation highlights how the next generation of veterans is shaping policy, building community, and carrying forward the...
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Closed Door Meeting
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In this action-packed episode of #StillServing, Rob Couture is joined by co-host Brittany Dymond Murray and VFW national leadership for a wide-ranging discussion on veteran advocacy, legislative wins, healthcare reform, and diplomacy. With guests Kristina Keenan and Ryan Gallucci, they unpack recent victories like the passage of the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, explore the challenges veterans face accessing community care, and recount the VFW’s pivotal role in strengthening U.S.–Vietnam relations over the past 30 years. From Capitol Hill to Hanoi and the halls of the Pentagon, the VFW...
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It's All About Community
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Rob Couture is joined by Brittany Dymond Murray and members of VFW Post 152 in this pre-Independence Day episode of #StillServing to explore the powerful true story behind the podcast Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah. They reflect on how the Post weathered a major deception, maintained integrity, and continued serving their community with purpose and pride. From verifying service eligibility to navigating public fallout and strengthening community trust, this episode highlights the importance of transparency, resilience, and the enduring commitment to support fellow veterans—no matter the...
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One For The Record Books
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Host Rob Couture is joined by key members of the VFW Washington Office to discuss major advocacy initiatives, spotlight ongoing support for veterans, and reflect on the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration. From addressing misinformation about VA policies to championing legislation like the Richard Star Act and SAVES Act, this episode focuses on ensuring veterans receive the benefits and protections they’ve earned—while also calling out the importance of accredited claims support and pre-discharge assistance. Featured Guests: Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office...
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Reporting for Duty … Remotely
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In this episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast, host Rob Couture welcomes back co-host Brittany Dymond Murray in a new virtual capacity and is joined by VFW Washington Office staff to discuss a range of critical veteran issues. The team recaps a meaningful Memorial Day weekend, including wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They honor the legacy of past VFW National Commanders interred at Arlington and reflect on the significance of National Commander Al Lipphardt’s personal connection to the Vietnam War. The episode dives into the...
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Director's Cut
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In this episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast, host Rob Couture catches up with his fellow directors of the VFW Washington Office after an almost two-month-long hiatus. Featured Guests: • Ryan Gallucci – Assistant Adjutant General & Executive Director, VFW Washington Office • Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veterans Service • Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Episode Highlights: Ryan shares his recent health issues and his travels overseas while accompanying VFW senior leadership visiting troops and international partners....
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A Sit-Down with the Chief
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In this episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast, host Rob Couture and co-host Brittany Dymond Murray speak with VFW Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt and Chief of Staff Jeff Carroll about the organization's ongoing efforts to support veterans. Lipphardt shares his military background, how he joined the VFW, and his leadership philosophy which is centered on integrity, responsibility, and military values. The discussion highlights the VFW’s advocacy work, including their upcoming Washington Conference, where Lipphardt will testify before Congress on key veteran issues such as healthcare, VA...
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This Concludes My Testimony
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In this latest episode of #StillServing, host Rob Couture explores the VFW’s advocacy efforts, highlighting key issues affecting veterans and service members. From Congressional testimonies to veterans' healthcare access overseas, this episode sheds light on how the VFW continues to fight for those who served. Featured Guests: • Nancy Springer – Associate Director, National Legislative Service • Ryan Gallucci – Assistant Adjutant General & Executive Director, VFW Washington Office • Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Communications & Public Affairs ...
info_outlineThe 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)
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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]
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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]
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Mr. Hill describes how individual needs and questions are addressed after a Wellness Wednesday class. [15:12]
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Additional financial educational opportunities are on the horizon, as Mr. Hill explains. [18:09]
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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)
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In the military, John was part of Operation Restore Hope and later became involved in the mortgage business. [27:23]
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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]
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What an appraisal is and what it isn’t. [37:34]
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The residual income requirement ensures a veteran can stay in a home once the loan has been approved. [40:16]
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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
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