Striving for Excellence: Focus on Team USA and Careers in Fitness
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Release Date: 02/02/2022
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 ...
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Getting the Inside Scoop
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In this latest episode of #StillServing, host Rob Couture dives into critical discussions about the VFW's advocacy efforts and achievements, joined by an insightful panel of guests. From legislative wins to empowering student veterans, this episode highlights how the VFW continues to make an impact for veterans nationwide. Featured Guests: Kristina Keenan – Deputy Director, National Legislative Service Joe Grassi – Associate Director, National Legislative Service Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Communications & Public Affairs Episode Highlights: [10:38]...
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We’ve Been Here Before
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In the second episode following the podcast’s return, this hour is packed with compelling topics from an engaging panel of guests. In this holiday-themed episode, our host Rob Couture and guests explore the VFW’s record-setting achievements in securing benefits for veterans, reflect on Pearl Harbor Day events, deliver a sharp critique of a controversial article on veterans’ benefits, and wrap up with a spirited discussion about the upcoming Army-Navy game. Featured Guests: Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veterans Service Patrick Murray – Director, VFW National Legislative...
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For the Good of the Order
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast returns by popular demand! With a fresh studio setup and a revamped format, it’s still packed with the engaging conversations you know and love. In this special pre-Thanksgiving episode, host Rob Couture welcomes key voices from the VFW Washington Office to reflect on Thanksgiving traditions while deployed overseas, unpack the significance of the Elizabeth Dole Act, explore presidential transitions, and dive into fun topics like the Army-Navy game uniforms and more. Featured Guests: Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Patrick Murray –...
info_outlineEveryone 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
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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]
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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]
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LTC Hines talks about what it feels like to represent the USA on the world stage. [11:56]
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LTC Hines and SGT Rohbock explain what it feels like to be standing on the podium with a silver medal. [13:50]
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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
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With the intention of helping people grow stronger, Matt created FitOps for veterans to thrive in their lives through fitness and purpose. [30:05]
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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]
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After completing the FitOps program, veterans become certified trainers and are alumni of the University of Health and Performance. [41:21]
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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
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
Cup of Joe Radio Show — Helping Veterans Through the Power of Music
VA-backed Veterans Home Loans or 877-827-3702