#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Join us for a discussion on legislative priorities, legal battles, and ongoing efforts to protect veterans’ benefits. In this episode, Rob and Brittany are joined by Ryan Gallucci, VFW General Counsel John Muckelbauer, and National Legislative Committee Chairman Jason Johns as the conversation dives deep into the impact of the VFW Washington Conference and the power of grassroots advocacy. The group reflects on the energy and outcomes of the conference, including direct engagement with lawmakers and efforts to push forward key legislation like the Major Richard Star Act. They also break...
info_outline#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
On the heels of an electrifying VFW Washington Conference, Host Rob Couture welcomes VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore, Ryan Gallucci, Kristina Keenan, and Mike Figlioli to reflect on a landmark week of advocacy, powerful testimony on Capitol Hill and the sobering reality that American service members remain in harm’s way amid escalating conflict involving Iran. Whitmore discusses delivering her testimony as VFW National Commander before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees, calling on Congress to fully and faithfully “Honor the Contract" with...
info_outline#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Host Rob Couture is joined by Ryan Gallucci, Executive Director of the VFW Washington Office, and Mike Figlioli, Director of VFW National Veteran Service, to break down major developments affecting veterans. The conversation centers on the VA’s interim final rule amending 38 CFR 4.10 — a regulatory change that raised concerns about how disability ratings could factor in the effects of medication. The team explains what the rule meant, why it sparked backlash across the veterans community, and how coordinated advocacy led to VA announcing it would not move forward with enforcement for now....
info_outline#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Host Rob Couture welcomes Ryan Gallucci, Brittany Dymond Murray, Nancy Springer, and Gabby Kubinyi for a wide-ranging advocacy roundtable covering the latest veterans policy updates from Capitol Hill and beyond. The conversation begins with a major update on the Major Richard Star Act, including the VFW’s new three-part Action Alert strategy aimed at pushing Congress toward a long-overdue public hearing. The panel explains why hearings matter, what’s driving resistance, and how advocates can keep the momentum going. Next, the team breaks down major developments in the...
info_outline#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Host Rob Couture opens the first episode of 2026 with VFW leaders for an in-depth discussion on veteran policy priorities and emerging national security issues. The episode centers on the Major Richard Star Act, breaking down why the bill was left out of the National Defense Authorization Act, clarifying misconceptions about cost and jurisdiction, and explaining why the Armed Services Committees play a critical role in advancing the legislation. The panel outlines the VFW’s updated advocacy strategy and how members can help push the bill forward through targeted engagement and calls...
info_outline#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
We welcome members of the VFW Washington Office for a roundtable on advocacy, benefits delivery, and showing up for veterans where it matters most. Leaders from National Legislative Service and National Veteran Service discuss how frontline experience shapes VFW’s work on Capitol Hill. The episode opens with updates from recent VFW congressional engagement, including a House roundtable on veterans’ data protection and claims fraud tied to predatory practices and AI-generated nexus letters. The panel also reviews Nancy Springer’s recent testimony on more than two dozen veterans-related...
info_outline#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Host Rob Couture and co-host Brittany Dymond Murray sit down with Kristina Keenan, Ryan Gallucci, and Glenn Umberger, VFW Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, to break down the key legislative and administrative issues currently affecting America’s veterans. Keenan recaps her recent congressional testimony, highlighting concerns about VA proposals tied to Medicare Advantage, as well as the growing problem of predatory companies misguiding veterans seeking disability benefits. Gallucci expands on the VFW’s efforts to protect the VA Home Loan program and discusses challenges veterans face when...
info_outline#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Host Rob Couture is joined by Mike Figlioli, Ryan Gallucci, and Brittany Dymond Murray for a dynamic episode covering Veterans Day events, Combat Tested Gaming, and the VFW’s ongoing fight to Honor the Contract. The team reflects on a meaningful Veterans Day weekend with Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore, highlighting ceremonies at Arlington, community engagements, and their nearly 21-mile Warrior YOMP with the Allied Forces Foundation. In the featured segment, the panel welcomes Lynn Rolf, Tim Stocker, and Rob Caudle to discuss VFW Combat Tested Gaming: a thriving online community...
info_outline#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Host Rob Couture is joined by Ryan Gallucci, Kristina Keenan, and Mike Figlioli from the VFW Washington Office to discuss the Washington Post’s latest coverage of veterans’ benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The team addresses a recent series of articles that, they argue, mischaracterize how veterans access the benefits they’ve earned — including claims that veterans are “flooding the system” or abusing disability compensation. They provide context on how accredited service officers, like those in the VFW’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program,...
info_outline#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray go hybrid to tackle two urgent themes: real-time support for service members during the government shutdown, and the healing power of rucks and long-distance “yomps.” Retired 16th Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston, now CEO of Army Emergency Relief (AER), breaks down grants vs. no-interest loans and how AER surged to meet thousands of requests. Joy Craig from VFW’s National Legislative Service explains the “kitchen table” impact of missed pay and why the VFW is pushing Congress to guarantee military pay. Then Dr....
info_outline#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 – Director, VFW National Legislative Service
- Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Communications & Public Affairs
Episode Highlights:
- [2:44] Thanksgiving reflections: What it’s like to spend the holidays while deployed.
- [15:00] Understanding the Senator Elizabeth Dole Act and its impact on VA healthcare.
- [40:35] Presidents of the U.S: Transitioning between administrations, a discussion of new cabinet picks and the process.
- [56:47] Army-Navy game uniforms and debating the coolest thing the Army has ever done.
Join us for thoughtful discussions, heartfelt stories, and a touch of humor—because we’re always #StillServing.
For more information or to 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
Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online