There’s a New Chief in Town
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
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...
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The Quiet Part Out Loud
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
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...
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The Looniest of Times
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
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...
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We Don't Pull Up Ladders
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
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...
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The Mission Came First
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
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...
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Fight the Good Fight
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
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....
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Over There! Recapping the Far East Outreach Mission
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray are joined by VFW Washington Office leaders Ryan Gallucci, Mike Figlioli, and Joy Craig for a discussion on overseas military support, Memorial Day remembrance, and key legislative priorities impacting veterans. Joy Craig reflects on her recent overseas visit alongside VFW Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore through Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, where they met with VFW Posts, military leadership, service members, and families. The team discusses challenges facing troops and veterans stationed abroad, including healthcare access, spouse employment,...
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Is the VA Math Mathing?
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
In this episode, we’re coming to you on-location from Annapolis, Maryland, during the VFW National Veterans Service (NVS) Proficiency Training Conference alongside Ryan Gallucci, Mike Figlioli, Chris Macinkowicz and special guest VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler. Together, they pull back the curtain on how the VFW trains and equips its accredited service officers to better serve veterans navigating the VA claims process. The team explores the intensive training that ensures VFW representatives stay current on evolving laws, court cases, and VA policies, highlighting...
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Never Leave a Fallen Comrade
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Host Rob Couture records this special overseas episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast from Southeast Asia, joined by VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler. Together, they take listeners inside the VFW’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) fact-finding mission — a powerful, on-the-ground look at the ongoing effort to bring America’s missing service members home. Geisler reflects on his first experience in the region, sharing insights from visits across Hawaii, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. From the cutting-edge forensic work at the Daniel K. Inouye Center for...
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Shark of Record
#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_outlineIn 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 VFW’s legacy of service.
From the campus lounge to Capitol Hill, today’s student veterans are tomorrow’s leaders — still learning, still leading, and still serving.
Featured Guests:
Tammy Barlet – Vice President, Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America; VFW Legacy Life Member (PA)
Jennifer Ross – VFW–SVA Legislative Fellow Alum; VFW Life Member
Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Brittany Dymond Murray – Co-host & Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Welcome
2:15 Spotlight on Student Veterans of America and VFW partnership
4:54 Tammy Barlet’s journey from student veteran to national advocate
10:01 What SVA chapters offer on campus vs. VFW posts in the community
13:43 SVA’s 1,600+ chapters worldwide and their role in student success
18:33 The VFW–SVA Legislative Fellowship: purpose, process, and impact
20:19 Jennifer Ross shares her fellowship experience and advocacy on Guard/Reserve GI Bill parity
22:47 Application process, mentorship, and building a community action plan
25:18 Preparing student veterans to brief Congress alongside the VFW
27:02 Advocacy paths for introverts and extroverts alike
29:25 Fellowship open to all fields of study — passion drives impact
31:16 Balancing school, SVA, VFW, and fellowship commitments
1:06:54 Afghanistan War Commission session
1:08:27 Historic election of Carol Whitmore as the VFW’s first female Commander-in-Chief
1:11:01 Good of the Order: Tammy on how SVA modeled claims clinics after the VFW convention
1:14:13 Kristina Keenan previews the upcoming Fall Legislative Conference and expanded grassroots advocacy
1:17:22 Call to action: Afghanistan veterans encouraged to share experiences with the Afghanistan War Commission
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