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Release Date: 09/12/2025

#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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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 ...

More Episodes

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 deep connection to the Auxiliary, her father’s legacy of service, and her passion for expanding educational opportunities through the Auxiliary Continuing Education Scholarship. Both leaders also highlight joint initiatives, including vital support for the VFW National Home.

From legislative battles on Capitol Hill like the Richard Star Act and TAP Promotion Act to grassroots training and community impact, this episode captures the unity and determination driving the VFW and Auxiliary forward — proving once again that veterans and families together are still leading, still advancing and still serving.

Carol Whitmore's bio: https://www.vfw.org/settings/content/nationalofficers/carol-whitmore

Featured Guests:

- Carol Whitmore – Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars

- Lois Callahan – National President, VFW Auxiliary

- Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office

- Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro and Roll Call

3:40 Meet the Leaders – Carol Whitmore and Lois Callahan share their backgrounds

6:53 Auxiliary story – Lois Callahan’s path to leadership

11:58 Carol Whitmore reflects on becoming first female Commander-in-Chief

17:10 Legislative priorities and honoring the contract