We the People
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Murray are joined by VFW Washington Office leaders Mike Figlioli and Gabby Kubinyi to discuss the upcoming dedication of the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial, leadership training for VFW officers and the organization's latest National Veterans Service accomplishments, including nearly $18 billion in reported benefits recoveries for veterans and their families. In this episode's Still Serving Spotlight, representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross discuss their humanitarian mission to locate missing persons, support families...
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Sort of Live: Post 3285
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
For the first time, Still Serving: The VFW Podcast hits the road for a live recording from a VFW Post. Hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Murray, joined by VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, visit John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 in Frederick, Maryland, to see firsthand how one Post is building for the future while strengthening its connection to veterans and the surrounding community. Department of Maryland Commander Todd Walter and Post Adjutant Patrick Pierson join the conversation to discuss Post 3285’s growth, its new Post home and the role local, state and federal...
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Sets and Reps
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
VFW National Commander Cory Geisler and National Legislative Committee Vice Chairman Staci Boyer join hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray, along with VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, for a wide-ranging conversation from the VFW Fall Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The group takes listeners inside the conference, from preparing new National Legislative Committee members to the evolving training that helps VFW advocates effectively communicate with lawmakers, staff and the media. Stacie reflects on her first year on the committee and discusses how...
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Don't Skip Leg Day
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Rob, Brittany, Kristina and Ryan return to the podcast to break down a busy September for veterans’ advocacy in Washington, including the latest congressional activity, the VFW’s continued opposition to Section 108 of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, and preparations for the VFW Fall Legislative Conference. The team discusses why the VFW continues to push back against using future veterans’ disability benefits to fund other legislation, including the Major Richard Star Act. They address criticism surrounding the VFW’s position, explain why proposed changes to the VA...
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It's All About Choices
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
Rob and Brittany welcome VFW National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan, Deputy Director of Grassroots Advocacy Gabby Kubinyi, and National Veterans Service Deputy Director Chris Macinkowicz for a wide-ranging discussion on veterans’ benefits, advocacy, and the choices lawmakers make that affect those who served. The team provides an update on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act and the VFW’s continued opposition to its proposed funding mechanism. With more than 80,000 grassroots messages sent to Congress, they explain why lawmakers have other options for advancing...
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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...
info_outlineOn 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 veterans. The panel examines the VFW’s top legislative priorities, including the Major Richard Star Act, suicide prevention, brain health, toxic exposure research, and improving access to care for veterans and service members.
Watch VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore's full testimony: https://youtu.be/UXXQzZxifJs
Featured Guests:
Carol Whitmore – VFW National Commander
Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veteran Service
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro and roll call
1:28 Washington Conference overview
2:11 Conflict involving Iran and service members in harm’s way
5:11 Remembering the six U.S. service members killed
11:44 Why honoring the contract matters now
13:00 Carol Whitmore’s testimony before Congress
15:22 Preparing the VFW legislative message
17:10 Standing ovation for the Major Richard Star Act
19:04 Suicide prevention and the human cost of inaction
22:01 Why the Major Richard Star Act matters
24:56 Sen. Ron Johnson blocks unanimous consent
27:49 How unanimous consent works in the Senate
31:21 Why the issue is fairness, not cost
40:07 VA Secretary Doug Collins at Washington Conference
41:56 Rescinding the interim final rule
46:16 “No veteran should ever have to pay for a claim”
51:05 VFW Congressional Award for Rep. August Pfluger
57:30 Bonus Army Memorial March and VFW advocacy history
1:06:35 Good of the Order
1:14:11 Closing remarks