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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineHosts 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 affected by armed conflict and provide answers to those who have spent years, sometimes decades, waiting for news of their loved ones.
The conversation also highlights the power of veterans' stories, the importance of grassroots advocacy and the bonds of camaraderie that continue long after military service.
Hosts
-
Rob Couture - Director, Public Affairs and Strategic Outreach, VFW Washington Office
-
Brittany Murray - Associate Director, Public Affairs and Strategic Outreach, VFW Washington Office
Featured Guests
-
Mike Figlioli - Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office
-
Gabby Kubinyi - Deputy Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Still Serving Spotlight
-
Fabrizzio Carboni - Head of Regional Delegation for the United States and Canada, International Committee of the Red Cross
-
Cate Bird - Missing Persons and Forensic Manager, International Committee of the Red Cross
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:01 - Trajector Bankruptcy Update: What Veterans Need to Know
04:08 - National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial
07:30 - Remembering the Gulf War and Honoring Vietnam Veterans
11:06 - Training the Next Generation of VFW Leaders
14:26 - Strengthening Grassroots Veterans Advocacy
22:18 - National Veterans Service Training Conference
25:57 - The Power of Veterans' Stories in Advocacy
29:54 - VFW Announces Nearly $18 Billion in Benefits Recoveries
34:03 - Still Serving Spotlight: International Committee of the Red Cross
41:02 - Bringing Missing Persons Home and Supporting Families
51:05 - The Human Cost of Missing Persons
59:07 - How Veterans Can Help Families Find Answers
1:02:42 - Why Neutrality Matters in Humanitarian Work
1:07:20 - Ukraine's Missing Persons Crisis and Lessons for Future Conflicts
1:17:24 - Reflections on the Red Cross's Humanitarian Mission
1:20:54 - Good of the Order: Advocacy and Veterans' Stories
1:21:40 - The Importance of Military Camaraderie
1:24:02 - Army Anniversaries and Military Memories
1:26:58 - Closing Remarks
Resources
-
Trajector Bankruptcy Claims Information (Verita Global): https://www.veritaglobal.net/trajectory
-
VFW Veterans Service: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/va-claims-separation-benefits
-
VFW Action Corps: https://www.vfw.org/actioncorps
-
Ask the VFW: https://www.vfw.org/asktheVFW
-
International Committee of the Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/
Listen to Still Serving: The VFW Podcast at https://www.vfw.org/Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.
#StillServing #VFWPodcast #Veterans #VeteransOfForeignWars