#StillServing: The VFW Podcast

The Veterans of Foreign Wars
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#StillServing: The VFW Podcast is the official podcast of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the oldest combat veterans service organization advocating for and serving our veterans, service members and military families worldwide. #StillServing will feature interviews, one-of-a-kind perspectives and insightful conversations concerning veteran legislation, educational and financial assistance programs, national veterans' services, critical initiatives from the VFW National Commander, and much more.

  1. 6d ago

    It's All About Choices

    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 important veterans legislation without reducing future disability benefits. The conversation also challenges misconceptions surrounding VA disability compensation, fraud, tinnitus and sleep apnea, while emphasizing that earned benefits are part of the commitment made to those who serve. The discussion turns to today's service members and the realities of prolonged deployments, particularly for sailors spending months aboard ships away from their families. Chris also recaps the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs conference and how the VFW is finding new ways to reach veterans through remote claims assistance, Combat Tested Gaming and community connections. Gabby highlights opportunities available through the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship, while Kristina previews the Fall Legislative Conference and the organization's push to finish the congressional session strong. The group also underscores the importance of informed, nonpartisan civic engagement and holding elected officials accountable on veterans' issues. In the Still Serving Spotlight, Rob and Brittany welcome some of the team behind the upcoming feature film CIVILIAN: writer and director John J. Budion, producer Marissa Vitale, and Air Force Special Warfare veteran Anthony Budion. Inspired in part by Anthony's experiences, the film follows a veteran struggling to adapt to civilian life and explores PTSD, alcohol use, loss of purpose, moral injury, family reintegration and the difficulty of leaving behind the structure and identity of military service. Anthony shares the story of his own transition from the Air Force to the NYPD and FDNY and eventually into life outside a uniform, while John discusses drawing from his brother's experiences to create an authentic veteran character rather than relying on familiar Hollywood stereotypes. Featured Guests: Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Gabby Kubinyi – Deputy Director, Grassroots Advocacy, VFW National Legislative Service Chris Macinkowicz – Deputy Director, VFW National Veterans Service Still Serving Spotlight: CIVILIAN John J. Budion – Writer and Director, CIVILIAN Marissa Vitale – Producer, CIVILIAN Anthony Budion – U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Veteran and CIVILIAN Adviser Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 3:48 Take Care of America's Veterans Act update 7:03 Grassroots advocacy and more than 80,000 messages to Congress 9:52 The cost of veterans legislation and alternative paths forward 13:02 Congressional choices and the TAP Promotion Act 17:02 Protecting veterans' benefits and challenging disability misconceptions 18:53 Sleep apnea, VA disability compensation and fraud 23:39 The lasting effects of repeated military deployments 25:37 Supporting today's deployed sailors 32:41 Showing appreciation for service members and welcoming them home 35:22 National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs conference 36:30 Reaching veterans through remote claims assistance and Combat Tested Gaming 43:03 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship applications 48:16 VFW Fall Legislative Conference preview 52:22 Veterans, elections and nonpartisan civic engagement 1:02:16 Still Serving Spotlight – CIVILIAN 1:04:04 Meet the team behind CIVILIAN 1:06:03 The story behind CIVILIAN and the veteran transition experience 1:08:23 Building an authentic veteran story and cast 1:11:13 Why the film follows an Army officer 1:13:09 Moral injury and the invisible scars of service 1:14:44 Anthony Budion's transition from Air Force Special Warfare to civilian life 1:19:50 PTSD, alcohol, purpose and the struggle to "turn it off" 1:22:41 Military service and family reintegration 1:24:21 Portraying the military spouse experience 1:29:42 The CIVILIAN Veteran Impact Initiative 1:30:36 Creating opportunities for veterans in the film industry 1:32:34 Bringing CIVILIAN to military installations 1:35:14 Using authentic storytelling to bridge the military-civilian divide 1:37:34 Getting veterans' stamp of approval on the story 1:40:07 How veterans can get involved with CIVILIAN 1:41:50 Brazilian jiu-jitsu, camaraderie and Anthony's post-service experience 1:43:04 Target release timeline for CIVILIAN 1:45:05 Good of the Order – Food Edition

    It's All About Choices

  2. Aug 7

    There's a New Chief in Town

    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 predatory claims companies, and why grassroots advocacy continues to shape veterans policy. Later, actor Josh Patton (The Pacific) joins the podcast to discuss portraying Marine Sgt. J.P. Morgan, the unforgettable boot camp that prepared the cast, working with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, and how the series forever connected him to the veteran community.   Hosts: Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach   Featured Guests: Cory Geisler – VFW Commander-in-Chief Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Mike Figlioli – Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office   Still Serving Spotlight: Josh Patton – Actor (The Pacific)   Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Roll Call 01:52 Convention recap 17:38 The Still Serving Stage 25:04 Irreverent Warriors hike 30:14 Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler's priorities 37:50 TCAVA update 55:48 Claim Sharks update 1:03:02 Josh Patton joins the podcast 1:20:01 Inside The Pacific boot camp 1:28:58 Supporting veterans beyond the screen 1:48:49 Good of the Order

    There's a New Chief in Town

  3. Jul 24

    The Quiet Part Out Loud

    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 from his recent visit to Germany with Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Glenn Umberger, where they met with service members, military leaders and overseas VFW members to better understand the challenges facing today's force.   Later in the episode, Rob and Brittany sit down with the founders of Unmasked Warrior—Dr. Mike Sapiro, Sam Juan, Anton Nootenboom and Noah Galloway—to discuss how storytelling can become a powerful tool for healing, connection and veteran mental health. The group shares the inspiration behind their new live experience and why every veteran's story has the power to help someone else.   The episode concludes with a preview of the 127th VFW National Convention in Reno, Nevada, where members from across the country will help shape the organization's legislative priorities and continue advocating for veterans, service members and their families.   Hosts Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach   Featured Guests Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Dr. Mike Sapiro – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior Sam Juan – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior Anton Nootenboom – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior Noah Galloway – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior   Episode Highlights 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 2:16 Take Care of America's Veterans Act postponed 6:11 The aftermath of the House vote and online reaction 9:21 Alternative funding proposed for the Major Richard Star Act 15:35 The standalone Major Richard Star Act gains momentum 20:28 Why Section 108 sets a dangerous precedent 35:45 Ryan's visit to Germany with Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Glenn Umberger 40:09 New VFW Action Alert and how members can help 45:05 Preview of the 127th VFW National Convention 53:39 Still Serving Spotlight: Unmasked Warrior 1:17:20 Good of the Order   Links & Resources VFW Action Alert https://www.vfw.org/actioncorps 127th VFW National Convention https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/7/127th-vfw-national-convention Unmasked Warrior https://www.unmaskedwarrior.com Afghanistan War Commission https://www.afghanistanwarcommission.senate.gov/

  4. Jul 10

    The Looniest of Times

    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 conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea, why Congress legislating disability ratings would be unprecedented, and how the version of the Major Richard Star Act included in the package differs from the standalone legislation the VFW continues to support.   The conversation also explores the history behind the VFW's decades-old political cartoon that has recently resurfaced in public debate, emphasizing the organization's longstanding tradition of advocacy on behalf of veterans. Rob and Brittany also highlight the success of the VFW's grassroots Action Alert campaign, discuss preparations for the 2026 VFW National Convention in Reno, and introduce new training opportunities designed to help members become even more effective advocates.   Hosts Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach   Featured Guests Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Mike Figlioli – Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office Gabby Kubinyi – Deputy Director, VFW National Legislative Service   Episode Highlights 0:00 Intro and Roll Call   4:58 Update on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act   7:04 Why grassroots advocacy on Capitol Hill matters   13:03 Survivor benefits and the Love Lives On Act   17:37 How proposed disability rating changes could affect future veterans   21:19 Why Congress changing VA disability ratings is unprecedented   31:22 The Major Richard Star Act explained   40:27 The history behind the VFW's political cartoon   55:28 Action Alert surpasses 50,000 messages to Congress   59:25 Preview of the 2026 VFW National Convention   1:14:01 New advocacy training for VFW members   1:16:42 Good of the Order   Links & Resources Mentioned VFW Action Alert – Tell Congress to Oppose Veterans' Benefit Cuts https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-action-alert-tell-congress-to-oppose-veterans-benefit-cuts  Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2102  Ask the VFW https://www.vfw.org/ask-the-vfw  127th VFW National Convention (Reno, Nevada) https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/7/127th-vfw-national-convention  VFW National Legislative Service https://www.vfw.org/advocacy  Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) https://www.dpaa.mil/

  5. Jun 26

    We Don't Pull Up Ladders

    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 the legislative process behind the bill, reactions from lawmakers and veterans, and concerns over Congress intervening in the VA disability rating schedule. The guests also discuss the broader implications for military recruitment, retention, health care access, and trust in the commitments made to service members.   Featured Guests: Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Mike Figlioli – Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office Jason Johns – Chairman, VFW National Legislative Committee   Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 1:49 Overview of the Taking Care of American Veterans Act 4:14 Why the VFW opposes the bill's funding mechanism 6:12 Largest proposed veterans' benefit cut since the Great Depression 8:15 Impact on future veterans and military recruiting 10:35 Congressional involvement in VA disability ratings 14:09 Sleep apnea ratings and common misconceptions 16:50 Why sleep apnea remains a serious service-connected disability 21:12 Rules Committee hearing recap and next legislative steps 25:19 Concerns about the speed of the legislative process 28:01 The VFW's position on the Major Richard Star Act 30:42 Service members' concerns about future benefits 33:10 Comparisons to previous attempts to reduce veterans' benefits 37:32 Alternative funding options and congressional priorities 43:37 VFW Resolution 601 and protecting earned benefits 45:51 Why veterans should contact their elected officials 51:25 Tinnitus, VA access, and long-term health impacts 59:19 Good of the Order 1:05:42 Closing reflections and call to action

  6. Jun 12

    The Mission Came First

    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 Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan and Associate Director Joy Craig join the show for an in-depth legislative update covering several key issues impacting veterans and military families. The discussion includes ongoing efforts to secure justice for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination, implementation of the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, progress on the Major Richard Star Act, and developments in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Deluzio reflects on his path from the U.S. Naval Academy to military service and eventually Congress, discussing how veterans bring a mission-first mindset to public service. He shares his experiences serving as a Surface Warfare Officer, deploying to Iraq alongside Army units, and the importance of having veterans represented in government. The conversation explores military quality-of-life issues, including pay, housing, spouse employment, child care, and the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life. Deluzio also discusses the importance of military credentialing programs, improving transition assistance, protecting veterans' benefits, and advancing legislation such as the Major Richard Star Act. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming 127th VFW National Convention in Reno, Nevada, and the launch of Ask the VFW, a new platform allowing listeners to submit questions directly to VFW subject matter experts. Have a question for the VFW? Visit https://vfw.org/AskTheVFW or go to the Ask the VFW page to submit your question for a future episode.   Featured Guests: Chris Deluzio – U.S. Representative (PA-17), Navy Veteran, VFW Member Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Joy Craig – Associate Director, VFW National Legislative Service   Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 2:58 Camp Lejeune Justice Act and toxic exposure advocacy 7:36 VA Home Loan Program Reform Act implementation 11:54 Major Richard Star Act update and discharge petition progress 19:33 NDAA overview and military quality-of-life priorities 26:53 Military pay raises, transition assistance, and credentialing reforms 47:19 Congressman Chris Deluzio joins the podcast 47:39 Military service and path to Congress 50:44 Veterans in government and public service 52:17 NDAA priorities and military readiness 54:18 Quality-of-life challenges facing service members and families 57:15 Military transition and civilian credentialing 59:15 Major Richard Star Act discussion 1:03:24 Deluzio's perspective as a VA health care user 1:06:58 Introducing Ask the VFW 1:09:10 Good of the Order – Looking ahead to the VFW National Convention

    The Mission Came First

  7. May 29

    Fight the Good Fight

    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. Ryan and Kristina provide an important update on the VFW's fight against "claim sharks" following a significant federal court ruling against Veterans Guardian, reinforcing long-standing concerns about unaccredited companies exploiting veterans for profit. Later in the episode, co-host Brittany Dymond Murray sits down with Toni Lavery, co-founder and executive director of the Fox Force Foundation, to discuss empowering women veterans and first responders through mentorship, resilience, and community — including an upcoming historic all-women D-Day jump into Normandy featuring VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. Fox Force Foundation: https://foxforce55.org/ Featured Guests: Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Toni Lavery – Co-Founder & Executive Director, Fox Force Foundation Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 1:26 House VA Committee hearings overview 10:42 Toxic exposure oversight and Pact Act transparency 21:40 Expanded VA dental care proposal 23:44 Guard Act update and claim shark legislation 28:42 Major Richard Star Act update 46:13 Major court ruling against claim sharks 1:01:37 VFW resolutions process and member advocacy 1:10:37 Still Serving Spotlight – Fox Force Foundation 1:23:23 Women veterans jumping into Normandy for D-Day 1:41:43 Transition challenges and finding purpose after service 1:56:12 Good of the Order and Memorial Day reflections

  8. May 15

    Over There! Recapping the Far East Outreach Mission

    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, childcare shortages, and transportation issues, while highlighting the importance of VFW advocacy in the Indo-Pacific region. The episode also covers upcoming Memorial Day events, the VFW Day of Service at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and updates on major legislative efforts such as the Major Richard Star Act and the fight against predatory "claim shark" companies. Through candid conversation and passionate advocacy, the episode highlights the VFW's continued commitment to serving veterans at home and overseas.   Featured Guests: Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Mike Figlioli – Director of Operations / Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office Joy Craig – Associate Director, VFW National Legislative Service   Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 3:18 Overseas visit to Taiwan, Korea, and Japan 13:13 Challenges facing military families abroad 31:21 VFW expands veteran claims support in Korea 35:36 Memorial Day traditions and remembrance 42:13 VFW Day of Service at the Korean War Memorial 47:45 Upcoming hearings and advocacy priorities 50:14 Claim sharks and the Guard Act update 53:36 Major Richard Star Act momentum grows 1:12:25 Closing remarks and Good of the Order

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4.9
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23 Ratings

About

#StillServing: The VFW Podcast is the official podcast of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the oldest combat veterans service organization advocating for and serving our veterans, service members and military families worldwide. #StillServing will feature interviews, one-of-a-kind perspectives and insightful conversations concerning veteran legislation, educational and financial assistance programs, national veterans' services, critical initiatives from the VFW National Commander, and much more.

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