#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. 2d ago

    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/

    1h 24m

  2. 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

    1h 9m
  3. The Mission Came First

    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

    1h 15m

  4. 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

    2h 4m

  5. 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

    1h 13m

  6. May 1

    Is the VA Math Mathing?

    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 how this expertise directly impacts veterans' access to earned benefits. They break down common misconceptions around VA disability claims, including "VA math," the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, and what the VA claims backlog actually means.   The conversation also dives into major policy developments affecting veterans, including new executive actions on alternative mental health treatments and informed consent, as well as the rollout of the VA's electronic health record system and its implications for continuity of care and claims processing.   Featured Guests:   Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veterans Service Chris Macinkowicz – Deputy Director, National Veterans Service Cory Geisler – Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, VFW   Links Mentioned:   VFW Claims Intake: https://claims.vfw.org VFW Action Corps: https://votervoice.net/VFW/home VFW Website: https://www.vfw.org/ Follow VFW: https://www.facebook.com/VFWFans | https://x.com/VFW   Episode Highlights:   0:00 Intro and Roll Call 1:34 Inside the NVS Proficiency Training Conference 7:29 Why training and accreditation matter 20:53 Understanding VA math and other common claims questions 31:14 Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) explained 40:44 What the VA claims backlog really means 44:45 Alternative mental health treatments & informed consent 55:06 VA electronic health record rollout 1:04:56 Claim sharks update – Kansas victory 1:06:20 Good of the Order – Closing reflections

    1h 15m

  7. Apr 17

    Never Leave a Fallen Comrade

    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 Excellence to remote recovery sites in Vietnam, the episode highlights the complexity, danger and urgency of DPAA's mission. The conversation explores the science behind identification, the challenges of degraded remains and difficult terrain, and the critical role of international partnerships in advancing recovery efforts. The discussion also underscores the impact of funding shortfalls, government shutdowns and logistical barriers that threaten future missions — raising important questions about America's commitment to its promise to never leave a fallen comrade behind. Through meetings with foreign governments, veteran organizations and recovery teams, Couture and Geisler emphasize the power of veteran-to-veteran diplomacy in overcoming political barriers and strengthening cooperation. From emotional visits to historic sites like the Hanoi Hilton, to honoring those lost in a 2001 recovery mission helicopter crash, this episode captures both the human cost of war and the enduring dedication to accountability. With heartfelt reflections on service, sacrifice and remembrance, Episode 62 reinforces the VFW's unwavering mission to bring every service member home. Featured Guest: Cory Geisler – Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, VFW Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and mission overview from Southeast Asia 2:00 DPAA fact-finding mission explained 6:12 Inside the DPAA lab – science of identification 13:19 Scope of missing service members and recovery challenges 18:50 Funding cuts and impact on recovery missions 24:39 Government shutdowns and mission delays 27:12 Veteran-to-veteran diplomacy in Laos 30:46 Meetings with Vietnamese counterparts 35:24 Artifact recovery challenges and cultural barriers 40:19 National archives and research efforts 47:23 Visiting the Hanoi Hilton and reflecting on POW experiences 55:06 Strengthening U.S.–Vietnam relations 59:07 Honoring the 2001 helicopter crash victims 1:03:21 Inside a live recovery site in Vietnam 1:08:14 The warrior ethos and moral obligation to bring service members home 1:12:20 Final reflections and message to Vietnam veterans

    1h 14m

  8. Mar 20

    Shark of Record

    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 down ongoing legal fights, including the VFW's lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs over GI Bill benefits following the Rudisill Supreme Court decision, highlighting concerns that veterans who serve longer may be unfairly denied benefits they earned. The episode also tackles the growing threat of "claim sharks" — predatory companies exploiting veterans navigating the VA claims process. With insight from legal experts, the panel explains the risks, potential fraud implications, and why accredited representatives remain the safest and most effective path for veterans seeking benefits. Additional topics include delays in Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims, concerns about VA policy changes and fraud detection tools, and the importance of maintaining trust in the system while protecting veterans from exploitation. The episode closes with reflections on overseas missions to account for missing service members and a reminder of the enduring commitment to those who serve. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Hosts: Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Featured Guests: Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Jason Johns – Chairman, VFW National Legislative Committee John Muckelbauer – General Counsel, VFW National Headquarters SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and St. Patrick's Day Roll Call 4:37 Washington Conference and legislative advocacy (Wash Con discussion begins) 9:16 Major Richard Star Act is blocked in unanimous consent vote 17:37 Camp Lejeune Justice Act delays and legislative fixes 24:00 What surprised Jason Johns about the Washington Conference 27:13 GI Bill lawsuit and Rudisill decision explained 46:57 Claim sharks and risks to veterans 1:11:19 VA fraud detection tools and DBQ concerns 1:23:33 Overseas missions and POW/MIA recovery efforts 1:28:11 Good of the Order Links Mentioned in Episode: https://votervoice.net/VFW/register https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/rudisill.asp  https://www.vfw.org

    1h 39m
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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.

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