We the People

From nearly 150 VFW members filling the halls of Congress to Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery, this episode of Still Serving: The VFW Podcast was recorded in Washington, D.C., during the VFW's Honor the Contract Fly-In. Hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Murray are joined in the studio by VFW National Commander Cory Geisler, VFW Adjutant General Dan West, making his first appearance on the show, and Ryan Gallucci, executive director of the VFW Washington Office. The panel explains why VFW members came to Capitol Hill on their own dime during Veterans Day week, and why Congress has a choice: pass the clean Major Richard Star Act, or pass the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA) and its benefit cuts, which would mostly fall on those still wearing the uniform. The panel reflects on Smedley Butler's call for veterans to "get down in the mud," and Ryan explains the difference between the clean Major Richard Star Act and the watered-down version inside TCAVA. The conversation turns to why the VFW opposes letting Congress set disability ratings through Section 108, from toxic exposures to the precedent it would set, and why VFW members show up so well prepared when they meet with lawmakers. Ryan previews the VFW's Veterans Day plans at Arlington National Cemetery and recaps his visit with service members in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command with Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Bobby Lovergne, where troops kept asking about benefit cuts. The panel also congratulates Cindy Noel, the VFW's new National Veterans Service director. In the Good of the Order, the panel shares reflections on Veterans Day and the new Desert Storm Memorial, wishes the Marine Corps a happy 251st birthday, and offers ways to stay involved from home: signing the VFW's petition, answering action alerts, sharing your story with your lawmakers and finding your local VFW Post. Hosts Rob Couture - Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Murray - Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Featured Guests Cory Geisler - National Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Dan West - Adjutant General, Veterans of Foreign Wars Ryan Gallucci - Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 02:09 - Today's Agenda 04:04 - Why the VFW Is on Capitol Hill This Week 08:37 - Getting Down in the Mud 10:31 - Congress Has a Choice 12:58 - The Press Conference and the Members Who Showed Up 16:19 - VFW Caps in the Halls of Congress 20:01 - Don't Pull Up the Ladder 23:09 - Honor the Contract: Hazards We Can Control 25:36 - The Clean Major Richard Star Act vs. TCAVA 27:20 - A Rushed Bill and No Hearings 29:23 - Section 108 and the Precedent of Benefit Cuts 31:59 - From Atomic Veterans to the PACT Act 34:13 - Veterans Groups Standing Together 36:56 - Well-Informed Members Telling Their Stories 40:22 - Lessons From Smedley Butler 45:06 - Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery 48:38 - Advocating During Veterans Day Week 49:02 - Visiting Troops in EUCOM and AFRICOM 53:21 - The Force Is Watching 55:21 - Pre-Discharge Representatives and New NVS Director Cindy Noel 57:43 - The Mission Overseas 59:11 - Luxembourg American Cemetery 1:00:26 - Good of the Order 1:09:35 - How the VFW Fought for Veterans Day 1:11:05 - You Belong in the VFW 1:13:17 - Closing Remarks Resources Sign the VFW Petition: https://www.votervoice.net/VFW/Petitions/6769/Respond VFW Action Corps: https://www.vfw.org/actioncorps Share Your Story (VFW Story Bank): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFWZ9nXLEsrfepEb4J5hiFqyEKvHQSkrKrTg_Phiher8WjuA/viewform Find a VFW Post: https://www.vfw.org/FindAPost VFW Combat Tested Gaming: https://www.vfw.org/gaming VFW Store: https://vfwstore.org Listen to Still Serving: The VFW Podcast at https://www.vfw.org/Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. #StillServing #VFWPodcast #Veterans #VeteransOfForeignWars #HonorTheContract  

Hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Murray are joined by VFW Washington Office leaders Kristina Keenan, Gabby Kubinyi and Mike Figlioli. Mike recaps the national dedication of the Desert Shield/Desert Storm Memorial, a project the VFW was one of the first veterans service organizations to fund. Kristina gives an update on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA), explaining why the VFW opposes its cuts to veterans' benefits and the capped version of the Major Richard Star Act it includes, and what comes next for the clean Major Richard Star Act now that its discharge petition has reached 218 signatures. Gabby shares plans for the VFW's Honor the Contract Fly-In, Nov. 9–10 in Washington, D.C., along with ways to take action from home through action alerts, phone calls and social media. Rob recaps MCON in Las Vegas and the importance of meeting veterans and military families where they are, and Gabby reflects on the voice the VFW gives Auxiliary members and military families on Capitol Hill. The conversation also covers Vet the Vote's effort to recruit veterans as poll workers and a reminder that every vote counts, before a Halloween-themed Good of the Order full of costume plans, trunk-or-treat opinions and one unforgettable childhood story. Hosts Rob Couture - Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Murray - Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Featured Guests Kristina Keenan - Director, VFW National Legislative Service Gabby Kubinyi - Deputy Director, Grassroots Advocacy, VFW National Legislative Service Mike Figlioli - Director of Operations and Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office   Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 02:10 - Desert Shield/Desert Storm Memorial Dedication 08:10 - Take Care of America's Veterans Act: What's Next as Congress Returns 10:00 - Major Richard Star Act Discharge Petition Reaches 218 Signatures 13:08 - What the Clean Major Richard Star Act Would Do 15:10 - Benefit Caps, Pay-Fors and the Senate 17:12 - Honor the Contract Fly-In: Nov. 9–10 20:08 - Every Decision in Congress Is a Choice 22:17 - Calling and Tagging Lawmakers on Social Media 25:36 - Personalizing Advocacy Toolkits 27:28 - MCON: Military Culture Convention in Las Vegas 31:58 - Creator Zone and Combat Tested Gaming 34:46 - Meeting Veterans and Families Where They Are 38:39 - The Auxiliary's Voice in Advocacy 40:30 - Vet the Vote: Serving as a Poll Worker 43:27 - Every Vote Counts 46:20 - Wearing VFW Gear at the Polls 49:39 - Helping Veterans Get to the Polls 51:38 - Good of the Order: Halloween Resources Honor the Contract Fly-In Sign-Up: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/mbyRWQyEqM VFW Action Corps: https://www.vfw.org/actioncorps Vet the Vote: https://vetthe.vote/   Listen to Still Serving: The VFW Podcast at https://www.vfw.org/Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.   #StillServing #VFWPodcast #Veterans #VeteransOfForeignWars

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 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

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 advocacy played in making the facility possible. The conversation explores mentorship, recruiting and retaining younger veterans, developing future VFW leaders and why grassroots advocacy begins at the Post level. Later, Post Commander Darrell Warren and Post Benefits Advisor Danny Rodriguez join the show to share how Post 3285 went from barely making quorum to standing-room-only meetings. They discuss community service, partnerships, veteran outreach and the role Post benefits advisors can play in connecting veterans with earned benefits and local resources. Then, the floor opens to the audience. The panel answers questions on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, preparing for the VFW Washington Conference, navigating veterans benefits, overcoming outdated perceptions of the VFW and supporting today's service members as they return home. Recorded live on the VFW's 127th birthday, the episode closes with a reminder that the VFW's future is being built where it always has been: in communities, through service, advocacy and veterans looking out for one another. Hosts: Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Featured Guests: Todd Walter – Commander, VFW Department of Maryland Patrick Pierson – Adjutant, John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 Darrell Warren – Commander, John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 Danny Rodriguez – Benefits Advisor, John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office; Assistant Adjutant General Episode Highlights: 0:00 – Intro and Roll Call 5:27 – Inside John R. Webb VFW Post 3285 8:14 – Building a Post for Future Generations 10:08 – A Model for Membership and Involvement 15:38 – Why Grassroots Advocacy Starts at the Post 19:12 – How Advocacy Helped Build the New Post Home 20:37 – Turning Relationships with Lawmakers into Local Results 27:12 – Looking Ahead to the VFW Washington Conference 30:06 – Community Engagement at Post 3285 30:55 – From Barely Making Quorum to Standing Room Only 32:02 – Serving Veterans and the Frederick Community 45:16 – What Does a Post Benefits Advisor Do? 49:01 – Turning Veterans' Experiences Into Advocacy 52:59 – Expanding Access to Veterans Benefits Assistance 1:00:55 – Developing the Next Generation of Post Leaders 1:02:32 – Live Audience Q&A 1:03:02 – Latest on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act 1:08:23 – Advice for First-Time VFW Washington Conference Attendees 1:17:15 – Finding and Understanding State and Local Veterans Benefits 1:20:22 – Moving Beyond the "Old Boys" VFW Stigma 1:27:50 – Supporting Today's Service Members When They Come Home 1:38:08 – Good of the Order 1:38:31 – Why the VFW Action Corps Matters 1:40:12 – "This Is Not Your Grandfather's VFW" 1:41:21 – Reconnecting With the Veterans Who Shaped Your Life 1:43:01 – Learning From the VFW's Advocacy History 1:46:57 – The Future of Live Still Serving Episodes 1:48:51 – Closing Thoughts

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 personal stories can bring veterans' issues to life, including conversations surrounding Section 108, the Major Richard Star Act, the TAP Promotion Act, written informed consent and continuity of care. With campaign season underway, the conversation turns to political engagement at the VFW Post level. The group discusses Post facility rentals, town halls, candidate forums, campaign materials, VFW members running for office and the distinction between advocating for veterans' issues and creating the appearance of a political endorsement. Later, Cory breaks down Warrior Fitness Challenge, his initiative encouraging VFW members and veterans to get up, get moving and make physical activity part of their everyday lives. Staci, a competitive bodybuilder and gym owner, joins the discussion on strength training, consistency and ways Posts can encourage veterans of all ages and ability levels to become more active. Finally, Ryan digs into the VFW archives with a September 1926 issue of Foreign Service magazine. A century later, the parallels are striking: advocating for veterans' earned benefits, protecting veterans from exploitation and helping hospitalized veterans remain physically active.   Hosts: Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach   Featured Guests: Cory Geisler – VFW National Commander Staci Boyer – Vice Chairman, VFW National Legislative Committee Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office; Assistant Adjutant General   Episode Highlights: 0:00 – Intro and Roll Call 3:47 – VFW Fall Legislative Conference 4:12 – Welcoming New National Legislative Committee Members 6:49 – Mobilizing VFW Advocates and Section 108 10:54 – How Advocate Training Has Evolved 12:04 – Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Advocacy Training 14:03 – Preparing VFW Advocates to Work With the Media 19:34 – Legislative Priorities and Meetings on Capitol Hill 21:54 – A Veteran's Story Demonstrates the Stakes of Advocacy 25:22 – Why Storytelling Matters 27:13 – Navigating Complex Veterans' Issues in Congress 29:46 – Continuity of Care and the TAP Promotion Act 31:22 – Cory on the Power of Personal Stories 35:19 – Challenging Lawmakers to See Programs Firsthand 37:23 – Campaign Season and VFW Political Engagement 39:03 – Post Rentals, Candidates and Avoiding Implied Endorsements 42:57 – Town Halls, Candidate Appearances and Post Events 46:13 – VFW Members Running for Office 47:44 – Lessons From a Nonpartisan Candidate Forum 51:15 – Wearing VFW Identifiers at Political Events 53:09 – Speaking as an Individual vs. Speaking for the VFW 54:40 – Warrior Fitness 58:31 – VFW Leaders and Members Getting Moving 1:00:00 – Strength Training and Women Veterans 1:02:29 – Bringing Fitness and Wellness to the Post Level 1:03:55 – What Was the VFW Doing 100 Years Ago? 1:05:03 – Inside the September 1926 Foreign Service 1:06:45 – Veterans' Benefits and Wellness, Then and Now 1:07:59 – Good of the Order 1:09:05 – Cory Meets a Virginia Post Charter Member 1:10:49 – Remembering the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 1:13:03 – Ask the VFW 1:14:30 – Brittany Reconnects With Her First VFW Post 1:14:50 – Rob Runs Into an Old Teammate at the Pentagon Memorial 1:16:10 – Closing Thoughts

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 rating schedule are not inevitable, and emphasize the importance of preserving the regulatory process. They also highlight the power of grassroots advocacy, with VFW Action Alerts generating nearly 95,000 messages to Congress regarding Section 108.   The conversation turns to the VFW Fall Legislative Conference and the National Legislative Committee members who advocate year-round in their communities and on Capitol Hill. Kristina and Ryan explain how VFW members can become more involved in advocacy, how resolutions give individual members a voice in national policy, and how programs like the VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship help develop the next generation of veteran advocates.   In the Still Serving Spotlight, Rob and Brittany welcome Dr. Kelly Brown of the Allied Forces Foundation to discuss the Warrior Yomp, a long-distance endurance event bringing together wounded, ill and injured veterans and allied service members from around the world. Brown shares how the foundation uses physical challenges, camaraderie and international partnerships to help veterans reconnect, heal and find their communities.   The episode closes with a personal reflection ahead of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 and the fifth anniversary of the end of the war in Afghanistan. Rob, Brittany, Kristina and Ryan share how 9/11 affected their lives and military service, the challenges of reconciling the end of America's longest war, and why continuing to serve and advocate for the generations that follow remains so important.   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   Still Serving Spotlight Guest:   Dr. Kelly Brown – Board Chair and Operations Officer, Allied Forces Foundation   Learn More:   VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship: https://www.vfw.org/StudentFellowship    Allied Forces Foundation and Warrior Yomp: https://www.alliedforcesfoundation.org/    Ask the VFW: https://vfw.org/AskTheVFW    127th VFW National Convention highlights: https://vfw.org/Convention    Episode Highlights:   0:00 Intro and Roll Call 4:11 Congress returns and VA electronic health record oversight 13:17 Latest on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act 16:07 Why the VFW opposes Section 108 21:50 Major Richard Star Act and questions over funding 29:56 Nearly 95,000 messages sent to Congress through VFW Action Alerts 31:28 VFW Fall Legislative Conference 34:34 Training the VFW's grassroots advocates 39:06 How VFW members can get involved in legislative advocacy 44:32 The power of VFW resolutions and member-driven advocacy 45:46 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship 49:28 Legislative priorities heading into the fall 54:25 Still Serving Spotlight – Dr. Kelly Brown and the Allied Forces Foundation 56:08 How Allied Forces Foundation brings veterans together 58:22 The 2026 Warrior Yomp 1:02:36 Building camaraderie among allied veterans 1:06:10 How veterans and supporters can participate 1:15:23 Finding connection and community after service 1:17:17 Good of the Order – Reflecting on 25 years since 9/11 1:18:45 Ryan Gallucci reflects on serving during 9/11 1:24:27 Kristina Keenan reflects on 9/11 and military service 1:28:31 Brittany Dymond Murray on loss, Afghanistan and finding meaning in service 1:34:38 Rob Couture reflects on 9/11, war and bringing his soldiers home 1:42:42 Continuing the mission through advocacy 1:45:35 Closing thoughts

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

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

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/

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/