Working Together for Veteran Welfare

Host Rob Couture is joined by Ryan Gallucci, Kristina Keenan, and Mike Figlioli from the VFW Washington Office to discuss the Washington Post's latest coverage of veterans' benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The team addresses a recent series of articles that, they argue, mischaracterize how veterans access the benefits they've earned — including claims that veterans are "flooding the system" or abusing disability compensation.   They provide context on how accredited service officers, like those in the VFW's Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, actually help veterans navigate complex VA processes with integrity and professionalism. The group also discusses VFW's official response to the Post's reporting, how previous stories have shaped public perception, and why transparency and advocacy remain vital as Veterans Day approaches. Read Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2025/va-disability-ratings-profit-consultants/    Featured Guests:   - Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veteran Service - Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service - Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office   Episode Highlights: 0:00 – Intro and Roll Call 3:10 – Office updates and renovation news from the VFW Washington Office 6:05 – Overview of The Washington Post's continuing coverage of veterans' benefits 8:42 – Breaking down the latest Post article and its claims about "questionable" disability filings 11:15 – Why the Post's framing matters: context for veterans' earned benefits 14:03 – VFW's past engagement with Post reporters and editorial responses 17:50 – Discussing public perception and the real impact on veterans and their families 21:20 – How accredited representatives like the VFW's BDD team support transitioning service members 25:30 – The Washington Post's portrayal of Cindy Noel and VFW's defense of accredited claims work 29:45 – The importance of ethics, training, and transparency in veterans' advocacy 33:18 – The Economist article that called benefits "absurdly generous" — and the origin of this episode's title 36:42 – Broader implications for VA staffing, accountability, and oversight 43:20 – Reflections on responsible journalism and the VFW's continued outreach 58:30 – Veterans Day timing and why the VFW calls out misleading narratives 1:03:15 – Good of the Order – Closing remarks For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online

7 Nov 1h 11min

Hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray go hybrid to tackle two urgent themes: real-time support for service members during the government shutdown, and the healing power of rucks and long-distance "yomps." Retired 16th Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston, now CEO of Army Emergency Relief (AER), breaks down grants vs. no-interest loans and how AER surged to meet thousands of requests. Joy Craig from VFW's National Legislative Service explains the "kitchen table" impact of missed pay and why the VFW is pushing Congress to guarantee military pay. Then Dr. Kelly Brown of the Allied Forces Foundation and Kimberly Pond of Irreverent Warriors preview the Warrior Yomp—a 50-mile, 24-hour challenge in the D.C. area—spotlighting camaraderie, international allies, and recovery through purposeful miles. Featured Guests: - Michael A. Grinston – CEO, Army Emergency Relief; 16th Sergeant Major of the Army (Ret.) - Joy Craig – Associate Director, Service Member Affairs, VFW National Legislative Service - Dr. Kelly Brown – Chair, Board of Directors, Allied Forces Foundation - Kimberly Pond – Operational Support Coordinator, Irreverent Warriors (D.C. Chapter) Episode Highlights 0:00 Intro & hybrid update 1:55 Support, camaraderie & mission focus 9:00 Shutdown impacts with SMA (Ret.) Michael Grinston & Joy Craig 10:54 AER loans vs grants explained 13:10 15K requests, $26M in aid 14:26 AER plans for ongoing support 19:42 Joint-base and online assistance 23:42 Why this shutdown differs & pay protections 27:04 VFW advocacy to "Pay Our Troops" 34:05 Transition & family support gaps 38:36 Grinston: "Ask for help — no stigma" 41:54 Segment wrap-up 48:03 Segment 2 — Healing through movement 49:09 Dr. Brown on the Cateran Yomp 53:15 Irreverent Warriors peer support 1:01:12 Warrior Yomp preview & registration 1:05:09 Event details & embassy checkpoints 1:06:49 Accessibility & support stops 1:09:31 How to get involved or volunteer 1:13:59 Closing thoughts & next events Resources & Links: • Army Emergency Relief (AER) — Apply or donate: https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org • Contact SMA (Ret.) Michael A. Grinston, CEO, AER: michael.grinston@aerhq.org • VFW Advocacy – "Pay Our Troops" & shutdown updates: https://www.vfw.org/advocacy • Allied Forces Foundation – Warrior Yomp (Nov. 8–9, 2025; Belle Haven Park): https://www.alliedforcesfoundation.org • Irreverent Warriors – Silkies Hikes & Volunteer Info: https://www.irreverentwarriors.com • Military Women's Memorial (Packet Pickup Venue): https://www.womensmemorial.org 💡 Fight together. Heal together. Still Serving. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of #StillServing: https://vfw.org/podcast For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online

24 Okt 1h 22min

Host Rob Couture convenes a powerhouse panel from the VFW Washington Office — Ryan Gallucci, Kristina Keenan, Mike Figlioli, and special guest Pat Murray — to tackle misleading media portrayals of veterans' benefits and defend the promise made to all who serve. The team reacts to a Washington Post article alleging widespread abuse of VA benefits and sets the record straight: veterans have earned their compensation through sacrifice, injury, and service to the nation. With passion and precision, they unpack how the "Honor the Contract" movement began, why this debate resurfaces after every war, and what's truly at stake for veterans and their families. Drawing on history from the 1930s Economy Act to today's PACT Act and toxic exposure claims, the discussion exposes bad-faith arguments, highlights the science behind emerging conditions, and reinforces that disability compensation is not charity — it's a contractual obligation. Pat Murray offers deeply personal insight into life with a combat injury, while the panel examines issues like means-testing proposals, mental-health stigmas, and fraudulent "claim-shark" companies exploiting veterans. The conversation closes with a rallying call for all Americans to honor the cost of war — and the people who bear it. Read Washington Post article How some veterans exploit $193 billion VA program, due to lax controls. Featured Guests: Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veteran Service Pat Murray – Former Director, VFW National Legislative Service; Marine Corps Combat Veteran Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 2:30 Topic run through for this episode 4:15 Breaking down the Washington Post article 7:00 History of benefit attacks from the 1930s to today 10:30 Understanding service-connection and VA eligibility 13:40 Mental health, PTSD, and destigmatizing treatment 17:50 Pat Murray on life with a prosthetic leg and true costs of injury 23:30 Occupational and social impairment – the human impact 30:10 Combat vs. non-combat injuries and toxic exposures 36:45 Means testing and why it betrays the promise to veterans 42:20 Fraud vs. claim sharks – knowing the difference 52:00 Grassroots victories against claim sharks in the states 59:00 "Honor the Contract" as a national call to action 1:06:00 Government shutdown impact on veterans and families 1:10:00 Good of the Order – final reflections and resources For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online

10 Okt 1h 19min

Host Rob Couture welcomes Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin's 3rd District to the podcast. Van Orden is a retired Navy SEAL, VFW Life Member, chairman of the House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and recent recipient of the VFW Life Saving Award. Van Orden reflects on his path from military service to Congress, the importance of veterans' voices in government, and his personal connection to the VFW dating back to his service in Bosnia. He shares how loss and hardship — including the passing of his daughter — shaped his sense of urgency in public service, and why mission-first leadership is essential to addressing the challenges facing America's veterans. The conversation highlights his first bill signed into law protecting veterans' home loans, bipartisan efforts to strengthen VA–DoD collaboration, and his advocacy for suicide prevention and smoother transitions for service members. Van Orden also recounts the powerful story of saving a young boy's life after a horrific car accident, underscoring the value veterans bring to their communities long after service. With humor, candor, and heartfelt storytelling — from his role in Act of Valor to his commitment to authenticity in Congress — Van Orden embodies the enduring spirit of service. This episode showcases how veterans continue to lead, protect, and serve their nation in every arena of life. Derrick Van Orden's bio: https://vanorden.house.gov/about Featured Guests: Derrick Van Orden – Congressman (WI-03), Retired Navy SEAL, VFW Life Member Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 5:29 Why Van Orden joined the VFW 8:16 Running for Congress and lessons from loss 10:50 First legislative victory – VA home loans bill 17:03 Veterans in Congress and bipartisanship 20:57 Suicide prevention and transition support 24:00 Bridging VA and DoD 29:11 Behind the scenes of Act of Valor 33:30 VFW Lifesaving Award – saving an 11-year-old boy 42:24 Veterans' value in communities 46:10 Mental health, survivor's guilt, and support 50:29 Authenticity and leadership in Congress 52:40 Good of the Order – Closing reflections For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: VFW Convention Highlights Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online

26 Sep 55min

Rob Couture welcomes two historic leaders of the VFW in this inspiring episode of #StillServing: Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore and VFW Auxiliary National President Lois Callahan. Together, they share their personal journeys, their priorities for the year ahead, and their vision for how the VFW and Auxiliary can continue to strengthen advocacy and support for veterans and their families. Whitmore reflects on her decades of Army service, her milestone election as the first female Commander-in-Chief, and her focus on advocacy, service officers, and the POW/MIA mission. Callahan discusses her deep connection to the Auxiliary, her father's legacy of service, and her passion for expanding educational opportunities through the Auxiliary Continuing Education Scholarship. Both leaders also highlight joint initiatives, including vital support for the VFW National Home. From legislative battles on Capitol Hill like the Richard Star Act and TAP Promotion Act to grassroots training and community impact, this episode captures the unity and determination driving the VFW and Auxiliary forward — proving once again that veterans and families together are still leading, still advancing and still serving. Carol Whitmore's bio: https://www.vfw.org/settings/content/nationalofficers/carol-whitmore Featured Guests: - Carol Whitmore – Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars - Lois Callahan – National President, VFW Auxiliary - Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office - Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 3:40 Meet the Leaders – Carol Whitmore and Lois Callahan share their backgrounds 6:53 Auxiliary story – Lois Callahan's path to leadership 11:58 Carol Whitmore reflects on becoming first female Commander-in-Chief 17:10 Legislative priorities and honoring the contract 20:11 Advocacy, service officers, and the POW/MIA mission 24:20 Joint project – Supporting the VFW National Home Store 31:03 Auxiliary Continuing Education Scholarship initiative 36:04 Legislative priorities on Capitol Hill – Richard Star Act and TAP Promotion Act 50:53 Building grassroots advocacy and legislative training 58:55 Good of the Order – Closing reflections For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: VFW Convention Highlights Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online

12 Sep 1h 7min

In this dynamic episode of #StillServing, host Rob Couture is joined by Mike Figlioli, Gabby Kubinyi, Ryan Gallucci, and Brittany Dymond Murray to break down a truly historic VFW National Convention in Columbus, Ohio, the organization's birthplace. From the logistics of setting the stage and running the Claims Clinic to the long hours of delegate business, the team offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how convention comes together. The conversation dives into the emotional impact of the Afghanistan War Commission, where veterans courageously shared personal experiences, frustrations, and lessons learned from America's longest war. They also explore the power of member-driven decision-making, including contested floor votes and a spirited debate over tradition and change. The episode crescendos with the landmark election of Carol Whitmore as the VFW's first female Commander-in-Chief, setting a new chapter in the organization's history. From healing conversations to historic milestones, this episode captures the heart of the VFW's mission — proving that the voice of every veteran matters, and that together, they are still leading, still advancing, and still serving. Featured Guests: - Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veteran Service - Gabby Kubinyi – Associate Director, Grassroots Advocacy, VFW Washington Office - Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office - Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 2:35 Setting up Convention – Behind the scenes in Columbus 6:25 Claims Clinic and Health Fair – Direct support for veterans 10:02 Fall Legislative Conference Training preview 12:42 Brittany's reflections on Convention 14:17 Afghanistan War Commission – Emotional stories and lessons learned 31:52 Resolutions and Nominations – Key business and delegate decisions 38:12 VFW Riders become an official subsidiary group 41:47 Baseball cap approved for VFW meetings 45:34 Unique floor vote for National Commander 57:34 Gabby's first convention back with the VFW 1:00:42 Election of first female Commander-in-Chief, Carol Whitmore 1:09:55 Awards Banquet 1:12:25 Special Change of Command Ceremony 1:13:40 Ask the VFW – New Q&A segment launches 1:23:19 The Good of the Order – Closing reflections 1:28:38 Meeting a VFW Founder's great-grandchild For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: VFW Convention Highlights Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online

5 Sep 1h 36min

In this engaging episode of #StillServing, Rob Couture and co-host Brittany Dymond Murray sit down with Tammy Barlet, Jennifer Ross, and Kristina Keenan for a deep dive into the partnership between the VFW and Student Veterans of America (SVA). Together, they explore how SVA chapters support student veterans on campus, the impact of the GI Bill, and the opportunities created through the VFW–SVA Legislative Fellowship. From personal journeys to national advocacy, the conversation highlights how the next generation of veterans is shaping policy, building community, and carrying forward the VFW's legacy of service. From the campus lounge to Capitol Hill, today's student veterans are tomorrow's leaders — still learning, still leading, and still serving. Featured Guests: Tammy Barlet – Vice President, Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America; VFW Legacy Life Member (PA) Jennifer Ross – VFW–SVA Legislative Fellow Alum; VFW Life Member Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Brittany Dymond Murray – Co-host & Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Episode Highlights: 0:00 Welcome 2:15 Spotlight on Student Veterans of America and VFW partnership 4:54 Tammy Barlet's journey from student veteran to national advocate 10:01 What SVA chapters offer on campus vs. VFW posts in the community 13:43 SVA's 1,600+ chapters worldwide and their role in student success 18:33 The VFW–SVA Legislative Fellowship: purpose, process, and impact 20:19 Jennifer Ross shares her fellowship experience and advocacy on Guard/Reserve GI Bill parity 22:47 Application process, mentorship, and building a community action plan 25:18 Preparing student veterans to brief Congress alongside the VFW 27:02 Advocacy paths for introverts and extroverts alike 29:25 Fellowship open to all fields of study — passion drives impact 31:16 Balancing school, SVA, VFW, and fellowship commitments 1:06:54 Afghanistan War Commission session 1:08:27 Historic election of Carol Whitmore as the VFW's first female Commander-in-Chief 1:11:01 Good of the Order: Tammy on how SVA modeled claims clinics after the VFW convention 1:14:13 Kristina Keenan previews the upcoming Fall Legislative Conference and expanded grassroots advocacy 1:17:22 Call to action: Afghanistan veterans encouraged to share experiences with the Afghanistan War Commission For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online

22 Aug 1h 24min

In this action-packed episode of #StillServing, Rob Couture is joined by co-host Brittany Dymond Murray and VFW national leadership for a wide-ranging discussion on veteran advocacy, legislative wins, healthcare reform, and diplomacy. With guests Kristina Keenan and Ryan Gallucci, they unpack recent victories like the passage of the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, explore the challenges veterans face accessing community care, and recount the VFW's pivotal role in strengthening U.S.–Vietnam relations over the past 30 years. From Capitol Hill to Hanoi and the halls of the Pentagon, the VFW remains on the front lines — still leading, still advancing, and still serving. Featured Guests: Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Brittany Dymond Murray – Co-host & Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Episode Highlights: 0:00 Welcome and intros 2:42 Old biz: "Honor the Contract" and VA workforce update 12:50 Passage of the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act 22:46 Inside the advocacy: how the VFW and members made it happen 30:04 Kristina Keenan testifies before Congress on VA community care 41:26 Real-world experiences with scheduling, billing, and access 52:20 VFW supports the Veterans Access Act to improve care coordination 1:02:45 30 years of U.S.–Vietnam diplomatic relations: a VFW legacy 1:12:11 Artifact repatriation at the Vietnamese Embassy in D.C. 1:18:20 Meeting with SecDef Pete Hegseth: VFW discusses transition, quality of life, and overseas care 1:27:05 VFW's role in readiness, resilience, and policy shaping 1:34:50 Good of the Order: Texas flood relief, convention updates, and Exhibit Hall stage preview For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @VFWSTILLSERVING on YouTube @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online

30 Juli 1h 19min