Director's Cut

This episode of the #StillServing podcast aptly drops on the National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, April 9th. During the podcast, Rob speaks with Tim Borland, VFW Senior Vice Commander-In-Chief, and Duane Sarmiento, VFW Junior Vice Commander-In-Chief, about their informative trip to Hawaii to discover how the VFW can better support troops in the field. During their visit to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, they see firsthand how the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) works to bring back the remains of POW/MIA service members. To describe the mission of the DPAA in detail and describe how they piece together lost stories of American war history, Rob is joined by DPAA members Kelly McKeague, Director, Greg Kupsky, Historian, Rachel Wendt, Forensic Anthropologist, and Capt. Matt Moschgat, Executive Officer, DPAA Indo-Pacific Region. Tim Borland, VFW Senior Vice Commander-In-Chief, and Duane Sarmiento, VFW Junior Vice Commander-In-Chief   Tim and Duane describe the trip designed to gain an understanding of the military footprint in Hawaii. [2:55]   Tim details the role of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and how they connect American families with veterans’ remains. [5:46]   Why the VFW traveled to receive a strategic overview of possible threats from the Indo-Pacific command. [12:08]   Learning about the Coast Guard's extensive responsibilities was a highlight of the visit to Hawaii. [18:18]   Rob, Tim, and Duane were informed of the strategic repositioning of troops around the Pacific. [23:31]   Duane summarizes the trip and the experience of being on board a brand new Navy destroyer. [29:57]   Tim shares his final thoughts about the visit and his hope for future travel opportunities to connect with service members. [35:24]   Kelly McKeague, Director, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Greg Kupsky, DPAA Historian, Rachel Wendt, DPAA Forensic Anthropologist, and Capt. Matt Moschgat, Executive Officer, DPAA Indo-Pacific Region Greg explains the conditions surrounding the Bataan Death March and why we commemorate it on April 9th. [41:41]   Director McKeague describes the mission of the DPAA and how his team works together to fulfill our nation’s commitment. [44:28]   Matt explains the role of Infantrymen in the DPAA’s mission. [48:06]   Greg describes the process of reconstructing history through various sources of documentation. [51:52]   DPAA works with U.S. Embassies in 46 other countries to help identify remains. [55:57]   How listeners of the #StillServing podcast can assist the DPAA in the identification of service member remains. [59:04]   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 VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story MakeTheConnection.net VFW Day of Service DPAA

9 Apr 20221h 9min

The month of March is Women’s History Month and National Nutrition Month. To recognize them both in one episode, Host Rob Couture speaks with two women who are the epitome of poise, polish, and empowerment. Rachelle Cannon and Julia Waring are both veterans and professional bodybuilders. During the interview, Rob inquires about their respective military academies, their military service, and how they maintain their physical prowess for competitions and beyond.   Rachelle Cannon, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, Prevention & Wellness Program Manager and IFBB Pro Physique Competitor + Julia Waring, U.S. Army Veteran, Civil Engineer Supervisor, USACE Baltimore District, and IFBB Figure Pro   Rachelle had her sights on West Point and ended up in the Coast Guard and Julia had her sights on the Coast Guard and ended up at West Point. [2:29]   After graduating from the academy, Rachelle landed as a Deck Watch Officer, and Julia was deployed to Iraq. [5:48]   Julia explains what it was like to lead a platoon of 30 males during her time in Iraq. [9:52]   Rachelle and Julia share the positive experiences and the challenges of being African-American women in military academies. [12:25]   How Julia and Rachelle got into the bodybuilding community. [20:58]   The goal of female bodybuilders is to show muscle development by being lean but it takes a toll on their hormone development. [31:10]   Rachelle shares mental, spiritual, and physical wellness tips based on her prevention and wellness certified coach status. [37:04]   How Rachelle and Julia maintain their heart health through cardio workouts. [42:42]   Julia and Rachelle share their last thoughts for women veterans. [49:12] For more information or continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story VA Home Loan Benefit VFW Day of Service Rachelle Cannon (@rachellecannonfitness) • Instagram photos and videos Julia Waring (@jujub_waring) • Instagram photos and videos

9 Mars 202253min

February is a significant month when it comes to black history. The 13th amendment, which abolished slavery, was passed by the House of Representatives on January 31, 1865, and the following day President Lincoln approved a joint resolution of congress submitting it to the state legislature for ratification. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays are also in February. It's no wonder that the second week of February was chosen as National Negro History week back in 1926. Other important dates like the founding of the NAACP on Feb 12th, 1909 was the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.   Host Rob Couture speaks with George Pettigrew, Executive VP/Historian for the Alexander/Madison Chapter of the KC Buffalo Soldier, who shares not well-known stories of African-Americans in American history. George shares the robust and detailed research accomplishments of his mother, the stories of Medal of Honor recipients from some of our nation's earliest wars, and how the military has influenced social change in North America. George Pettigrew, Executive VP/Historian for the Alexander/Madison Chapter of the KC Buffalo Soldier   George is a Navy vet who was the first pilot on a hydrofoil gunboat. [4:16]   As a Subject Matter Expert on the Buffalo Soldiers, George is continuing his mother’s legacy. [8:18]   Looking back at the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and the unexpected actions that earned them Congressional Medals of Honor. [16:17]   Black History month puts focus on people and events but more appropriately it should be considered American history. [23:12]   Honoring Buffalo Soldiers and remembering the life and career of Colin Powell. [29:34]   George shares the history of the first pre-colony of African-Americans on the North American continent. [41:16]   The military has been the leader in social change in the U.S. and the need for all Americans to communicate with veterans and ask about their stories. [45:07] For more information or continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

23 Feb 202252min

Everyone wants to operate at their top level of mental, emotional, and physical performance. Often, when service members leave the military, many believe they won’t ever be at the top of their game again but that is not true. So, if now is the time of year when your New Year’s resolution is going by the wayside, starting to slip through the cracks, or maybe even forgotten about altogether, here is some inspiration to help you get back after it.   Host Rob Couture speaks with three soldier Olympians from the Army World Class Athlete Program who are representing Team USA in the bobsled event at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. Then, CEO and Founder of the Fit-Ops Foundation and Founder of the University of Health and Performance, Matt Hesse shares how his organization and the University are helping veterans get to the starting line of a career in the fitness industry. Matt shares what motivated him to create his veteran-focused organization and how veterans benefit from it. This is great information, especially for those who want to get their foot in the door of a new wellness-centered career.   LTC Garrett Hines, Push Coach for Bobsled & Skeleton Teams SGT Shauna Rohbock, Assistant Coach, Bobsled Teams SPC Frank Del Duca, Athlete-Pilot, Bobsled Teams   LTC Hines, SGT Rohbock, and SPC Del Duca describe their roles on the Olympic team and how they transitioned from track and field into bobsledding. [2:41]   SGT Rohbock describes what it is like to coach the men and women as one of only two woman coaches in the sport of sledding. [10:48]   LTC Hines talks about what it feels like to represent the USA on the world stage. [11:56]   LTC Hines and SGT Rohbock explain what it feels like to be standing on the podium with a silver medal. [13:50]   Parting thoughts about the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. [20:46]   Matt Hesse, CEO, and Founder of the FitOps Foundation and the University of Health and Performance   With the intention of helping people grow stronger, Matt created FitOps for veterans to thrive in their lives through fitness and purpose. [30:05]   Matt’s forthcoming book, The Purpose Blueprint is based on four pillars and looks to help veterans regulate themselves and to serve others. [37:53]   After completing the FitOps program, veterans become certified trainers and are alumni of the University of Health and Performance. [41:21]   Matt shares how to learn more about the scholarships available through FitOps or to apply at the University of Health and Performance. [48:47] For more information or continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program FitOps and the University of Health and Performance Make the Connection Cup of Joe Radio Show — Helping Veterans Through the Power of Music VA-backed Veterans Home Loans or 877-827-3702

2 Feb 202252min

The VFW is dedicated to the wellness of our members. Physical and mental wellness are well-known attributes of a good life but few consider financial wellness as a contributing factor to overall wellness. As we begin the new year, we always want to do better. We have resolutions. We want to make better financial decisions using all of the tools at our disposal. But, it can be a hunt to discover what all those tools are. To explore some of the VA’s financial offerings for veterans and service members, Host Rob Couture, talks with Mr. Shak Hill and Mr. Joe Bell. Shak Hill is a Program Analyst for the Office of Transition & Economic Development (OTED) in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). He describes the free Wellness Wednesday Financial Education courses offered by the VBA and Prudential. John Bell is the Acting Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He shares resources and information regarding the VA Home Loan program and why it is the right financial choice for veterans.   Shak Hill, Program Analyst for the Office of Transition & Economic Development (OTED), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)   Mr. Hill describes his service in the Air Force, becoming a flight commander, and how the fruits of his physical fitness developed into him officiating MLS games. [3:43]   Wellness Wednesday Financial Education is a series of free classes offered to veterans, transitioning service members, and their families to help them achieve financial fitness. [7:52]   Mr. Hill describes how individual needs and questions are addressed after a Wellness Wednesday class. [15:12]   Additional financial educational opportunities are on the horizon, as Mr. Hill explains. [18:09]   Mr. Hill provides how veterans, transitioning service members, and their families can register for financial classes and information. [20:41]   John Bell, Acting Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)   In the military, John was part of Operation Restore Hope and later became involved in the mortgage business. [27:23]   Joe describes his role as Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service at the VA and key elements of the VA Home Loan program. [29:28]   What an appraisal is and what it isn’t. [37:34]   The residual income requirement ensures a veteran can stay in a home once the loan has been approved. [40:16]   Resources for additional information about the VA’s Home Loan program. [42:06]   For more information or continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us Find more about the Financial Wellness classes offered by the VBA here Cup of Joe Radio Show — Helping Veterans Through the Power of Music VA-backed Veterans Home Loans or 877-827-3702

12 Jan 202247min

Just imagine it is December 1989, and you think you are just going out on a regular training mission. As it turns out, you are getting ready to jump into combat. That is what happened to SEAC (Ret.) John Wayne Troxell when he was a young Staff Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. And thus began Operation Just Cause and the invasion of Panama. John and his unit were the only people to ever jump into combat with armored vehicles.   But before John shares his remarkable story with Host Rob Couture, VFW National Commander Fritz Mihelcic offers updates as to what he’s been doing since the time of the summer convention.   Fritz Mihelcic, VFW’s National Commander   Fritz confirms that any VFW member can be presented as a candidate for an office within the organization. [2:35]   Video calls and online communication may suffice but there is nothing like meeting people face-to-face, as Fritz recalls from his trip to Hawaii. [8:58]   Over 150 WWII veterans attended the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor on the pier across from the USS Arizona Memorial. [13:13]   Fritz details his route as he compiles the list of priorities from the service organizations the VFW works to assist. [16:01]   Words of wisdom and a personal holiday greeting from VFW National Commander, Fritz Mihelcic. [28:45]   John Wayne Troxell, SEAC (Ret.)   John describes the days leading up to Operation Just Cause in Panama and shares his role in the forced-entry mission. [32:42]   Operation Just Cause was the first to air-drop a Sheridan Mini Tank. [40:38]   As the vehicle commander, just after landing, John’s crew was created by the soldiers who arrived at the tank first. [54:11]   For John, Operation Just Cause in Panama was more dangerous than Desert Storm in Iraq. [58:27]   John was finally able to call his family on Christmas Eve after not communicating with them since before the operation. [1:13:31]   Final words from John about leadership and training. [1:20:47]   For more information or continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us

22 Dec 20211h 30min

This summer was a tough time for many veterans who watched the evacuation of Afghanistan and the end of the war after 20 years. It was difficult for many veterans to deal with the feelings that surfaced as they watched everything unfold. To give those feelings an outlet, Host Rob Couture decided to give veterans a platform to share their perspectives of history, combat, and what life was like serving their country at a time of war. In this episode, he speaks with Tony Mayne, an Army Ranger who jumped into Afghanistan the month after 9/11 as the war in Afghanistan and the global war on terrorism began. Now retired, Tony is the Founder and CEO of the Ranger for Life program.   Tony Mayne, U.S. Army Retired Major — Founder & CEO, Ranger for Life Tony recounts his journey from college to joining the Army Rangers. [2:29] Immediately after graduating from PDLC, Tony discovered the country was going to war and he was going to Kandahar. [6:50] A Kodak camera caused Tony more grief than any firefight. [17:07] Tony describes the beginning of his unit’s deployment to Afghanistan. [21:17] No one knew how long Operation Enduring Freedom would last. [36:33] Tony went back to Afghanistan to execute government policy as a Public Affairs Officer. [43:25] Watching the evacuation, Tony saw examples of the American spirit being alive and well. [49:23] Tony describes the Ranger for Life program and how it assists the veteran community. [52:54] For more information or continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us Ranger for Life Gallant Few — Rangers

24 Nov 20211h

In this special Veterans Day edition of #StillServing, Host Rob Couture interviews his friend and the only living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the Iraq War, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia. David was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 25, 2019, for his action at the battle of Fallujah. Rob reflects on his time as a master sergeant serving as the Department of the Army’s lead communicator for the Medal of Honor where he served as David’s public affairs advisor and travel coordinator. The airing of this podcast on November 10th not only serves to celebrate David’s birthday but also the anniversary of his action on November 10th, 2004.   David Bellavia, Medal of Honor Recipient — Operation Iraqi Freedom —   A recording of David explaining the events surrounding the action that earned him the Medal of Honor. [2:03] How “Thank you for your service” translates for those #stillserving. [8:55] David describes the kinship, love, trust, and respect shared by those in the Armed Forces and how he became part of the tribe. [11:27] Military service is a great place to meet people with a rich tapestry of backgrounds and stories, which serve as life’s entertainment. David shares a humorous example. [16:42] After 20 years of the war on terror, David reflects on his experience and the sacrifices veterans make. [25:13] Post-traumatic stress is not a lifetime condition. How David helps himself and others find balance. [32:27] Wearing the Medal of Honor can test your mettle. [40:41] In addition to House to House, David’s new book, Remember the Ramrods will be released in 2022. [52:49] David’s inspirational Pentagon Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony remarks. [55:23] For more information or continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook VFW Unmet Needs Program Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship Afghan Resettlement Initiative — Welcome.us Learn more about David Bellavia at Army.mil/medalofhonor/bellavia David Bellavia

10 Nov 202158min