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

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

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

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

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

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.

Hosts:

Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach
Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach

Featured Guests:

Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Jason Johns – Chairman, VFW National Legislative Committee
John Muckelbauer – General Counsel, VFW National Headquarters

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

On the heels of an electrifying VFW Washington Conference, Host Rob Couture welcomes VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore, Ryan Gallucci, Kristina Keenan, and Mike Figlioli to reflect on a landmark week of advocacy, powerful testimony on Capitol Hill and the sobering reality that American service members remain in harm's way amid escalating conflict involving Iran.

Whitmore discusses delivering her testimony as VFW National Commander before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees, calling on Congress to fully and faithfully "Honor the Contract" with veterans. The panel examines the VFW's top legislative priorities, including the Major Richard Star Act, suicide prevention, brain health, toxic exposure research, and improving access to care for veterans and service members.

Watch VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore's full testimony: https://youtu.be/UXXQzZxifJs

Featured Guests:
Carol Whitmore – VFW National Commander
Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veteran Service

Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro and roll call
1:28 Washington Conference overview
2:11 Conflict involving Iran and service members in harm's way
5:11 Remembering the six U.S. service members killed
11:44 Why honoring the contract matters now
13:00 Carol Whitmore's testimony before Congress
15:22 Preparing the VFW legislative message
17:10 Standing ovation for the Major Richard Star Act
19:04 Suicide prevention and the human cost of inaction
22:01 Why the Major Richard Star Act matters
24:56 Sen. Ron Johnson blocks unanimous consent
27:49 How unanimous consent works in the Senate
31:21 Why the issue is fairness, not cost
40:07 VA Secretary Doug Collins at Washington Conference
41:56 Rescinding the interim final rule
46:16 "No veteran should ever have to pay for a claim"
51:05 VFW Congressional Award for Rep. August Pfluger
57:30 Bonus Army Memorial March and VFW advocacy history
1:06:35 Good of the Order
1:14:11 Closing remarks