Hail to the Chief

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