Back to School

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.

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