One For The Record Books

Host Rob Couture is joined by key members of the VFW Washington Office to discuss major advocacy initiatives, spotlight ongoing support for veterans, and reflect on the U.S. Army's 250th birthday celebration.

From addressing misinformation about VA policies to championing legislation like the Richard Star Act and SAVES Act, this episode focuses on ensuring veterans receive the benefits and protections they've earned—while also calling out the importance of accredited claims support and pre-discharge assistance.

Featured Guests:

Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Gregg Orto – Deputy Director, VFW National Veterans Service
Keith Garrison – Assistant Director, VFW National Veterans Service
Brittany Dymond Murray – Co-host & Associate Director, VFW Communications & Public Affairs

Episode Highlights:

7:33 Honoring the U.S. Army's 250th birthday—celebration insights and logistical challenges.

22:00 Partnering with Grunt Style & Irreverent Warriors on mental health and safe medication practices.

33:00 Clarifying misinformation around VA's updated nondiscrimination policy.

41:48 Clearing the air on the Richard Star Act.

51:00 Spotlight on the SAVES Act: supporting survivors of military sexual trauma.

1:18:45 The value of accredited VFW help and the BDD program for transitioning service members.

1:30:32 The Good of the Order

Tune in for essential updates, honest dialogue, and continued dedication to those who've served—because we're always #StillServing.

Links mentioned:

https://www.vfwstore.org/

https://www.vfw.org/contact-us

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

Deep Cover:

Sarah Cavanaugh was many things to the people who knew her: A decorated veteran. A Marine who saved her comrades. A young woman fighting cancer. She was stoic, humble, tough. In short: a hero. Sarah was everything people wanted her to be—until she wasn't. Turns out, no one knew the real Sarah. Pulitzer Prize winner Jake Halpern and acclaimed investigative journalist Jess McHugh unravel the stolen valor story of Sarah Cavanaugh's epic six-year deception that upended the lives of countless people. To this day, much of this story is shrouded in mystery—there was never a trial and most of the people involved, including victims and investigators, have never spoken publicly in any depth. Until now. In Deep Cover, Jake and Jess interview all of the story's major characters—including Sarah, herself—to tell this sprawling tale. Binge Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah wherever you get your podcasts.

Link: lnk.to/DCVFW

Medal of Honor:

Rewarded for bravery that goes above and beyond the call of duty, the Medal of Honor is the United States' top military decoration. Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage is a podcast about the heroes who have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism and courage that have saved lives. From Judith Resnik, the second woman in space, to Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice, these are stories about those who have done the improbable and unexpected, who have sacrificed something in the name of something much bigger than themselves. Every Wednesday on Medal of Honor, U.S. Army veteran J.R. Martinez uncovers what their experiences tell us about the nature of sacrifice, why people put their lives in danger for others, and what happens after you've become a hero. Listen to Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage wherever you get podcasts.
Link: lnk.to/MOHVFW