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

Host Rob Couture is joined by Ryan Gallucci, Executive Director of the VFW Washington Office, and Mike Figlioli, Director of VFW National Veteran Service, to break down major developments affecting veterans.

The conversation centers on the VA's interim final rule amending 38 CFR 4.10 — a regulatory change that raised concerns about how disability ratings could factor in the effects of medication. The team explains what the rule meant, why it sparked backlash across the veterans community, and how coordinated advocacy led to VA announcing it would not move forward with enforcement for now. With more than 18,000 public comments submitted, the episode highlights the power of veteran voices.

The hosts also provide an update on the fight against predatory "claim sharks," including a recent federal court ruling striking down Louisiana's law and ongoing state-level legislative battles. Finally, they preview the upcoming VFW Washington Conference, where members will meet with lawmakers to advocate for priorities like the Major Richard Star Act, toxic exposure expansion, transition assistance reform, and protections for veterans overseas.

Featured Guests:

Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veteran Service

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro and Roll Call
2:29 VA rule change on 38 CFR 4.10
13:38 VA response and public comment surge
27:48 Claims sharks update and court ruling
32:44 Major Richard Star Act advocacy
39:20 Washington Conference preview
45:37 Legislative priorities and joint hearing
55:03 Good of the Order – Closing remarks