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
