Host Rob Couture welcomes Ryan Gallucci, Brittany Dymond Murray, Nancy Springer, and Gabby Kubinyi for a wide-ranging advocacy roundtable covering the latest veterans policy updates from Capitol Hill and beyond.

 

The conversation begins with a major update on the Major Richard Star Act, including the VFW's new three-part Action Alert strategy aimed at pushing Congress toward a long-overdue public hearing. The panel explains why hearings matter, what's driving resistance, and how advocates can keep the momentum going.

 

Next, the team breaks down major developments in the fight against "claim sharks," including recent state-level enforcement actions and legislation designed to crack down on predatory companies charging veterans unlawful fees for claims assistance.

 

The episode also highlights the VFW–Student Veterans of America (SVA) Legislative Fellowship and the fellows' new action alert supporting H.R. 1965, which would increase the book stipend and tie it to inflation. Nancy Springer recaps her testimony before the House VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, emphasizing survivor-focused legislation and the power of veterans' stories in shaping policy.

 

Finally, Ryan shares insights from overseas engagements with VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore, including visits to service members and partners in Germany, Poland, and Kosovo—reinforcing why the VFW remains committed to supporting those still serving abroad.

 

Links:

 

Action Corps Weekly: https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/grassroots-efforts/vfw-action-corps-weekly 

VFW-SVA Fellowship: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support/student-fellowship 

VFW Voices of Service - Stories in Action: https://forms.gle/3R4toepnSpDFLpvU6 

 

Featured Guests:

 

Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office

Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach

Nancy Springer – Deputy Director, VFW National Legislative Service

Gabby Kubinyi – Associate Director, Grassroots Advocacy, VFW National Legislative Service

 

Episode Highlights:

 

0:00 Intro and Roll Call

4:11 Major Richard Star Act update

18:21 Claims sharks progress and enforcement updates

28:14 VFW–SVA Legislative Fellowship and H.R. 1965

39:52 Nancy Springer testimony recap

58:41 Overseas engagement: Germany, Poland, and Kosovo

1:21:25 Good of the Order