Host Rob Couture welcomes Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin’s 3rd District to the podcast. Van Orden is a retired Navy SEAL, VFW Life Member, chairman of the House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and recent recipient of the VFW Life Saving Award.
Van Orden reflects on his path from military service to Congress, the importance of veterans’ voices in government, and his personal connection to the VFW dating back to his service in Bosnia. He shares how loss and hardship — including the passing of his daughter — shaped his sense of urgency in public service, and why mission-first leadership is essential to addressing the challenges facing America’s veterans.
The conversation highlights his first bill signed into law protecting veterans’ home loans, bipartisan efforts to strengthen VA–DoD collaboration, and his advocacy for suicide prevention and smoother transitions for service members. Van Orden also recounts the powerful story of saving a young boy’s life after a horrific car accident, underscoring the value veterans bring to their communities long after service.
With humor, candor, and heartfelt storytelling — from his role in Act of Valor to his commitment to authenticity in Congress — Van Orden embodies the enduring spirit of service. This episode showcases how veterans continue to lead, protect, and serve their nation in every arena of life.
Derrick Van Orden’s bio: https://vanorden.house.gov/about
Featured Guests:
Derrick Van Orden – Congressman (WI-03), Retired Navy SEAL, VFW Life Member
Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro and Roll Call
5:29 Why Van Orden joined the VFW
8:16 Running for Congress and lessons from loss
10:50 First legislative victory – VA home loans bill
17:03 Veterans in Congress and bipartisanship
20:57 Suicide prevention and transition support
24:00 Bridging VA and DoD
29:11 Behind the scenes of Act of Valor
33:30 VFW Lifesaving Award – saving an 11-year-old boy
42:24 Veterans’ value in communities
46:10 Mental health, survivor’s guilt, and support
50:29 Authenticity and leadership in Congress
52:40 Good of the Order – Closing reflections
For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit:
VFW Convention Highlights
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.
Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story
Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online