About
Rob and Brittany are joined by Kristina Keenan and Ryan Gallucci to recap a historic week of VFW advocacy, explain how nearly 100 VFW members helped educate lawmakers on Capitol Hill and discuss why the organization remains firmly opposed to funding expanded veterans legislation by reducing future disability compensation.
The conversation examines the outcome of the House vote, the growing momentum behind the VFW's grassroots advocacy campaign and why the organization believes Congress should never establish a precedent for legislating VA disability ratings. Ryan also shares highlights from his recent visit to Germany with Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Glenn Umberger, where they met with service members, military leaders and overseas VFW members to better understand the challenges facing today's force.
Later in the episode, Rob and Brittany sit down with the founders of Unmasked Warrior—Dr. Mike Sapiro, Sam Juan, Anton Nootenboom and Noah Galloway—to discuss how storytelling can become a powerful tool for healing, connection and veteran mental health. The group shares the inspiration behind their new live experience and why every veteran's story has the power to help someone else.
The episode concludes with a preview of the 127th VFW National Convention in Reno, Nevada, where members from across the country will help shape the organization's legislative priorities and continue advocating for veterans, service members and their families.
Hosts
Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach
Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach
Featured Guests
Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Dr. Mike Sapiro – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior
Sam Juan – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior
Anton Nootenboom – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior
Noah Galloway – Co-founder, Unmasked Warrior
Episode Highlights
0:00 Intro and Roll Call
2:16 Take Care of America's Veterans Act postponed
6:11 The aftermath of the House vote and online reaction
9:21 Alternative funding proposed for the Major Richard Star Act
15:35 The standalone Major Richard Star Act gains momentum
20:28 Why Section 108 sets a dangerous precedent
35:45 Ryan's visit to Germany with Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Glenn Umberger
40:09 New VFW Action Alert and how members can help
45:05 Preview of the 127th VFW National Convention
53:39 Still Serving Spotlight: Unmasked Warrior
1:17:20 Good of the Order
Links & Resources
VFW Action Alert
https://www.vfw.org/actioncorps
127th VFW National Convention
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/7/127th-vfw-national-convention
Unmasked Warrior
https://www.unmaskedwarrior.com
Afghanistan War Commission
https://www.afghanistanwarcommission.senate.gov/