Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray are joined by VFW Washington Office leaders Ryan Gallucci, Mike Figlioli, and Joy Craig for a discussion on overseas military support, Memorial Day remembrance, and key legislative priorities impacting veterans.
Joy Craig reflects on her recent overseas visit alongside VFW Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore through Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, where they met with VFW Posts, military leadership, service members, and families. The team discusses challenges facing troops and veterans stationed abroad, including healthcare access, spouse employment, childcare shortages, and transportation issues, while highlighting the importance of VFW advocacy in the Indo-Pacific region.
The episode also covers upcoming Memorial Day events, the VFW Day of Service at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and updates on major legislative efforts such as the Major Richard Star Act and the fight against predatory “claim shark” companies. Through candid conversation and passionate advocacy, the episode highlights the VFW’s continued commitment to serving veterans at home and overseas.
Featured Guests:
Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Mike Figlioli – Director of Operations / Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office
Joy Craig – Associate Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro and Roll Call
3:18 Overseas visit to Taiwan, Korea, and Japan
13:13 Challenges facing military families abroad
31:21 VFW expands veteran claims support in Korea
35:36 Memorial Day traditions and remembrance
42:13 VFW Day of Service at the Korean War Memorial
47:45 Upcoming hearings and advocacy priorities
50:14 Claim sharks and the Guard Act update
53:36 Major Richard Star Act momentum grows
1:12:25 Closing remarks and Good of the Order
