VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Fall Conference Participants Advocate on Capitol Hill: VFW National Legislative Committee members from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the VFW Fall Legislative Conference, beginning with a full day of advocacy training before taking their message to Capitol Hill. Participants sharpened their skills in congressional meeting preparation, storytelling, year-round advocacy, media engagement, legislative research and the responsible use of AI. They then met with senators, representatives and congressional staff to advance the VFW’s legislative priorities for the remainder of the 119th Congress. With few legislative days remaining, advocates focused on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, Major Richard Star Act, TAP Promotion Act and Written Informed Consent Act as momentum continues to build on these key issues. VFW members carried a clear message throughout the week: Congress must honor the contract with those who serve, and protect the earned benefits of current and future veterans.
Major Richard Star Act Petition Reaches 218 Signatures: Discharge Petition No. 22 for H.R. 2102, Major Richard Star Act, has reached the 218 signatures needed to move forward. VFW Department of South Carolina National Legislative Committee members and VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joy Craig met with Rep. Nancy Mace on Sept.15 to discuss the bill and the importance of signing the petition. Mace added her signature later that same day. This is a milestone in the VFW’s years-long fight to end the unfair offset that prevents certain combat-injured veterans from receiving the full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation they earned. Reaching 218 signatures gives the legislation a path to the House floor through the discharge process as the VFW continues working to secure consideration of the clean version of the Major Richard Star Act.
Podcast Discusses Advocacy, Fitness and History: VFW National Commander Cory Geisler, National Legislative Committee Vice Chairwoman Staci Boyer and VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci join hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray for a wide-ranging conversation from the VFW Fall Legislative Conference. The group explores legislative advocacy training, personal storytelling and key issues including Section 108 of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, the Major Richard Star Act, TAP Promotion Act, written informed consent and continuity of care. With campaign season underway, they also discuss political activity at the Post level and maintaining the distinction between advocacy and endorsement. Cory highlights Warrior Fitness, his initiative promoting physical activity, while Staci shares insights on strength training. Ryan closes with lessons from a 1926 issue of Foreign Service magazine that remain relevant today. Listen to episode 73, "Sets and Reps," on your favorite podcast platform, or watch it on YouTube.