VFW Podcast Episode 56: And of Course, World Peace

We welcome members of the VFW Washington Office for a roundtable on advocacy, benefits delivery, and showing up for veterans where it matters most. Leaders from National Legislative Service and National Veteran Service discuss how frontline experience shapes VFW’s work on Capitol Hill.

The episode opens with updates from recent VFW congressional engagement, including a House roundtable on veterans’ data protection and claims fraud tied to predatory practices and AI-generated nexus letters. The panel also reviews Nancy Springer’s recent testimony on more than two dozen veterans-related bills focused on benefits reform, appeals modernization, and expanded access to care.

The conversation turns to the VFW’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, highlighting how accredited service officers help transitioning service members avoid mistakes, overpayments, and fraud. Real-world examples show how early engagement protects long-term benefits, health care access, and financial stability.

The episode also looks beyond policy to leadership and service, featuring reflections from a Medal of Honor reception ahead of the Army–Navy Game. Highlights from VFW’s Army–Navy tailgates underscore how visibility and camaraderie help connect the next generation of veterans to the organization.

Links referenced in the episode:

Read Nancy's testimony: https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national...

Watch the hearing: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2025/...

Link to find a BDD rep: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/va-cla...

Featured Guests:

Nancy Springer – Deputy Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Chris Macinkowicz – Deputy Director, VFW National Veterans Service
Gregg Orto – Deputy Director, VFW National Veterans Service

Links mentioned:

Read Nancy's testimony: https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national...

Watch the hearing: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2025/...

Link to find a BDD rep: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/va-cla...

Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro and Roll Call
4:43 House roundtable on AI, cybersecurity, and veterans’ data protection
8:52 Congressional testimony on 24 veterans-related bills
15:12 Reforming missed exams, appeals, and access to care
24:41 VFW legislative priorities and concurrent receipt
31:20 Medal of Honor reception and leadership reflections
42:16 Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) explained
44:08 AI-generated claims, fraud risks, and nexus letters
50:21 How and where transitioning service members can find help
59:07 The partnership between National Legislative Service and National Veteran Service
1:00:12 Army–Navy Game tailgates and VFW visibility
1:15:30 Good of the Order – holiday reflections and closing thoughts