#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
The Veterans of Foreign Wars
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Top 10 #StillServing: The VFW Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best #StillServing: The VFW Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to #StillServing: The VFW Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite #StillServing: The VFW Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Celebrating the Efforts of African-American Veterans
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
02/03/21 • 55 min
In honor of Black History month, the VFW is highlighting veterans who made a difference during their service and continue to make a difference in their communities. The VFW donates to organizations that assist service members who have battled spoken and unspoken, systemic biases based on race, equity, and justice as well as other deserving causes.
During this episode of The VFW Podcast, Host Terrence Hayes chats with Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (ret.) Kaleth Wright about the many contributions African-Americans have made in our military and shares his experience while serving as we recognize African-American History Month. Internal Revenue Service Media Relations Officer, Karen Connelly shares how veterans and service members can prepare for the 2021 tax season. And Park University Associate Professor of History Dr. Timothy Westcott shares the amazing work The George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War is doing in regards to the Valor Medals Review Project for minority service members.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (ret.) Kaleth Wright —
- Kaleth joined the world's greatest Air Force on a whim, but now service means everything to him. [2:18]
- Kaleth shares the African-Americans who made a significant impact on his life. [8:56]
- Why leaders need to have conversations about systemic race, justice, equity, and bias issues to become better leaders. [10:35]
- The advancement of females and minorities in positions of authority is well overdue. [15:35]
Internal Revenue Service Media Relations Officer, Karen Connelly —
- The steps veterans can take to prepare to file taxes. [22:12]
- Tax filing advice for deployed service members. [24:16]
- Navigating 2020 taxes, including the Recovery Rebate form, the CARES Act, and SS tax deferment. [25:38]
- What veterans can do to avoid being the victim of a tax fraud or scam. [27:08]
- “A Closer Look” into the IRS. [33:10]
Park University Associate Professor of History, Dr. Timothy Westcott —
- Dr. Westcott describes the process in which Park University reviews those denied Valor medals due to racial bias. [35:40]
- The individuals involved with the Valor Medals Review Program and the role they play in the process. [40:31]
- Dr. Westcott shares the heartbreaking and heartwarming aspects of the Valor Medals Review Program. [44:31]
- How the 2019 VFW donation of $70,000 was used to recognize future Valor Medal recipients. [49:31]
For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program
Health & Fitness for Physical, Mental, and Emotional Wellbeing
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
04/28/21 • 90 min
During this episode of the Still Serving Podcast, Host Rob Couture shares news and information you can use to get motivated and get healthy. Dr. Jane Kim is the Chief Consultant for Preventive Medicine for the National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Veterans Administration. She comes armed with all the information you need to know about the VA’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Executive Director and Founder of Team Red, White, & Blue, Mike Erwin, is joined by VFW Director of Programs, Lynn Rolf, to discuss the newly created partnership between the two organizations and how we veterans can use it to enhance our wellness efforts.
Then, SEAC (Retired) John Wayne Troxell shares how his role as a fitness advocate, motivational speaker, consultant, and brand ambassador for multiple health and fitness organizations promotes healthy, nutritious initiatives. To wrap things up, Post Commander for VFW Post 7916, Jeff Lett, describes how his post became the #StillServing Post of the Month.
Chief Consultant for Preventative Medicine VA, Dr. Jane Kim —
- What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination program at the VA. [2:25]
- Reactions and possible side effects from the vaccines. [6:02]
- Can fully vaccinated people transmit COVID-19 to friends or family? [9:32]
Founder Team Red, White, & Blue, Mike Erwin, and VFW’s Director of Programs, Lynn Rolf —
- Why Mike created Team Red, White, & Blue. [15:54]
- Lynn reflects on his fitness journey and how the joint effort of the VFW and Team R, W, & B to help veterans stay healthy. [19:25]
- Physical, mental, and emotional accountability is a key factor in Team Red, White, and Blue’s program. [26:43]
- The benefits of the partnership between Team R, W, & B offers VFW members. [29:20]
- Marching orders is a simple way veterans can get moving toward better health. [31:23]
SEAC (Retired) John Wayne Troxell —
- John designed the PME Hard program to be a foundation for resiliency for troops in harsh conditions. [36:42]
- The challenging, non-traditional motivation techniques John integrated into his PT routines. [43:48]
- Why nutrition is the most important way for veterans to be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. [48:31]
- John promotes “better for you” choices by partnering with private companies that provide military services. [53:14]
- Why physical fitness is vitally important to a healthy retirement. [1:04:27]
- John has two podcasts The Ron & John Show and Leader Talk. [1:10:46]
#StillServing Post Commander VFW Post 7916, Jeff Lett —
- Jeff describes how he is #StillServing and how VFW Post 7916 thrives in the community. [1:17:36]
- Post 7916 was voted Post of the Month based on the good deeds done by its members. [1:23:13]
For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program
A Cut Above the Rest: On Location at the Sport Clips Haircuts National Huddle
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
09/22/21 • 54 min
If you are a veteran enrolled in college for this fall semester, you are more than likely knee-deep in classes by now. If you took advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill you're probably not worried about the debt. But, scholarships can go a long way to help you reach educational goals when benefits don't quite get you there. Since 2013, the generous folks at Sport Clips Haircuts have helped raise millions of dollars for the VFW's Sport Clips Help A Hero scholarship. With that in mind, Rob took the #StillServing podcast on the road and traveled to San Antonio, Texas, for this year's Sport Clips Haircuts annual National Huddle convention.
During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture speaks with Sport Clips Chairman and Founder, and VFW life-member Mr. Gordon Logan to hear about how he went from being a C-130 pilot during the Vietnam war to the head of one of the most innovative franchises in North America. He also speaks with influencers within the Sport Clip system and with a mutual partner of both the VFW and Sport Clips, president and founder of Dream Flights, Mr. Darryl Fisher to learn about what his charity does to give the experience of a lifetime to our most senior veterans.
Gordon Logan, Chairman, and Founder, Sport Clips Haircuts —
- Mr. Logan shares his inspiration for developing Sport Clips and how the organization goes the extra mile to give men and boys the style and service they deserve. [3:20]
- How Sport Clips helps the VFW with the Help A Hero Scholarship program. [6:34]
- Being an Air Force veteran himself, Mr. Logan wanted to do something to say thank you to veterans for helping to keep America safe. [10:23]
Amanda Palm, Corporate Communications Manager, Sport Clips Haircuts —
- Amanda describes the purpose of the Sport Clips Haircuts Huddle. [13:53]
- Amanda highlights some of the fundraising efforts for the Help A Hero campaign that comes from Sport Clips clients and franchisees. [15:32]
- On Veterans Day, Sport Clips is offering free haircuts to active duty military personnel in addition to their fundraising efforts. [20:57]
Joe Klimek, Navy veteran and Area Developer, Sport Clips Houston —
- Joe shares his 5-year military service story. [23:15]
- How military service can translate into future civil career opportunities at Sport Clips for veterans. [24:50]
- Joe explains how leadership skills learned in the military are the same leadership skills needed to run a Sport Clips store. [28:00]
Ted McMurdo, Team Leader, Sport Clips Colorado —
- Ted describes his passion for fundraising and supporting the military through his 17 Sport Clips stores and golf events. [31:34]
- Teams in Colorado Springs look forward to free haircuts for veterans on Veterans Day. [35:39]
Darryl Fisher, President, and Founder, Dream Flights —
- Mr. Fisher describes how Dream Flights came into existence and how it serves elderly veterans. [39:15]
- The entire fleet of Dream Flights is all World War 2 era planes that still serve America in a multitude of significant ways. [43:20]
- Mr. Fisher shares a story of a 99-year-old World War 2 veteran who took his final flight. [45:50]
- The relationship between Dream Flights and Sport Clips was developed out of a similar mission to help veterans. [47:30]
For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:
Everyone Has A Story To Tell: Focus on Black History Month
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
02/23/22 • 52 min
February is a significant month when it comes to black history. The 13th amendment, which abolished slavery, was passed by the House of Representatives on January 31, 1865, and the following day President Lincoln approved a joint resolution of congress submitting it to the state legislature for ratification. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays are also in February. It's no wonder that the second week of February was chosen as National Negro History week back in 1926. Other important dates like the founding of the NAACP on Feb 12th, 1909 was the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.
Host Rob Couture speaks with George Pettigrew, Executive VP/Historian for the Alexander/Madison Chapter of the KC Buffalo Soldier, who shares not well-known stories of African-Americans in American history. George shares the robust and detailed research accomplishments of his mother, the stories of Medal of Honor recipients from some of our nation's earliest wars, and how the military has influenced social change in North America.
George Pettigrew, Executive VP/Historian for the Alexander/Madison Chapter of the KC Buffalo Soldier
- George is a Navy vet who was the first pilot on a hydrofoil gunboat. [4:16]
- As a Subject Matter Expert on the Buffalo Soldiers, George is continuing his mother’s legacy. [8:18]
- Looking back at the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and the unexpected actions that earned them Congressional Medals of Honor. [16:17]
- Black History month puts focus on people and events but more appropriately it should be considered American history. [23:12]
- Honoring Buffalo Soldiers and remembering the life and career of Colin Powell. [29:34]
- George shares the history of the first pre-colony of African-Americans on the North American continent. [41:16]
- The military has been the leader in social change in the U.S. and the need for all Americans to communicate with veterans and ask about their stories. [45:07]
For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program
Poised, Polished and Empowered: Focus on Female Competitive Fitness
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
03/09/22 • 53 min
The month of March is Women’s History Month and National Nutrition Month. To recognize them both in one episode, Host Rob Couture speaks with two women who are the epitome of poise, polish, and empowerment.
Rachelle Cannon and Julia Waring are both veterans and professional bodybuilders. During the interview, Rob inquires about their respective military academies, their military service, and how they maintain their physical prowess for competitions and beyond.
Rachelle Cannon, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, Prevention & Wellness Program Manager and IFBB Pro Physique Competitor + Julia Waring, U.S. Army Veteran, Civil Engineer Supervisor, USACE Baltimore District, and IFBB Figure Pro
- Rachelle had her sights on West Point and ended up in the Coast Guard and Julia had her sights on the Coast Guard and ended up at West Point. [2:29]
- After graduating from the academy, Rachelle landed as a Deck Watch Officer, and Julia was deployed to Iraq. [5:48]
- Julia explains what it was like to lead a platoon of 30 males during her time in Iraq. [9:52]
- Rachelle and Julia share the positive experiences and the challenges of being African-American women in military academies. [12:25]
- How Julia and Rachelle got into the bodybuilding community. [20:58]
- The goal of female bodybuilders is to show muscle development by being lean but it takes a toll on their hormone development. [31:10]
- Rachelle shares mental, spiritual, and physical wellness tips based on her prevention and wellness certified coach status. [37:04]
- How Rachelle and Julia maintain their heart health through cardio workouts. [42:42]
- Julia and Rachelle share their last thoughts for women veterans. [49:12]
For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program
Starting the Conversation: Focusing on Mental Health Awareness
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
05/12/21 • 75 min
May is Mental Health Awareness month. If you are a proud veteran or service member who finds it difficult to reach out to others during life transitions, know that the VFW and veteran community is here for you. During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture reaches out, checks in, and starts the conversation about mental health and wellness. He speaks with the National Director for VA/DOD Mental Health Collaboration, a military evangelist and member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and Ms. Veteran America 2019 2nd runner-up. They discuss the challenges veterans face, share useful resources and perspectives, and remind us of the many ways to connect so we don't have to go it alone.
Doctor Chris Loftis talks about the new “1 Step Today” initiative that is part of the Make a Connection campaign. The honorable Rob Wilkins from the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, discusses wellness from the top of our head to the soles of our feet and how veterans can stay motivated and inspired. And, Ms. 2019 2RU Zoe Magnertta, from VFW Post #2245 shares her story of overcoming the challenges of transitioning into civilian life in our #StillServing Spotlight.
National Director for VA/DoD Mental Health Collaboration, Veterans Health Administration, Dr. Chris Loftis —
- Chris describes how the 1 Step Today program helps veterans connect during Mental Health Month. [2:58]
- The Make the Connection website assists veterans in overcoming the stigma about mental wellness by helping them express what they are experiencing. [4:38]
- Mental wellness is important for all veterans, even those in non-combat positions. [9:41]
- What veterans should do if they want to reconnect with a supportive community. [12:12]
Member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition and Military Evangelist, Honorable Robert Wilkins —
- Robert describes his role as a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. [21:30]
- Slowly removing the COVID-19 and how to regain a high quality of life. [26:49]
- Participants of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally need to be fit because the ride takes its toll on a body. [30:44]
- Robert describes how his family stays mentally and physically fit. [32:25]
- No matter how proud you are, reaching out to others will be one of the best things to increase mental wellbeing. [37:09]
#StillServing — Ms. Veteran America 2019 2RU from VFW Post #2245, Zoe Magnetta —
- Being on the cover of VFW magazine was an honor for Zoe. [44:36]
- Zoe spent 12 years in the Navy and helped others thrive during her service as a Drill Instructor. [48:05]
- As an Aviation Electronics Technician, Zoe served on an aircraft carrier during the Gulf War. [51:40]
- Zoe recalls the difficulty she experienced finding work after honorably discharging from the Navy. [56:15]
- The Ms. Veteran America competition and Final Salute focus on ending homelessness for women veterans. [1:02:10]
For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program
Medal of Honor Recipient Earl Plumlee
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
11/09/22 • 72 min
Happy Veterans Day. As veterans, we all have our war stories, but none are greater than the ones that come from our Medal of Honor recipients. For this Veterans Day, we have a very special interview. Rob had the privilege of recording earlier this year with Medal of Honor recipient Army Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee, a Special Forces Operations Team sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at Forward Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan in August of 2013.
Earl Plumlee, Army Master Sergeant, Medal of Honor Recipient
- The idea that Special Forces are elite teams who don’t deserve Medal of Honor recognition is an outdated way of thinking. [4:27]
- Earl shares how he entered military service, starting with the National Guard, while he was in high school and then into the Marine Corps. [6:25]
- Just after 9/11, Earl’s troop was moved to Okinawa, Japan before he became a recon marine in 2004. [10:24]
- Getting his wish, Earl went to Iraq to take his place as a warrior of the nation only to be sobered by the casualties of war. [16:00]
- In August 2013, Earl was a weapons sergeant in Ghazni; when the base came under fire, he took action. He shares the harrowing story. [21:56]
- In the aftermath of the battle, Earl was injured with back injuries and an arm wound. [53:20]
- Earl missed the first call from the President about his receiving the Medal of Honor. So, he called the President back at the White House. [57:53]
- Every year since 2003, Earl has seen a friend buried. [1:05:40]
For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
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
Hispanic Heritage Month
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
10/12/22 • 101 min
The observance of National Hispanic Heritage month goes on every year from September 15th to October 15th to honor the lives of American citizens with Hispanic heritage. That goes the same for the VFW as we are just a melting pot, a reflection of the greater society of our great nation. Although we are all different strands, America is much stronger when we are braided together, and nothing does that more than military service. Through the camaraderie, we are unidos, or joined together.
Rob’s guests on today’s episode are two gentlemen who have very different Hispanic backgrounds, and different military service experiences, but are both Americans to the core. First, he speaks with VFW’s QuarterMaster General Mark Garduno. He talks about his military service and what it means to be the financial steward of one of the largest and most established veterans service organizations in the nation. Then, he speaks with Retired Army Master Sergeant Felix Figuroa. He reflects on his background, military service, and the invasion of Afghanistan on the anniversary of the war.
Marc Garduno, VFW Quartermaster General
- As Quartermaster General, Marc and his team are responsible for all VFW finances and the management of VFW facilities. [2:06]
- After high school, Marc followed in his father’s footsteps joining the Army in the 82nd Airborne until retiring in 2008. [5:44]
- Wanting to continue serving, Marc got a degree in nonprofit management and put his name in the ring to be assistant to the Quartermaster General. [17:24]
- Marc describes the roles and responsibilities of the Quartermaster General. [21:47]
- Marc describes the importance of the official brand and the use of the store. [26:11]
- Marc embraces his Mexican heritage but considers himself an American first. [33:20]
Felix Figueroa, Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and Afghan War Veteran
- Felix describes being proud of his Puerto Rican heritage growing up in Michigan and his decision to enlist in 1997. [44:47]
- Remembering September 11, 2001, Felix describes serving his country on U.S. soil until his deployment to Afghanistan. [50:02]
- Felix continues his story about the shock of serving in Operation Enduring Freedom as a Broadcast Journalist. [1:10:38]
- Felix and his team left Afghanistan in February between Operation Tempo and Operation Anaconda. [1:29:39]
- Felix offers a word to fellow Afghan War veterans. [1:36:30]
For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program.
War Stories: A Ranger’s Perspective of the Afghan War
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
11/24/21 • 60 min
This summer was a tough time for many veterans who watched the evacuation of Afghanistan and the end of the war after 20 years. It was difficult for many veterans to deal with the feelings that surfaced as they watched everything unfold. To give those feelings an outlet, Host Rob Couture decided to give veterans a platform to share their perspectives of history, combat, and what life was like serving their country at a time of war. In this episode, he speaks with Tony Mayne, an Army Ranger who jumped into Afghanistan the month after 9/11 as the war in Afghanistan and the global war on terrorism began. Now retired, Tony is the Founder and CEO of the Ranger for Life program.
Tony Mayne, U.S. Army Retired Major — Founder & CEO, Ranger for Life
- Tony recounts his journey from college to joining the Army Rangers. [2:29]
- Immediately after graduating from PDLC, Tony discovered the country was going to war and he was going to Kandahar. [6:50]
- A Kodak camera caused Tony more grief than any firefight. [17:07]
- Tony describes the beginning of his unit’s deployment to Afghanistan. [21:17]
- No one knew how long Operation Enduring Freedom would last. [36:33]
- Tony went back to Afghanistan to execute government policy as a Public Affairs Officer. [43:25]
- Watching the evacuation, Tony saw examples of the American spirit being alive and well. [49:23]
- Tony describes the Ranger for Life program and how it assists the veteran community. [52:54]
For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program
Today’s VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story
Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship
Command Visit — Hawaii and a Discussion with DPAA
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast
04/09/22 • 69 min
This episode of the #StillServing podcast aptly drops on the National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, April 9th. During the podcast, Rob speaks with Tim Borland, VFW Senior Vice Commander-In-Chief, and Duane Sarmiento, VFW Junior Vice Commander-In-Chief, about their informative trip to Hawaii to discover how the VFW can better support troops in the field. During their visit to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, they see firsthand how the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) works to bring back the remains of POW/MIA service members. To describe the mission of the DPAA in detail and describe how they piece together lost stories of American war history, Rob is joined by DPAA members Kelly McKeague, Director, Greg Kupsky, Historian, Rachel Wendt, Forensic Anthropologist, and Capt. Matt Moschgat, Executive Officer, DPAA Indo-Pacific Region.
Tim Borland, VFW Senior Vice Commander-In-Chief, and Duane Sarmiento, VFW Junior Vice Commander-In-Chief
- Tim and Duane describe the trip designed to gain an understanding of the military footprint in Hawaii. [2:55]
- Tim details the role of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and how they connect American families with veterans’ remains. [5:46]
- Why the VFW traveled to receive a strategic overview of possible threats from the Indo-Pacific command. [12:08]
- Learning about the Coast Guard's extensive responsibilities was a highlight of the visit to Hawaii. [18:18]
- Rob, Tim, and Duane were informed of the strategic repositioning of troops around the Pacific. [23:31]
- Duane summarizes the trip and the experience of being on board a brand new Navy destroyer. [29:57]
- Tim shares his final thoughts about the visit and his hope for future travel opportunities to connect with service members. [35:24]
Kelly McKeague, Director, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Greg Kupsky, DPAA Historian, Rachel Wendt, DPAA Forensic Anthropologist, and Capt. Matt Moschgat, Executive Officer, DPAA Indo-Pacific Region
- Greg explains the conditions surrounding the Bataan Death March and why we commemorate it on April 9th. [41:41]
- Director McKeague describes the mission of the DPAA and how his team works together to fulfill our nation’s commitment. [44:28]
- Matt explains the role of Infantrymen in the DPAA’s mission. [48:06]
- Greg describes the process of reconstructing history through various sources of documentation. [51:52]
- DPAA works with U.S. Embassies in 46 other countries to help identify remains. [55:57]
- How listeners of the #StillServing podcast can assist the DPAA in the identification of service member remains. [59:04]
For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Website
Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW
Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program
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FAQ
How many episodes does #StillServing: The VFW Podcast have?
#StillServing: The VFW Podcast currently has 37 episodes available.
What topics does #StillServing: The VFW Podcast cover?
The podcast is about News, Non-Profit, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on #StillServing: The VFW Podcast?
The episode title 'Poised, Polished and Empowered: Focus on Female Competitive Fitness' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on #StillServing: The VFW Podcast?
The average episode length on #StillServing: The VFW Podcast is 65 minutes.
How often are episodes of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast released?
Episodes of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast are typically released every 21 days.
When was the first episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast?
The first episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast was released on Jul 31, 2020.
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