VFW Advocacy

1. VFW Names First Woman Veteran to Lead its National Legislative Efforts

   WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce the selection of the first woman veteran as director of the VFW's National Legislative Service (NLS).

   Kristina Keenan is a familiar and well-respected face on Capitol Hill. As a member of the NLS team since 2018, her tenacity and dedication have been proven time and again. Most notably, her advocacy efforts contributed greatly to the passing of the PACT Act - the largest expansion of veterans benefits since the Vietnam War. Her legislative victories also include passage of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act and the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act, among others.

   Keenan has been recognized as one of the country's top lobbyists by the National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics (NILE) and the Washington, D.C., publication, The Hill.

   "It is an absolute honor to serve veterans and the VFW. I am thrilled to be the organization's next legislative director," said Kristina Keenan. "I began my advocacy work with the VFW as a volunteer in 2016, focusing on women veteran issues and the Deborah Sampson Act. Two years later, I moved to Washington, D.C., to join the VFW's National Legislative Service. This journey has been incredible, especially being part of efforts over the past several years to advance toxic exposure legislation and the success of the PACT Act. I have learned so much from outstanding VFW leaders, and I hope to continue the organization's century-long legacy of legislative achievements."

   Keenan, a veteran of the Minnesota Army National Guard, earned her VFW eligibility during a 2003 deployment to Bosnia. Immediately following her deployment, she volunteered for a second deployment to Bosnia, working as a tactical human intelligence team leader with an allied military intelligence battalion. Keenan finished her military service in 2005, with the rank of sergeant.

   Following her military service, Keenan completed a bachelor's degree in political science at the American University of Paris in France and later earned a master's in human rights and humanitarian action from the Institut d'études politiques de Paris (Paris Institute of Political Studies, commonly known as Sciences Po). Kristina completed a 10-month internship in 2008, at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), in Mons, Belgium, where she was an intelligence analyst on counternarcotics issues in Afghanistan.

   As director of NLS, Keenan's responsibilities include the planning, coordination and implementation of the VFW's national legislative agenda with members of Congress, their staff, and other federal departments, agencies and organizations. Her goal is to work with Congress to create and protect all programs and services provided by the federal government to veterans, service members and their families, and to help defeat proposals that are not beneficial to America's veteran and military communities. This includes executing the VFW's annual Priority Goals, as it pertains to budgets, education, employment, health care, benefits and capital infrastructure as well as working on The Independent Budget, which is a comprehensive budget recommendation and policy document created by veterans for veterans.

   She says she is ready for the challenges the future holds for the VFW Washington Office. "Together, I know we can successfully push forward the legislative priorities that are so important to VFW members, while also working to strengthen the VA system and fight for policies that uphold the dignity and well-being of those who have sacrificed so much for our country."

   Keenan maintains her Life membership at VFW Post 605 in Paris, France - the oldest Post in Europe. She served two years as VFW Post Commander, and has held roles as VFW Department of Europe Chaplain, Student Veterans of America Chairwoman, and was a member of the National Women Veterans Advisory Committee.

   For interview requests, Contact: Rob Couture, VFW Washington Office Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach, 202.374.9998, RCouture@vfw.org.

2. VFW Leaders Prepare for Diplomacy, Troop and DPAA Site Visits

   WASHINGTON -On the heels of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Washington Conference, two official delegations comprised of senior VFW and Auxiliary leaders and supporting staff depart this weekend for separate command visits in East and Southeast Asian countries.

   Accompanied by VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, and together with VFW Auxiliary National President Brenda Bryant, Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt will embark on a six-day tour of Taiwan to meet with government leaders and the Veterans Affairs Council to bolster our longstanding friendship grounded in shared democratic ideals, mutual learning and a commitment to caring for those who sacrificed in defense of our respective nations. Among the activities planned is a diplomatic engagement with the President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, as well as tours of the PanChiao Veterans Home and Taipei Veterans General Hospital.

   "The VFW has long enjoyed a robust relationship with our veterans' affairs counterparts in Taiwan," said Lipphardt. "And this year, I am honored to meet with President Lai Ching-te to discuss our nations' common pursuit of and dedication to freedom, peace and democracy. It's through the selfless acts and courage of our nations' defenders, and the fulfilment of our duty to honor and care for them, that these ideals are able to be realized."

   Meanwhile, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Tim Peters, together with Assistant Adjutant General Brian Walker and VFW Washington Office Public Affairs Director Rob Couture, will spend two weeks traveling to Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) field sites in Thailand and Vietnam and meeting with U.S. military personnel, veterans and VFW members in South Korea and the Philippines.

   "DPAA's mission has always been near and dear to my heart," said Peters, "that's why I'm excited to meet with the teams in Thailand and Vietnam to see their work firsthand. Their dedication to accounting for every service member missing in action is truly remarkable."

   The VFW's annual overseas missions fulfill critical organizational national security and foreign affairs objectives. Travel missions abroad enable senior leadership to strengthen ties with host nation governments, witness field operations and understand the needs of the DPAA and gauge the welfare of U.S. troops and veterans stationed and living outside the United States and its territories. Leveraging the VFW's powerful advocacy platform in Washington, D.C., lessons learned from each visit are brought to administration officials and members of Congress to ensure the DPAA is fully funded each year and troops and veterans, including those working as Department of Defense (DOD) civilians, are properly taken care of, able to execute their missions, and can access the benefits and services afforded to them.

   Thanks to VFW advocacy after past overseas visits, legislation to overhaul the Department of Veterans Affairs' Foreign Medical Program was introduced by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) during the 118th and current Congresses, while the DOD decided in 2024 to continue providing mail privileges to military retirees living abroad.

   For updates as the missions kick off and throughout, be sure to follow the VFW on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram under @VFWHQ and on Facebook under @VFWFans.

3. VFW Encouraged as President Shares 'Scalpel' Approach to VA Job Cuts

   WASHINGTON -Last week I voiced the VFW's concerns about the indiscriminate firings of veterans across our federal government. We heard from our members across the country about the effects this was having on their livelihoods and the care veterans seek at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I urged the use of a scalpel instead of a chain saw when seeking to right size VA. We feel this way because the men and women who served our country deserve that consideration when making decisions that are this serious.

   Earlier this week, VA announced its plans to reduce the VA workforce by an additional 83,000 employees. The VFW sees no scenario where that would not affect veterans care and benefits. Once again, it is concerning that the announced cuts would be harmful to veterans.

   Thankfully, yesterday at a press conference, President Trump made it clear he was directing the Cabinet secretaries to take the lead on right sizing their respective departments instead of DOGE. President Trump stated, "I don't want to see a big cut where a lot of good people are cut." Later in a social media post the president wrote, "We say the 'scalpel' rather than the 'hatchet.'" The VFW agrees with that sentiment, and we are glad to hear the administration has heard the concerns of groups like the VFW.

   We now call upon VA to reconsider its planned reduction of 83,000 employees and thoroughly review any proposed cuts prior to rolling out further announcements like this. Again, a scalpel is the preferred tool when making these precise cuts, especially when, at this very moment, veteran employees are indeed fit to have jobs still serving their fellow veterans and the country.

   The VFW supports the elimination of waste, fraud and abuse in our government. I told Secretary Collins earlier this week that we agree that there are areas at VA where we can tighten the belt. And the VFW will work with Secretary Collins and other veteran groups to help identify processes that need to be more efficient, so veterans remain the focus at VA. We call on all veterans who have not yet engaged on this issue to follow us in making your voice heard. If veterans won't stand up for one another, then who will?

   Our leaders in Washington, D.C., must "Honor the Contract" we all signed when we joined the military. Making sure veterans care and benefits remain fully funded and appropriately staffed to carry out this critical mission is incredibly important. We fulfilled our part of the contract we signed, and we expect our elected and appointed leaders to do the same.

4. VFW Encouraged as President Shares 'Scalpel' Approach to VA Job Cuts

   WASHINGTON - Last week I voiced the VFW's concerns about the indiscriminate firings of veterans across our federal government. We heard from our members across the country about the effects this was having on their livelihoods and the care veterans seek at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I urged the use of a scalpel instead of a chain saw when seeking to right size VA. We feel this way because the men and women who served our country deserve that consideration when making decisions that are this serious.

   Earlier this week, VA announced its plans to reduce the VA workforce by an additional 83,000 employees. The VFW sees no scenario where that would not affect veterans care and benefits. Once again, it is concerning that the announced cuts would be harmful to veterans.

   Thankfully, yesterday at a press conference, President Trump made it clear he was directing the Cabinet secretaries to take the lead on right sizing their respective departments instead of DOGE. President Trump stated, "I don't want to see a big cut where a lot of good people are cut." Later in a social media post the president wrote, "We say the 'scalpel' rather than the 'hatchet.'" The VFW agrees with that sentiment, and we are glad to hear the administration has heard the concerns of groups like the VFW.

   We now call upon VA to reconsider its planned reduction of 83,000 employees and thoroughly review any proposed cuts prior to rolling out further announcements like this. Again, a scalpel is the preferred tool when making these precise cuts, especially when, at this very moment, veteran employees are indeed fit to have jobs still serving their fellow veterans and the country.

   The VFW supports the elimination of waste, fraud and abuse in our government. I told Secretary Collins earlier this week that we agree that there are areas at VA where we can tighten the belt. And the VFW will work with Secretary Collins and other veteran groups to help identify processes that need to be more efficient, so veterans remain the focus at VA. We call on all veterans who have not yet engaged on this issue to follow us in making your voice heard. If veterans won't stand up for one another, then who will?

   Our leaders in Washington, D.C., must "Honor the Contract" we all signed when we joined the military. Making sure veterans care and benefits remain fully funded and appropriately staffed to carry out this critical mission is incredibly important. We fulfilled our part of the contract we signed, and we expect our elected and appointed leaders to do the same.

5. Rep. Van Orden Receives VFW Congressional Award

   WASHINGTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) presented its 2025 Congressional Award to Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) for his relentless advocacy on behalf of veterans and service members.

   "In Representative Van Orden, we have found a devoted, passionate and determined advocate for our military and veteran communities," said VFW Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt. "His resolve for accountability and action on some of our most pressing issues is clear, and we could not be more thrilled to have him in our corner not only as a member of Congress but also as a VFW Life member."

   Presented annually since 1964, the VFW Congressional Award is given to one member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of veterans and military personnel. Past recipients include strong national security and veterans' advocates, such as Sen. Bob Dole (R-KS), Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), among many others. Last year's award went to Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) who now serves on the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. Levin previously held the position of Ranking Member on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

   Rep. Van Orden was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022. Quickly assuming the role of Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, he got to work addressing topline veteran and service member issues like the military Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and veteran suicide prevention. As the originating sponsor of the VFW-supported TAP Promotion Act, he relentlessly advocates for service members' equal access to VA-accredited claims representatives in TAP classrooms. Moreover, he co-authored last year's bipartisan House Concurrent Resolution commemorating the VFW's 125th Anniversary and even proudly wears his VFW cap while presiding over VFW-attended hearings. In addition to his duties as the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Chairman, he also serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee.

   Before coming to Congress, Rep. Van Orden was a U.S. Navy SEAL and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after serving 26 years and completing multiple combat deployments, thereby earning his VFW membership eligibility. He maintains his Life membership at Thomas Rooney VFW Post 1530 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

   "We are eager to continue working with Rep. Van Orden and his staff to ensure we get to the root of economic-related barriers facing veterans and transitioning service members," said Lipphardt. "His tenacity and resistance to accepting the status quo resonates deeply with our members, and we are proud to bestow upon him this year's Congressional Award."