VFW Advocacy

1. 'The VFW Is There to Represent the Veteran'

   VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) and its network of 2,278 officers worldwide reached a new milestone last year: $16.2 billion in awards for the more than 608,000 veterans it represents.

   Considered one of VFW's foundational pillars since its inception 124 years ago, NVS continues to help veterans and their families file VA disability claims and secure earned benefits at no cost, a standard praised across the organization.

   "Nothing makes me prouder than the work VFW's service officers do day in and day out for veterans, transitioning service members and surviving dependents," VFW Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore said. "It is astonishing that this profound amount of $16.2 billion was recovered by the men and women who do this service officer work free for veterans."

   For NVS Director Michael Figlioli, the steady year-over-year growth in benefits recovered on behalf of veterans, including a $1.6 billion leap last year from its previous figure of $14.62 billion in 2024, is a microcosm of the network's commitment to excellent customer service.

   At VFW, each service officer is accredited by the VA to provide free claims assistance to transitioning service members, veterans and their families.

   In 2025 alone, NVS processed nearly 164,000 new claims, with about 14,000 of those filed through VFW's Pre-Discharge Claims Program, which helps service members prepare to transition out of the military.

   "Every day, our VFW-accredited service officers show the tenacity, dedication and genuine care that veterans deserve," Figlioli said. "They stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who wore the uniform, guiding them through the VA claims process and making sure they receive the benefits they have earned. I am truly humbled by their commitment, integrity and the life-changing impact they make for veterans and their families."

   Figlioli also noted that a VFW service officer's commitment to veterans goes beyond filing a claim.

   "If there's any after-action work to be done, such as an appeal, the VFW is there to represent the veteran, family member or survivor all the way through to the end," Figlioli said. "It has been proven that those who seek assistance from an accredited representative will likely receive a better rating than those who pretend to know what they're doing."

   Today, VFW operates 26 pre-discharge claims sites across the U.S. and abroad, with locations in Europe, Guantanamo Bay and Korea covered remotely by service officers based stateside.

   'YOUR EFFORTS DELIVER OUTCOMES THAT ARE LIFE-CHANGING'
   At Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Raymond Loo devotes himself each day to turning the most complicated part of his job as a VFW Department of Hawaii Service Officer into small miracles with lasting effects.

   As one of 2,278 VA-accredited men and women who embody the VFW's network of service officers, Loo's favorite part is helping veterans and surviving spouses who are either frustrated with repeated VA denials or devastated by the sudden loss of a loved one.

   "These initial conversations can be the hardest because claimants do not understand the VA claim process and are often emotional when trying to lay out a plan while setting the right expectations," said Loo, a Life member of VFW Post 10276 in Honolulu.

   Like all VFW service officers, Loo is equipped with copious hours of training in navigating the pitfalls and bureaucratic language. He says he is committed to providing exemplary customer service to each and every veteran and their family.

   Loo adds that he handles each claim as if it were his own, often managing every facet of the process, from the initial claim to appeals, in order to alleviate any undue burdens on the claimant.

   "I often call them and share the news of the VA's decision," Loo said. "When the decision is favorable, the veteran or surviving spouse is often overwhelmed with emotion because they know their lives and future have changed for the better. This is especially true with surviving spouses, who are often in a financial bind due to the loss of the veteran and his or her disability benefit, and will often come to tears knowing their financial future has turned around."

   Last year, an Army veteran with more than 25 years of active-duty airborne service came to see Loo about his VA service-connected rating being at 10 percent.

   "During our initial meeting, he described the multiple musculoskeletal conditions he was suffering from, and he shared the parachuting injury events over the course of his career," Loo said. "After researching his service-treatment records and obtaining additional evidence from the veteran, we submitted multiple new claims and supplemental claims."

   This article is featured in the 2026 March/April issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., associate editor for VFW magazine.

2. Rep. Pfluger Named 2026 VFW Congressional Award Recipient

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) proudly presented its 2026 Congressional Award to Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, tonight at the conclusion of its annual Washington Conference, recognizing him for his leadership in the 119th Congress and his career-long advocacy on behalf of veterans and service members.

   "Representative Pfluger uses his personal experience as a combat fighter pilot to identify and fix gaps and shortcomings in our system, ensuring veterans have a passionate and determined advocate in the halls of Congress," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "His commitment and resolve for action over words on many VFW priorities is evident, and we are eager to continue working alongside him to better care for America's service members, veterans and their families."

   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-Hawaii, 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. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI, who currently serves on the House Committees on Veterans' Affairs, Armed Services and Agriculture.

   Rep. Pfluger's work in Congress led him to introduce the House version of the Aviation Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act, a long-standing VFW priority enacted as Public Law 119-32, which directed VA to study cancer rates among military fixed-wing aircrew and advance accountability and life-saving care. He has also cosponsored key VFW priorities, including the Major Richard Star Act, the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025, the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025, and the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, safeguarding earned benefits, expanding access to care, and strengthening support for National Guard and Reserve, and medically retired service members.

   Before joining Congress, Rep. Pfluger graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2000. A former squadron commander, he has logged more than 2,000 flight hours, including 300 in combat over Syria and Northern Iraq. He is currently a colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
   
   "Rep. Pfluger's military experience and tenacity make him a leading voice in Washington on veterans issues and national security, and the more than 1.3 million VFW and VFW Auxiliary members are proud to bestow upon him this year's Congressional Award."

3. VFW Appalled Major Richard Star Act Vote Blocked for Second Time

   WASHINGTON -Today, Ranking Member Blumenthal asked for unanimous consent for passage of S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, on the floor of the U.S. Senate. This is the first time the motion was made since it failed to pass in October, held up then by Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi. I regret to announce that it was turned down again, this time by Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. I am appalled by the resistance by certain members of Congress to care for veterans who have sacrificed so much for this nation.

   As I testified earlier today before a special joint hearing of the United States Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs, the Major Richard Star Act will fix the unjust offset affecting more than 50,000 medically retired combat veterans. This is not double-dipping. This is double sacrifice. Veterans have fulfilled their obligation. Now, the country must Honor the Contract. Not partially, not eventually, not someday, but today, fully and faithfully. Stop the procedural games, have a real hearing, and get this done. Pass the Major Richard Star Act now!

4. VFW First Woman Commander Makes History Delivering Legislative Priorities to Congress

   WASHINGTON -In a standing-room-only chamber at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Commander Carol Whitmore delivered forceful testimony Tuesday before a special joint hearing of the United States Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs.

   The chamber was filled wall-to-wall with VFW and VFW Auxiliary members proudly wearing their caps, a visible show of unity behind their commander-in-chief, the first woman veteran to lead the VFW in its 126-year history. An overflow room for watching the hearing was also filled to capacity with VFW and Auxiliary members who traveled from across the country and around the world from all 52 departments of the organization.

   VFW national staff and members who joined Whitmore on the dais were Assistant Adjutant General and Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan, National Veterans Service Director Michael Figlioli, and National Legislative Committee Chairman Jason Johns.

   During the opening remarks, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal announced that he was going to the Senate floor at 12 p.m. EST to ask for unanimous consent for passage or a vote on S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, which was met with rousing applause.

   Fellow Iowan, VFW member, and close personal friend, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst introduced Whitmore to the members of the joint committee in attendance.

   Before addressing policy, Whitmore paused to recognize service members currently deployed.

   "Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge Operation Epic Fury also and give our thoughts and prayers to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice," Whitmore said. "And those who are in harm's way, like the VFW Claims Representative Rosa Valdez currently serving in Kuwait."

   She thanked Chairmen Jerry Moran and Mike Bost, Ranking Members Richard Blumenthal and Mark Takano, and members of both committees for the opportunity to testify on behalf of nearly 1.3 million VFW and Auxiliary members.

   Whitmore's message to Congress was clear and unwavering: Honor the Contract. She framed her testimony around a single principle.

   "When Americans raise their right hand and volunteer to serve, this nation makes a solemn promise: if they are wounded, become ill or die in service, America will care for them and their families," Whitmore said. "That promise is not charity. It is the binding contract between service members and the country they defend."

   As applause filled the chamber, she addressed concerns about cost directly.

   "When some suggest that veterans' benefits are too expensive, let us be clear... this is the cost of war," Whitmore said.

   A former Army nurse, Whitmore emphasized her personal connection.

   "Caring for service members and veterans is not an abstract policy issue for me... it is personal," Whitmore said.

   Whitmore praised the passage of the PACT Act but warned that implementation must match intent.

   "Passage alone does not fulfill the promise," Whitmore said.

   She urged Congress to ensure the VA aggressively applies its authorities to address unrecognized toxic exposures, including Vietnam-era burn pits, K2 veterans, submariners and others exposed in hazardous conditions.

   With PACT Act claims surging, Whitmore stressed that VA direct care and community care must function as one system.

   "Veterans experience health care in moments of need," Whitmore said. "In those moments, what matters most is reliable, timely, high-quality care delivered with dignity and respect."

   She called for clear benchmarks on wait times and travel standards and urged passage of the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025.

   "Veterans should never have to fight their way through red tape just to receive the care they earned," Whitmore said.

   Whitmore highlighted systemic shortcomings in the Foreign Medical Program, sharing the story of retired Army veteran Blane Gish in Berlin, who paid more than 5,000 euros up front for hearing aids and waited six months for reimbursement, only to receive a check that failed to account for exchange rates.

   "Veterans overseas deserve equal treatment," Whitmore said.

   She also called for the modernization of CHAMP-VA, citing slow claims processing and limited access that strain military families.

   In one of the most powerful moments of the hearing, Whitmore asked veterans and families affected by suicide to stand. Dozens rose throughout the chamber.

   "Members of the committee... this is the scope of the challenge before us," Whitmore said.

   She called for written, informed consent for VA-prescribed psychiatric medications and urged passage of the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act.

   "We cannot improve what we do not examine," Whitmore said.

   Whitmore emphasized the need for cutting-edge treatment for traumatic brain injury and PTSD, sharing the story of Afghanistan veteran Joshua Starks, who found healing outside the VA only after a devastating personal loss.

   "Veterans should not have to leave the VA to find healing," Whitmore said.

   She urged Congress to pass the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act to ensure that treatment is driven by science and urgency.

   With nearly 200,000 service members leaving active duty annually, Whitmore raised concerns about inadequate Transition Assistance Program implementation - particularly for troops separating overseas.

   "When service members separate without proper guidance, they risk delays in receiving the benefits they earned," Whitmore said.

   She called for the passage of the TAP Promotion Act to ensure seamless continuity of care and compensation.

   Though outside the committees' primary jurisdiction, Whitmore urged full funding for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

   "Service members are taught to leave no one behind. That commitment never ends," Whitmore said.

   She condemned proposed cuts despite record Pentagon budgets.

   "Fully fund DPAA so that our missing can receive their final salute on American soil," Whitmore said.

   Whitmore closed with a passionate call to end the unjust offset affecting more than 50,000 medically retired combat veterans.

   "This is not double-dipping. This is double sacrifice," Whitmore said. "Pass the Major Richard Star Act now!"

   The chamber erupted into sustained applause and a standing ovation from members in their VFW caps.

   Whitmore concluded by reminding lawmakers that the All-Volunteer Force depends on trust.

   "Veterans have fulfilled their obligation. Now the country must Honor the Contract," Whitmore said. "Not partially, not eventually, not someday, but today, fully and faithfully."

   She thanked the committee leadership and expressed readiness to answer questions, leaving behind a clear message echoed by the hundreds in attendance: Honor the Contract.

   Video of today's testimony is available to watch and share here.

   Read Commander Whitmore's full testimony here.

   The presentation of S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, to the Senate for unanimous consent can be viewed live on C-SPAN and at senate.gov.

5. VFW Affirms its Promise to US Service Members as Operation Epic Fury Begins

   WASHINGTON - Last night, the United States and its Israeli ally began combat operations against Iran in an operation dubbed Epic Fury.

   As war once again comes to the Middle East, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) asks all Americans to keep our brave service members overseas in their thoughts and prayers. At this very hour, they are carrying out difficult and dangerous missions in defense of our nation and our allies.

   The VFW understands all too well that freedom is never free and that our world remains a dangerous place. America's prepared, professional and resolute all-volunteer force continues to stand watch, serving on the front lines far from home so that our families may live in safety.

   We will never forget the weight of that responsibility, nor the sacrifices borne by those in uniform and their loved ones. The VFW remains unwavering in our commitment to support you and your families, advocate for you, and ensure the American people fully understand the significance of your service and sacrifice in defense of liberty. Finally, when your mission and service to our country is complete, we will make sure that our elected officials maintain the care and benefits you earned and Honor the Contract you have upheld.