Aug 22, 2025
In this engaging episode of #StillServing, Rob Couture and co-host Brittany Dymond Murray sit down with Tammy Barlet, Jennifer Ross, and Kristina Keenan for a deep dive into the partnership between the VFW and Student Veterans of America (SVA). Together, they explore how SVA chapters support student veterans on campus, the impact of the GI Bill, and the opportunities created through the VFW–SVA Legislative Fellowship. From personal journeys to national advocacy, the conversation highlights how the next generation of veterans is shaping policy, building community, and carrying forward the VFW’s legacy of service.
From the campus lounge to Capitol Hill, today’s student veterans are tomorrow’s leaders — still learning, still leading, and still serving.
Featured Guests:
Tammy Barlet – Vice President, Government
Affairs, Student Veterans of America; VFW Legacy Life Member
(PA)
Jennifer Ross – VFW–SVA Legislative Fellow Alum; VFW
Life Member
Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Brittany Dymond Murray – Co-host & Associate Director, VFW Public
Affairs & Strategic Outreach
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Welcome
2:15 Spotlight on Student Veterans of America and VFW
partnership
4:54 Tammy Barlet’s journey from student veteran to national
advocate
10:01 What SVA chapters offer on campus vs. VFW posts in the
community
13:43 SVA’s 1,600+ chapters worldwide and their role in student
success
18:33 The VFW–SVA Legislative Fellowship: purpose, process, and
impact
20:19 Jennifer Ross shares her fellowship experience and advocacy
on Guard/Reserve GI Bill parity
22:47 Application process, mentorship, and building a community
action plan
25:18 Preparing student veterans to brief Congress alongside the
VFW
27:02 Advocacy paths for introverts and extroverts alike
29:25 Fellowship open to all fields of study — passion drives
impact
31:16 Balancing school, SVA, VFW, and fellowship commitments
1:06:54 Afghanistan War Commission session
1:08:27 Historic election of Carol Whitmore as the VFW’s first
female Commander-in-Chief
1:11:01 Good of the Order: Tammy on how SVA modeled claims clinics
after the VFW convention
1:14:13 Kristina Keenan previews the upcoming Fall Legislative
Conference and expanded grassroots advocacy
1:17:22 Call to action: Afghanistan veterans encouraged to share
experiences with the Afghanistan War Commission
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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Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online