{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Let Us Reason Together","description":" Host Rob Couture welcomes Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin\u2019s 3rd District to the podcast. Van Orden is a retired Navy SEAL, VFW Life Member, chairman of the House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and recent recipient of the VFW Life Saving Award. Van Orden reflects on his path from military service to Congress, the importance of veterans\u2019 voices in government, and his personal connection to the VFW dating back to his service in Bosnia. He shares how loss and hardship \u2014 including the passing of his daughter \u2014 shaped his sense of urgency in public service, and why mission-first leadership is essential to addressing the challenges facing America\u2019s veterans. The conversation highlights his first bill signed into law protecting veterans\u2019 home loans, bipartisan efforts to strengthen VA\u2013DoD collaboration, and his advocacy for suicide prevention and smoother transitions for service members. Van Orden also recounts the powerful story of saving a young boy\u2019s life after a horrific car accident, underscoring the value veterans bring to their communities long after service. With humor, candor, and heartfelt storytelling \u2014 from his role in Act of Valor to his commitment to authenticity in Congress \u2014 Van Orden embodies the enduring spirit of service. This episode showcases how veterans continue to lead, protect, and serve their nation in every arena of life. Derrick Van Orden\u2019s bio: https:\/\/vanorden.house.gov\/about  Featured Guests: Derrick Van Orden \u2013 Congressman (WI-03), Retired Navy SEAL, VFW Life Member Kristina Keenan \u2013 Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci \u2013 Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Brittany Dymond Murray \u2013 Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach   Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 5:29 Why Van Orden joined the VFW 8:16 Running for Congress and lessons from loss 10:50 First legislative victory \u2013 VA home loans bill 17:03 Veterans in Congress and bipartisanship 20:57 Suicide prevention and transition support 24:00 Bridging VA and DoD 29:11 Behind the scenes of Act of Valor 33:30 VFW Lifesaving Award \u2013 saving an 11-year-old boy 42:24 Veterans\u2019 value in communities 46:10 Mental health, survivor\u2019s guilt, and support 50:29 Authenticity and leadership in Congress 52:40 Good of the Order \u2013 Closing reflections For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: VFW Convention Highlights Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text \u201cNEEDS\u201d to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today\u2019s VFW \u2014 Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero \u2014 Text HERO to 71777 to donate online   ","author_name":"#StillServing: The VFW Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/thevfwpodcast.libsyn.com\/website","html":"