Honoring the Fallen & Fighting Care Denials: Jeff Stoffer and Rich Fiesta

Segment 1: Remembrance as an Action Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for The American Legion, joins the show to preview the May issue of The American Legion Magazine. Stoffer breaks down the "Forever Promise" project—a deeply moving Dutch tradition where local families have adopted and tended the graves of over 10,000 U.S. service members since 1945. We also tackle a growing domestic challenge: the staffing crunch facing volunteer honor guards. With over 500,000 veterans passing away annually, Stoffer discusses the urgent need for volunteers to ensure every veteran receives their final salute. Finally, we take a look back at "Doom 34," the record-breaking 35-hour B-52 mission that signaled the start of Operation Desert Storm. Segment 2: The Fight for Medicare & Social Security Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, brings a warning regarding the WISeR pilot program. This initiative is quietly introducing AI-driven prior authorization into traditional Medicare across six states, leading to early reports of care delays and denials. Fiesta explains why this administrative shift—done without a vote in Congress—is a threat to the fee-for-service model seniors rely on. Fiesta also provides updates on: Social Security Data Security: The ongoing legal battle over the handling of sensitive beneficiary information. Tax Confusion: Clarifying the reality of Social Security tax credits versus permanent tax elimination. Legislative Action: The push by Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Greg Landsman to halt the WISeR pilot before it expands nationwide. Show Links & Resources: Learn more about the American Legion: Legion.org Advocate for retirees: RetiredAmericans.org Subscribe to the AWF Union Podcast for more labor news and veteran advocacy.