Veterans in the Trades and Protecting Social Security: Jeff Stoffer and Rich Fiesta

Today on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle two critical issues facing the American workforce: the "benefit cliff" for veterans entering apprenticeships and the rising tide of AI-driven scams targeting Social Security recipients. Segment 1: Jeff Stoffer (American Legion) Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion’s Media and Communications Division, joins the show to discuss the April edition of The American Legion Magazine. We dive into the policy gaps in the GI Bill that make it harder for veterans to pursue union apprenticeships compared to traditional college degrees. We also explore the human side of reintegration and why the skilled trades offer a sense of mission that many veterans crave. Segment 2: Rich Fiesta (Alliance for Retired Americans) Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta discusses the dual threat of Social Security data security and sophisticated online fraud. From potential data mishandling at the SSA to AI-generated voice scams on social media, Fiesta breaks down how the Alliance is fighting for better accountability and providing retirees with the tools to "Stop the Scam." What we discuss in this episode: The decline in GI Bill housing support for apprenticeship participants Why the skilled trades are a natural fit for military veterans The legal battle for Social Security data transparency How AI is making senior scams harder to detect The American Legion’s and the Alliance’s 2026 legislative priorities