Veterans on a Mission: Expanding Choice, Opportunity, and Impact

What does real advocacy look like when it’s led by those who’ve lived it?

In this episode of American Potential, host David From talks with Alexa Rice and Jimmie Smith—two dedicated leaders at Concerned Veterans for America—about their trip to Capitol Hill for Vets on the Hill, one of the most powerful veteran-driven advocacy events in the country.

Alexa, attending for the first time, and Jimmie, a seasoned CVA leader and U.S. Army veteran, share why this mission matters. Their focus: fighting for greater health care choice through the Veterans Access Act, ensuring veterans can seek timely care in their communities if the VA falls short. They also advocate for keeping the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which supports the high rate of veteran entrepreneurship, and call for a smarter, right-sized foreign policy that puts American interests first and avoids endless wars.

This episode dives deep into the personal motivations that fuel their work, the unique power of the veteran voice in policy discussions, and how real change starts with individuals sharing their stories directly with lawmakers.

Whether you’re a veteran, policymaker, or someone who simply cares about protecting freedom and opportunity—you’ll leave inspired by what these two are doing to make a difference.