Zachary Federico | Inside the Fight for Veteran Policy and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

Host: Cliff Van Rickley
Guest: Zachary Federico, Director, Veterans and Military Affairs Task Force, American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)

What happens after service… when the mission shifts to policy?

In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Zachary Federico to unpack a side of service most people never see—what it looks like to continue serving beyond the uniform by shaping the policies that impact veterans and military families.

Federico shares his unconventional path from musician in the Virginia Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Division Band to leading national conversations on veteran policy at ALEC. At the center of the discussion: a rapidly evolving push to expand access to alternative mental health treatments for veterans, including psychedelic-assisted therapy.

As federal momentum builds and states take the lead, Federico offers a behind-the-scenes look at how legislation actually happens—and how veterans themselves are driving change by sharing their stories and advocating for better care.

This conversation goes beyond policy—it’s about purpose, impact, and what it means to keep serving in a different way.

In This Episode

• From “band kid” to policy leader: Federico’s path to service and ALEC
• How state-level legislation shapes real outcomes for veterans
• The growing momentum behind psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD
• Why traditional treatments aren’t working for everyone
• The role veterans play in influencing policy decisions
• How YOU can get involved and make your voice heard

“Don’t underestimate how powerful your voice can be—especially as a veteran.”

This episode is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Whether it’s through advocacy, storytelling, or policy engagement, veterans continue to shape the future for those who come after them.

Why This Matters

With new federal efforts to accelerate research into alternative mental health treatments—and states building frameworks to support access—this moment could mark a major shift in how the country cares for veterans struggling with PTSD and other conditions.

But progress doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens because veterans speak up.

Stay Connected

• Learn more about the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) at www.alec.org
• Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.
• Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram
• Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
• Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.