Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Advocacy”

BONUS: Introducing the Global War on Terrorism Memorial podcast series

The American Legion — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The American Legion is proud to introduce “Welcome Home,” a new podcast series from the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation.

GWOT Memorial Foundation CEO and former Army Green Beret Michael “Rod” Rodriguez chats with Chief of Staff and Army veteran Jennifer Ballou, who will host the upcoming series. The memorial will honor and remember military members who served since 9/11.

Rodriguez and Ballou talk about their personal connections to the Global War on Terrorism, the memorial foundation and more in advance of the first episode of Season 1 of "Welcome Home," which will be released on Oct. 2.

Special Guest: Michael "Rod" Rodriguez.

Links:

Global War On Terrorism Memorial Foundation - Advocating for a memorial on the mall for GWOT service members.

Episode 275: A transgender service member speaks out about being forced out

The American Legion — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

250 ways to participate in The American Legion USA 250 Challenge

THE INTERVIEW
Col. Bree Fram, a transgender Space Force member, is being forced out of the military and end her 23-year service that began with the Air Force. Fram is currently headed toward retirement due to President Trump’s prohibition on transgender service that was implemented in 2025. The White House implemented the transgender ban through an Executive Order and Department of Defense (DoD) policies. Fram speaks as a civilian as she discusses her time in the military, issues related to her transition and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Army moves to dismantle most ceremonial horse units

How WWII helped normalize tattoos

MOH recipient Clint Romesha is getting a new comic book highlighting his actions in Afghanistan

Special Guest: Col. Bree Fram.

Links:

Episode 260: Supporting other veterans in crisis with Vic Martin

The American Legion — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

American Legion Family Day

THE INTERVIEW
Navy veteran Vic Martin struggled after suffering a brain injury, receiving mental health diagnoses and being medically retired. After hitting bottom and attempting suicide, Martin now dedicates his life to helping others find their purpose and the mental health care they need.

SCUTTLEBUTT
World Autism Awareness month: Neurodivergent Veterans

Florida American Legion Riders gearing up for massive Boots on the Ground Poker Run

Military nicknames - usually born of our less-than-heroic moments

Special Guest: Vic Martin.

Links:

Episode 245: Iraqi-born interpreter's escape to the U.S.

The American Legion — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:30:00 -0500

We kick off the new year with a few resolutions and a memory of Sammi, the Iraqi interpreter who worked with Joe and his Marines.

THE INTERVIEW
Mazin Mozan, who served as an interpreter with Stacy in Iraq shares his story of serving with Coalition forces, gaining a Special Immigrant Visa and moving to the United States, and his enlistment in the U.S. Army.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Norwegian fishermen accidentally catch U.S. sub in net

Thousands of U.S. affiliated Iraqis in harms way due to refugee program delays

'Disturbing' Number of VA Mental Health Appointment Cancellations Prompt Lawmakers to Call for Reforms

Special Guest: Mazin Mozan.

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
Join The American Legion
DVIDS - News - Former Iraqi interpreter reacts to plight of Afghans
Norwegian fishermen accidentally catch U.S. sub in net | The Seattle Times — Norwegian fishermen accidentally catch U.S. sub in net
Unfulfilled Promises: Thousands of U.S.-Affiliated Iraqis in Harm’s Way Due to Refugee Program Delays | International Refugee Assistance Project — Thousands of U.S.-Affiliated Iraqis in Harm’s Way Due to Refugee Program Delays
'Disturbing' Number of VA Mental Health Appointment Cancellations Prompt Lawmakers to Call for Reforms | Military.com — 'Disturbing' Number of VA Mental Health Appointment Cancellations Prompt Lawmakers to Call for Reforms
Clear Path for Veterans | You Found Your Place
TangoAlphaLima

Episode 243: How to help military families thrive

The American Legion — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

THE INTERVIEW
National Military Family Association CEO Besa Pinchotti talks about her family roots in Kosovo, and how her time as a journalist led to her advocacy for American military families. She also explains how NMFA helps meet the immediate needs for military spouses and children as well as advocate for legislation to make permanent changes to support military families.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Next year’s Congress will feature the most women vet members ever

Bronze Statue of Tuskegee Airman Found After Theft from Detroit City Park

Special Guest: Besa Pinchotti.

Links:

Episode 236: Meet the widow of PACT Act namesake

The American Legion — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Duct Tape debuts at Paris Fashion Week

THE INTERVIEW
Danielle Robinson — the surviving spouse of the late Sgt. First Class Heath Robinson, namesake of the PACT Act – joins the podcast to share her family's story and how she and her husband became champions for passage of this historic legislation.

Danielle also shares how she honors Heath's legacy as an activist and advocate for Burn Pits 360, fighting for servicemembers and veterans exposed to hazardous environments while serving.

SCUTTLEBUTT
‘Area 52’ Veterans Call Out US Government for Refusing to Acknowledge Health Issues Caused By Radiation Exposure

U.S. Army helicopter repurposed into an Airbnb in Florida

Remembering country music legend and U.S. Army veteran, Kris Kristofferson

Special Guest: Danielle Robinson.

Links:

Episode 218: Tango Alpha Lima: Wrestle Like a Girl CEO and founder Sally Roberts

The American Legion — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Gators on the FOD walk
An Olympic Challenge

THE INTERVIEW
Sally Roberts is an athlete, Army veteran and the founder of Wrestle Like A Girl, an organization that empower girls and women to become leaders – while participating in the sport of wrestling. On this episode, she delivers her message: “It’s OK to suffer, it’s OK to endure, it’s the lessons we learn from it.”

SCUTTLEBUTT
Agreement helps military spouses keep federal jobs in overseas moves
Tracking Brain Baselines
Celebrity Veteran: FedEx Founder Fred Smith

Special Guest: Sally Roberts.

Links:

Episode 204: Tango Alpha Lima: With Honor Founder and CEO Rye Barcott

The American Legion — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 06:45:00 -0400

ASK US ANYTHING
How to “choose your own adventure” as a member of The American Legion.

INTERVIEW
Marine Corps veteran Rye Barcott, co-founder and CEO of With Honor, talks about how the cross-partisan organization works with the For Country Caucus, how they seek to advance veteran leadership in elected public service and the need to support our Afghanistan allies. .

SCUTTLEBUTT
Hamm gets the Slammer: Texas man sentenced in stolen valor case
Psychedelic Fast Track: MDMA approved for a fast-track review by the FDA
Celebrity Veteran: Serving in the Coast Guard a family tradition for a trio of Hollywood actors

Special Guest: Rye Barcott.

Links:

Tango Alpha Lima Be The One EP06: Grunt Style Foundation Founder Tim Jensen

The American Legion — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 10:45:00 -0500

Tim Jensen serves as Chief Brand Officer of Grunt Style LLC, Chairman of the Grunt Style Foundation and host of several popular veteran-focused podcasts.

A Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq in September 2004 and participated in over 200 combat patrols in the extremely violent Northern Babil Province, Tim is a strong advocate for defending the rights, lives, and well-being of veterans who have defended this country.

Tim discusses his military experience, how that led to his leadership role at Grunt Style LLC, and ultimately the Grunt Style Foundation, where he leads a team on a mission to provide resources and experiences that support veterans and servicemembers facing challenges with mental health, military transition, food insecurity and homelessness.

Special Guest: Tim Jensen.

Links:

Tango Alpha Lima Be The One EP05: VETS Co-founders Amber and Marcus Capone

The American Legion — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Marcus and Amber Capone are the founders of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions – or VETS – an organization that provides resources, research, and advocacy for U.S. Special Operations veterans seeking psychedelic-assisted therapies.

After 13 years and numerous combat deployments as a Navy SEAL, Marcus faced mental health challenges during his transition. When he did not see improvement with traditional treatments, Amber pursued alternative psychedelic therapy – which the couple attributes to saving his life, as well as their family.

Marcus and Amber join the podcast to talk about how their own experiences led them to create a resources for other veterans who are seeking alternative therapies.

Special Guests: Amber Capone and Marcus Capone.

Links:

Episode 189: Tango Alpha Lima: Ms. International World Terace Garnier

The American Legion — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
American Legion National Commander: Task Force Movement: more than a job program

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Newly crowned Ms. International World, Air Force veteran Terace Garnier has found the resilience to overcome obstacles including childhood rape, Military Sexual Trauma and homelessness.

She found success as the first Pentagon correspondent for Newsy, an artist, a mentor and advocate for fellow veterans and now, an author with a new book “No Longer Silent” just released on Veterans Day.

RAPID FIRE
Soldiers Unpaid: National Guard Hasn't Paid Out Thousands of Enlistment Bonuses

Seen UFOs as a government worker? The Pentagon wants to hear from you

Watch Marines fire rocket from ‘creepy’ robot goat available on Amazon

Special Guest: Terace Garnier.

Links:

Episode 188: Tango Alpha Lima: Combat Boots Jewelry Founder Lisa Bass

The American Legion — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
2023 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Retired U.S. Army Maj. Lisa Bass began her 20-year military career as a 30-year-old private in the JAG Corps, attended Airborne School as a grandmother, and became the first female Commander in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

After separating from the Army, Lisa made the transition from soldier to entrepreneur and founded Combat Boots Jewelry, selling patriotic accessories that help women show pride of service. She also founded Task Force Sisterhood Against Sexual Assaults (TF SASA) - a team of former military leaders from various branches with a deep commitment to providing effective solutions and support concerning sexual assault and harassment.

RAPID FIRE
Navy promotes first female mortician to senior chief petty officer

A beer-drinking Marine Corps duck earned a citation for fighting at Tarawa

Testing of Air Force all-electric plane set to start at Florida base

Special Guest: Lisa Bass.

Links:

Episode 177: Tango Alpha Lima: MST Series – Male MST survivors Ross Whitmore and Rashan Legard

The American Legion — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 06:30:00 -0400

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ross Whitmore served under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and faced many challenges as the first openly gay Air Force officer but still managed to build a successful career as a Medical Commander and a member of the Surgeon General's staff.

Rashan Legard joined the Army in 2011 after graduating from college and was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Special Troops Battalion (STB) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Both men share their experiences, the retribution that followed and how they found healing, hope and the drive to help others.

In this series, be aware we will be discussing topics that are sensitive and potentially triggering, so pause and take a break as needed, and remember you can always reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.

Special Guests: Rashan Legard and Ross Whitmore.

Links:

Episode 174: Tango Alpha Lima: Typhoon Coast Author Mark R. Clifford

The American Legion — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
A Veteran Combat Photographer Is on a Mission to Capture Portraits of Every Living Medal of Honor Recipient

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Mark R. Clifford served in the Marine Corps infantry for ten years and as a police officer for over a quarter-century. On the podcast this week, Mark talks about his military and law enforcement career, his debut novel, Typhoon Coast, and his work mentoring veterans at Zac Brown's Camp Southern Ground.

RAPID FIRE
Maryland's Howard County Veterans Foundation celebrates ‘Valiant Women’

If properly flown, an Attack Helicopter would defeat most fighter airplanes in 1 on 1 air combat. Attack Helicopter Crews explain why.

Air Force Pilots Have One Month to Extend Contracts for Up to $50,000 Per Year in Bonuses

Special Guest: Mark R. Clifford.

Links:

Episode 173: Tango Alpha Lima: Second Service Foundation Executive Director Lauren Hope

The American Legion — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Debating the Bonkers Billionaire Battle Royale between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Lauren Hope is a serial entrepreneur, an active-duty Army spouse and the Executive Director of Second Service Foundation. Where she and her team help make the American dream a reality for military businesses.

RAPID FIRE
Musk and Mark Zuckerberg

Meet Sage the Working Dog Assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford

“My life has been on pause”: surviving spouses of service members fight to retain benefits after they remarry

Leland N.C. Post 68 starts September campaign for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Special Guest: Lauren Hope.

Links:

Episode 128: Tango Alpha Lima: Mission Roll Call Executive Director, Cole Lyle

The American Legion — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
VA is doing a major overhaul of disability rating criteria and how they evaluate mental health and other conditions.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Mission Roll Call Executive Director Cole Lyle joins the podcast to talk about how his advocacy organization uses polling to give veterans a more direct voice in policy-making.

Cole talks about how Mission Roll Call engages with veterans and their focus on veteran suicide, access to care and amplification of underserved veterans such as women or those in rural and tribal communities.

RAPID FIRE
Auxiliary member's company helps deliver mobility to veterans
New York state commander promotes drive-by membership
A new home for Va. Post 139, and new homes for at-risk veterans

Special Guest: Cole Lyle.

Links:

Episode 106: Tango Alpha Lima: Army Veteran and author Br. Logan M. Isaac, HoSM

The American Legion — Tue, 24 May 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
A greedy Michigan Guardsman filed a pay inquiry for a missing part-time drill paycheck, prompting an investigation that uncovered he had been quietly collecting full pay and allowances for more than two years after resigning from full-time Guard status with the Hawaii National Guard Active Reserve in 2017.

The NCO is awaiting trial for theft of more than $200,000 of public funds. Ashley and Jeff discuss the rationale of the criminal mind.

THE GUEST
Br. Logan M. Isaac, HoSM, is an Army veteran who is bringing Christian beliefs about military service into the 21st century. He’s breaking down the bias and bad theology that isn’t veteran-friendly. He has a new book that challenges that bad theology, titled “God is a Grunt.”

Logan talks about how his military experience led him to his complex relationship with Christianity, guilt and moral injury, and the inspiration for his book and and his advocacy to promote human dignity for soldiers and veterans.

RAPID FIRE
Navy brings new software online in time for sailors’ fitness testing season
California American Legion Post 731 makes all World War II, Korean and Vietnam War post members honorary life members

Special Guest: Br. Logan M. Isaac, HoSM .

Links:

Episode 100: Tango Alpha Lima: Mighty Oaks founder and author Chad Robichaux

The American Legion — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Jeff Daly makes a triumphant return to the show and shares his heartfelt thanks for the care and support he recieved from his Legion family.

Ashley shares a story of 4 airmen awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for evacuating more than 150 civilians from Kabul.

THE INTERVIEW
Our guest this week is Chad Robichaux, a former Force Recon Marine and DoD contractor with eight deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Command task force.

Chad very nearly became a veteran suicide statistic, but he overcame personal battles with PTSD and went on to start the Mighty Oaks Foundation, a nonprofit that serves active duty and veteran communities with faith-based combat trauma and resiliency programs.

RAPID FIRE
Chad Robichaux Update
Marine Corps body composition standards may be leading to eating disorders
Powdered hot sauce coming soon to MREs

Special Guest: Chad Robichaux.

Links:

Episode 57: Tango Alpha Lima: Modern Military Association of America with guest Jennifer Dane

The American Legion — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Team Tango chats with Air Force Veteran and Modern Military Association of America Executive Director Jennifer Dane. Jennifer shares how MMAA works to make a real difference in the lives of modern military families through education, advocacy and support.

Jennifer shares her personal story of serving in the Air Force during "Don't Ask, Don't Tell” and how she became what she calls "an accidental advocate."

Jennifer talks about different ways to be an ally to LGBTQ veterans and their families, and some of the services and events offered by MMAA.

Special Guest: Jennifer Dane.

Links: