Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Afghanistan”

Episode 282: How to apply military technical skills to a career

The American Legion — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Veterans and transitioning servicemembers often face challenges when seeking civilian careers.

Brian Marchegiani, co-founder of Mack Brothers Elevator, found his calling in the skilled labor field. But he does more than elevator repair. He gives back to the veteran community, providing jobs for former military members and military families. In fact, for this business owner, mentorship isn’t optional, it’s a force multiplier.

Learn more about this entrepreneur success story, how to apply his expertise to landing a job in the skilled trades and more in the third episode of Veteran Entrepreneurs, a special four-part series from The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast.

Special Guest: Brian Marchegiani.

Links:

Episode 277: From the battlefield to the Grand Ole Opry with Scotty Hasting

The American Legion — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

"Wayspring Wanderer" launches on Amazon.

THE INTERVIEW
Scotty Hasting is an Army combat veteran turned singer/songwriter who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Hasting, who received the Purple Heart, was shot 10 times at once in Afghanistan. Hasting has opened for artists including Dave Grohl, Jelly Roll, Parmalee and Tanya Tucker - and will be appearing at the American Legion National Convention in Tampa.

On this week’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast, Hasting discusses his time in the military, music career and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Down the Reddit Rabbit Hole: What’s the worst MRE you’ve ever ate?

Future destroyer to be named after Medal of Honor recipient, Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle Carpenter

Bravo Zulu to American Legion Riders from Ernest A. Love Post 6 in Prescott, Ariz.

Special Guest: Scotty Hasting.

Links:

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 262: Patriotism in our National Parks with Chris Marvin

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

Veterans, fourth-graders get special access to National Parks

THE INTERVIEW
Army combat veteran Chris Marvin has found his passion and purpose in America’s national parks. In 2020, Marvin established the Park-to-Park Tour project to help share national parks with his children as a way to demonstrate the purpose and legacy of his own military service. He believes strongly that patriotism is exhibited through the enjoyment and protection of national parks and public lands.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Air Force warns airmen, veterans of foreign intelligence recruitment ploy

Celebrating 140 years of Coca-Cola

Special Guest: Chris Marvin.

Links:

Iraq War documentary filmmaker Jake Rademacher

The American Legion — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Filmmaker Jake Rademacher honors his brothers’ service by creating award-winning movies about their deployments and life after the war. Between 2005-2007, Jake risked everything, including his life, to tell the story of his brothers serving in Iraq in the award-winning feature film, Brothers at War – which has led to resiliency workshops and much more.

20 years later, Jake traveled to four continents to reconnect with his brothers as well as the other elite soldiers and Marines he embedded with during the Iraq War. Intercutting footage past and present, movie watchers are led on an insightful, humorous and moving journey as warfighters explore loss, meaning, and hope on their path from warfighter to veteran.

Jake shares the story of his journey between the two films, his passion for helping servicemembers and now veterans, tell their own stories through resiliency workshops.

Special Guest: Jake Rademacher .

Links:

Episode 225: Tango Alpha Lima: FOX Sports NFL Insider and MVP Co-Founder Jay Glazer

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

Remembering the sacrifices of servicemembers on Purple Heart Day

THE INTERVIEW
Jay Glazer, Fox Sports NFL Insider, talks about his advocacy for military veterans. As a co-founder of Merging Vets & Players, Glazer helps match former combat veterans and former professional athletes to help each other through the transition into their new lives away from the battlefields and playing fields.⁠
⁠
Glazer also talks about his book, "Unbreakable: How I Turned My Depression and Anxiety into Motivation and You Can Too," being a voice for those struggling with mental health, and organizing the reunion of former POW Shoshana Johnson and one of her Marine rescuers.⁠

SCUTTLEBUTT
Los Lunas American Legion Post makes her-story

South-by-Southwest Festival bars military and defense companies from top-level sponsorships at the 2025 music and technology event

Celebrity Veteran: ESPN founder and Air Force veteran, William "Bill" Rasmussen

Special Guest: Jay Glazer.

Links:

Episode 220: Tango Alpha Lima: Haunted War Tales with Army veteran R.C. Bramhall

The American Legion — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Reaction to the FDA advisory panel rejection of MDMA-asisted therapy for PTSD

THE INTERVIEW
Fans of the paranormal, the fantastical or the downright frightening will enjoy our visit with former Army Intelligence officer R.C. Bramhall who talks about his book, "Haunted War Tales: True Military Encounters with the Bizarre, Paranormal and Unexplained."

He shares how he came to write his book, and we discuss everything from cryptid encounters to creepy hauntings - even the story of a ghost plane pulled from the pages of The American Legion Magazine.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Postal worker finds WWII era letters and drives hours to deliver them

Down the Reddit Rabbit Hole: What makes the U.S. military so powerful and effective?

Marine shielded student from grenade with his body...and survived

Special Guest: R.C. Bramhall.

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Episode 219: Tango Alpha Lima: Retired Army Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith - Living under the confines of DADT

The American Legion — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE
74th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War

THE INTERVIEW
Retired Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith served for 25 of her 35 years in the Army while hiding her true self. On this week's episode, she shares her military journey before, during and after the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era, and how she became an advocate for LGBTQ+ and military veterans. She also addresses the struggles faced by servicemembers who were kicked out of the military during DADT, and how they can formally request an upgraded discharge.

SCUTTLEBUTT
The deadly, unintended consequence of a documentary about Afghanistan
British teen's charity shop purchase connects Wisconsin family the brother killed in Vietnam
The Marines are taking down PowerPoint

Special Guest: Gen. Tammy Smith .

Links:

Episode 209: Tango Alpha Lima: Afghanistan War Commission Executive Director Jaime Cheshire

The American Legion — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

A Bravo Zulu for a hard-working young student, a proud mom, and a Legion post supporting youth in their community.

THE INTERVIEW
Afghanistan War Commission Executive Director Jaime Cheshire discusses the commission’s role, how veterans can help get answers to policy decisions made during the 20-year war and more.

THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Adopt a Woman Veteran at the Military Women's Memorial
The Ghost Army - Combat Con Artists of World War II
Clarksville, Tenn., American Legion posts stepping up for neighbors in the aftermath of devastating tornadoes

Special Guest: Jaime Cheshire .

Links:

Tango Alpha Lima Trailblazing Women Veterans: Iraq War POW Shoshana Johnson

The American Legion — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

_In this special series we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the service of women veterans and their contributions to American military history. _

In this final episode of our series, we honor Shoshana Johnson, the first Black woman POW in U.S. history. Her story is often overshadowed by media attention given to others, but her determination and resilience is inspirational.

We also recognize the contributions of other women who took advantage of ever-expanding roles for women in the modern military to carve out careers and rise to leadership positions.

COLD WAR
Rear Adm. Grace Hopper
Adm. Sandra L. Stosz
Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught
Maj. Gen. Jeanne M. Holm

GULF WAR
Col. Rhonda Cornum
Cmdr. Darlene Iskra
Col. Martha McSally
Sgt. Maj. Michele S. Jones
Vice Adm. Vivien Crea

GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM
Hon. Tammy Duckworth
Lt. Col. Nicole Malachowski
Capt. Kristen Griest
Maj. Gen. Tammy S. Smith
Adm. Michelle J. Howard
Lt. Gen. Nina M. Armagno

Links:

Tango Alpha Lima Trailblazing Women Veterans: Col. Allison Black, the "Angel of Death,"

The American Legion — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

_In this special series we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the service of women veterans and their contributions to American military history. _

In this episode, we honor U.S. Air Force Col. Allison Black for her historic role as the first female AC-130H Spectre navigator to open fire on enemy targets in combat. Dubbed the "Angel of Death," Black's story exemplifies the courage and resilience of women in the military – especially those in combat roles.

We also recognize the contributions of other women who emerged as trailblazers during the Cold War era, when policies began to change and women increasingly held administrative, technical and medical positions within the military.

KOREAN WAR
Anna May Hays
Eileen Collins
Capt. Della H. Raney
Col. Ruth A. Lucas

VIETNAM WAR
Mary Therese Klinker
Adm. Michelle J. Howard
Diane Carlson Evans
Maj. Gen. Marcelite J. Harris

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 EP07: Healing Breakthrough with Juliana Mercer

The American Legion — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Marine Corps veteran Juliana Mercer, Veteran Advocacy and Public Policy Director of Healing Breakthrough, discusses her work in advocating for the adoption of MDMA-Assisted Therapy in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Juliana talks about removing the stigma of psychedelics use, the experience of MDMA-assisted therapy, and the work her organization is doing to fulfill their mission of making this treatment available to veterans in the United States.

Special Guest: Juliana Mercer.

Links:

Episode 200: Tango Alpha Lima: Rutgers U. Veteran & Military Services Assistant Director Bryan Adams

The American Legion — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

TROLL PATROL
Why it's important for busy veterans to make time for volunteering in the veteran community.

ZERO CHAT THIRTY
Army veteran Bryan Adams, who famously appeared in the 2008 IAVA Ad Council PSA "Alone", shares how his advocacy for veteran services on college campuses, his experience as a Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar, and his own recovery from combat wounds and PTSD led him to his position as Assistant Director of Rutgers University Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services.

Adams discusses how his position allows him to help other veterans as they navigate transition from the military and using their GI Bill benefits.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Remembering "Thunder Throat" the Army veteran known for movie trailer voiceovers
Love, American Legion Style – a Valentine's Day truer than the Red, White and Blue.
Turtle Power - history of American submariners

Special Guest: Bryan Adams.

Links:

Episode 185: Tango Alpha Lima: Advocating for Afghan Allies with Mahnaz Akbari and Rebekah Edmondson

The American Legion — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Will all NFL teams retire Pat Tillman's number?

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
This week we visit with two female veterans who work with the PenFed foundation keep faith with the Afghans who served alongside U.S. forces by assisting with their rescue and successful resettlement into American communities.

Mahnaz Akbari served 10 years the in Afghan special forces as the Commander of a Female Tactical Platoon – a small unit of Afghan women who worked with U.S. special operations forces (SOF) in Afghanistan to search, questioning, and medical assistance of women and children - in a way that was respectful of Islam and Afghan culture.

Rebekah Edmondson served 10 years in U.S. Army and deployed to Afghanistan several times to support a program called the Cultural Support Team, where she trained FTPs.

Both women talk about how they got started in their military careers, the missions they were part of an Afghanistan, and the work they are doing in support of Afghan allies today.

RAPID FIRE
Air Force to review discharges of troops with mental health conditions

Drunken Special Operators Struggle to Finish a Mission in New Action Comedy 'Obliterated'

American Legion Post 109 Donates $4,500 to Feed Vail’s Schoolchildren

Special Guests: Mahnaz Akbari and Rebekah Edmondson.

Links:

Episode 172: Tango Alpha Lima: Freedom Fitness America with USMC Lt. Col. Chris Reardon and Col. Patricia Klop

The American Legion — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Biden signs historic order moving prosecution of military sexual assault outside chain of command

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Chris Reardon and Col. Patricia S. Klop of Freedom Fitness America join the podcast to talk about how their organization tackles the issue of "total fitness" for military professionals.

RAPID FIRE
VA hospitals outperform others in patient care, analysis finds
A US Army soldier went viral on TikTok for making videos mocking 'Gen Zs on the battlefield' — and now he wants to be an influencer.
Craig Morgan Enlists in Army Reserve Live Onstage at Grand Ole Opry: 'Excited to Once Again Serve My Country'

Special Guests: Chris Reardon and Patty Klop.

Links:

Episode 163: Tango Alpha Lima: "Nevermind, We'll Do it Ourselves" authors Alec Bierbauer and Mark Cooter

The American Legion — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
VASEC McDonough says VA hiring push has helped mitigate spike in VA disability claims

GUESTS
Co-authors Alec Bierbauer and Ret. Col. Mark Cooter tell the origin story of the Predator drone program and the dawn of unmanned warfare in their book, "Never Mind, We'll Do lt Ourselves. The inside Story of How a Team of Renegades Broke Rules, Shattered Barriers, and Launched a Drone Warfare Revolution."

The pair talk about how their own military experiences led them to share this story, how unmanned warfare changed how wars are fought, and where the technology is heading.

RAPID FIRE
Staten Island students help homeless veterans with “Backpacks for Life”

How stand-up comedy can heal the military-connected community.

American Legion launches Be The One Day

Special Guests: Alec Bierbauer and Mark Cooter.

Links:

Episode 156: Tango Alpha Lima: "Interpreters Wanted" director Robert Ham

The American Legion — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
VA and NIH launch study of Gulf War Illness.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Award-winning director and writer, Army combat veteran USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA program alumni and American Legion Post 43 member, Robert Ham joins us to talk about his feature documentary about Afghan Interpreters, "Interpreters Wanted," that will be released this spring on Vet TV.

RAPID FIRE
Mark Wahlberg is Not a Fan Of Tom Cruise Comparing His Work in Movie to Military Service
Air National Guardsman arrested after applying to be a hitman online to make some extra cash
Eagle Scout creates "Flags of Gratitude" memorial

Special Guest: Robert Ham.

Links:

Episode 150: Tango Alpha Lima: Elite Athlete "Air Force" Ken Corigliano

The American Legion — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Female 4-stars discuss changes for women in military service.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
After a traumatic brain injury, Air Force" Ken Corigliano developed synesthesia, a condition in which information meant to stimulate one of sense stimulates several senses. This condition has given him a magnified ability to see the interconnectedness of life, and a unique perspective on the world around him, which he uses to promote the connection between physcial fitness and mental wellness.

RAPID FIRE
Marines welcome first woman to serve as senior enlisted leader of an expeditionary force
Tom Cruise is filming 'Mission Impossible' on a Navy aircraft carrier
Legion shows support to Irreverent Warriors

Special Guest: Ken Corigliano.

Links:

Episode 138: Tango Alpha Lima: Give An Hour CEO Dr. Trina Clayeux

The American Legion — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
Jeff and Ashley discuss the availability of new VA life insurance policies for disabled veterans that are scheduled to launch in January.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Dr. Trina Clayeux, the CEO of Give an Hour, a non-profit organization that provides free counseling to servicemembers, veterans and their loved ones, talks about the organization, some of the current projects they are working on, and some things everyone can do in support of emotional well-being.

RAPID FIRE
Legiontown: Fred Brock Post 828 assists families of local elementary schools
Give blood this holiday season

Special Guest: Dr. Trina Clayeux .

Links:

Episode 132: Tango Alpha Lima: Retired U.S. Army Old Guard Sergeant of the Guard Chelsea Porterfield

The American Legion — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
In response to a Military times article, "Congress Wants America to Thank Veterans in the Most Awkward Way Possible"
Jeff and Ashley discuss how to properly respond to "Thank you for our Freedom."

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Chelsea Porterfield recently retired from the U.S. Army, where she served as a platoon sergeant in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). During her four years there, she became the first woman to lead a marching element onto Arlington, she became the 38th Sergeant of the Guard, and in 2021 she became the fifth woman to earn her Tomb Guard Identification Badge.

Chelsea talks about her military experience, including her struggle with suicide and how she worked through it and has now become an advocate to help others to seek help.

RAPID FIRE
Marine Corps Reserve celebrates 75 years of Toys for Tots
NATO Begins Nuclear Exercises Amid Russian War Tensions
Letters from Legiontown: Finding a purpose again

Special Guest: Chelsea Porterfield .

Links:

Episode 124: Tango Alpha Lima: "Be The One" spokesman, Dr. M. David Rudd

The American Legion — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
We have an update on the case of a Navy nuclear engineer and his wife who attempted to smuggle secrets about nuclear-powered warships in half-eaten PBJ sandwiches.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Jeff and Ashley are joined by Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, President Emeritus, and Director of the Rudd Institute for Veteran and Military Suicide Prevention at the University of Memphis, Dr. M. David Rudd.

Dr. Rudd is also a spokesman for The American Legion "Be the One" initiative, and he talks about his own career helping veterans struggling with mental health issues and why veterans groups like The American Legion are an important part of helping them overcome psycological and emotional challenges.

RAPID FIRE
A story of Heroism and other Post Awards
Jeff and Ashley remember their favorite episodes from last year's award-winning 9/11 series

Special Guest: Dr. M. David Rudd .

Links:

Episode 114: Tango Alpha Lima: "Kilroy Was Here" author Brett Allen

The American Legion — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Security cam video reveals VA employee body-slamming and beating 73-year-old veteran at Georgia VA Clinic. _NOTE: The incident took place on April 28, and while Lawrence F. Galliard Jr. was arrested and charged, at the time of our recording, he still had his job. WSB-TV reporters posted the video on June 20, and on June 23, VA Secretary Denis McDonough issued an apology to the patient, Phillip Web, and Galliard was indefinitely suspended without pay. _

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
We're joined by Brett Allen is a U.S. Army veteran who shares how his military experience influenced his novel, “Kilroy Was Here.” He talks about his purposeful effort to steer away from the action-hero or broken soldier stories and focus on shenanigans and dark humor.

RAPID FIRE
Air Force makes the world’s saddest PB&J sandwich
Michigan teen raises more than $140,000 to send Vietnam Veterans on Honor Flight
The Buffalo Soldiers Iron Riders Gathering begins in Montana

Special Guest: Brett Allen.

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 95: Tango Alpha Lima: "Tough as Nails" champ Lia Mort

The American Legion — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
In this week's Women's History Month spotlight, Ashley celebrates the service Anna Mae Hays, who, in 1970, became the first woman promoted to Brigadier General in the U.S. Armed Forces.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
U.S. Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lia Mort, the winner of season 3 the CBS television competition series "Tough as Nails," joins Jeff and Ashley to talk about her military background, her reality show experience, her Pennsylvania farm and her plans for the future.

RAPID FIRE
Army veteran combines military skills and conspiracy to prep civilians for a 'pending' Civil War
Navy commander dresses up like pro wrestlers to present awards to sailors
FDA lifts ban, allows more veterans to donate blood

Special Guest: Lia Mort.

Links:

Episode 92: Tango Alpha Lima: Merging Vets and Players with Former Green Beret Nate Boyer

The American Legion — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
Jeff and Ashley discuss the unacceptable living conditions for the junior enlisted barracks at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Jeff and Ashley sit down with former Green Beret and Seattle Seahawk Nate Boyer to talk about Merging Vets and Players, a nonprofit organization that brings together combat veterans and professional athletes for workouts and therapy

RAPID FIRE
DARPA tests Autonomous Black Hawk Helicopter
Honoring the military service of Harry Belafonte
Air Force ordered to pay restitution for Sutherland Spring shooting

Special Guest: Nate Boyer.

Links:

Episode 87: Tango Alpha Lima: SVA NatCon 2022 Recap

The American Legion — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Jeff and Ashley share some of their conversations with speakers, exhibitors and attendees during the 2022 Student Veterans of America National Conference at the Disney Coronado Resort in Orlando, Fla.

SVA President and CEO Jared Lyon talks about some of the highlights of NatCon 2022
Michael Hoherchak talks about the Travis Manion Foundation
Solomon Jennings talks about the Congressional Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program
Tamika Brown talks about the Library of Congress Veterans History Project
SVA Student of the Year finalist Fatima Jaghoori from Kansas State University talks about her SVA Chapter's connection to American Legion Post 17 in Manhattan, Kan.
SVA Attendees shout out their local American Legion posts

Special Guests: Jared Lyon, Michael Hoherchak, Solomon "Sol" Jennings IV, and Tamika Brown.

Links:

Episode 86: Tango Alpha Lima: Veteran Suicide Part 4: The Soldier's Guide to PTSD with Virginia Cruse

The American Legion — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Jeff and Ashley are joined by Virginia Cruse, a licensed professional and nationally certified counselor specializing in military issues and combat-related trauma. Virginia shares her personal path to becoming a therapist and her quest to explain PTSD to service members in a way that makes sense.

Virginia also talks about how American Legion members and posts can help veterans struggling with PTSD.

Special Guest: Virginia Cruse.

Links:

Episode 79: Tango Alpha Lima: Stack Up CEO and founder Stephen Machuga

The American Legion — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Stephen “Shanghai Six” Machuga deftly avoids falling down the World of Warcraft well with CV as he shares the story of how he started his non-profit, Stack Up, as a way to bring veterans and civilian supporters together through a shared love of video gaming.

Stephen talks about the programs Stack Up offers, gaming as recreation therapy, and opportunities for American Legion members to connect.

Special Guest: Stephen Machuga.

Links:

Episode 71: Tango Alpha Lima: Guardians Uniforms, Afghanistan (Again!) and Wind Therapy

The American Legion — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Jeff gets pumped about U.S. Space Force Guardians newly unveiled dress uniforms.

CV reluctantly brings us yet another story about Afghanistan as two of the military’s highest-ranking generals telling lawmakers that they did not support the full withdrawal this year.

Ashley shares a story from The American Legion Magazine about the benefits of Wind Therapy.

RAPID FIRE
Marine Lieutenant Colonel who demanded Afghanistan accountability thrown in brig.
Remains of Medal of Honor recipient Rev. Emil Kapaun returned to Kansas 70 years after his death in North Korean POW Camp.
Navy veteran with broken-down scooter becomes TikTok star is flooded with generosity.
Lawmaker on a mission to compel Pentagon to take UFOs seriously.

Links:

Episode 67: Tango Alpha Lima: Face-to-Face with VA Secretary Denis McDonough

The American Legion — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

You thought we were done with Bonus Episodes, but we have one more in the tank!

During The American Legion 102nd National Convention in Phoenix, the Tango Team had the unique opportunity to get together for a face to face interview with VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

During the interview we touch on development of new technology for patient access, VA COVID protocols and resources for veterans struggling with the situation in Afghanistan or other mental health needs.

Special Guest: VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

Links:

Episode 91116: Tango Alpha Lima remembers 9/11 with USAF Col. Kim Campbell

The American Legion — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

On Sept. 11, 2001, Kim Campbell was a young Air Force Academy graduate in A-10 training. Suddenly, everything about her role as a fighter pilot changed, and shortly after completing training she was deployed to Afghanistan in 2002 and then Iraq in 2003, providing close air support for troops on the ground.

Col. Kim Campbell joins the Tango Alpha Lima hosts to share experiences during these deployments, including the mission where she earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Special Guest: Kim Campbell.

Links:

Episode 91109: Tango Alpha Lima remembers 9/11 with U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. and retired NYPD Officer Wilem Wong

The American Legion — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0400

New Yorker Wilem Wong joined the Army Reserve during last days of the Cold War era. His 32 years of service as a combat medic, nurse and civil affairs officer, deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, overlapped with his 21 years as a NYPD officer, has given him a unique perspective on 9/11, and the Global War on Terrorism that followed.

Wong shares his stories, insights, as well as some of the initiatives he has championed on behalf of fellow veterans both within the NYPD, and through more than 20 years as a member of the Lt. B.R. Kimlau American Legion Post 1291 in New York.

Special Guest: Wilem Wong.

Links:

Episode 52: Tango Alpha Lima: Officer Shenanigans, Podcast Love and honor for a WWII Sailor

The American Legion — Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Jeff shares a story of 101st Airborne officers gone wild at a strip club in Poland, sending CV into fits of glee.

Ashley gets excited about some reader feedback and love for Team Tango.

CV talks about a movement to gaining steam to honor Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Ark., with the Medal of Honor. French became a national hero after he towed wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal.

Rapid Fire:
The American Legion World Series is on, Afghan translator scammers indicted, rethinking medals from Wounded Knee and 53 women complete the Crucible for the first time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Links:

Episode 50: Tango Alpha Lima: Devil Dogs Decline Vaccine, a Legion Founder and Navy 'Deviants'

The American Legion — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Ashley shares some stats that show 40% of U.S. Marines have declined the COVID-19 vaccine.

Jeff drops some history knowledge with a story the life of Legion founder Maj. G. Edward “Ned” Buxton Jr. of Rhode Island.

Hilarity ensues when CV shares a story of a Navy officer who penned a strongly worded message to complain about his noisy enlisted neighbors, who he called 'perverts' and 'deviants.'

Rapid Fire
Withdrawal from Afghanistan, VA staffer stalks female vet, and Space Force Command lands in LA

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
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Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
100 Miles For Hope | The American Legion
OUR WWII STORY: Legion founder helped lead the OSS | The American Legion — Maj. G. Edward “Ned” Buxton Jr. of Rhode Island
Join The American Legion | The American Legion
Sparta American Legion Post 100 - Military, Food, Veteran

Episode 30: Tango Alpha Lima: Wreaths, Troop Reductions and Terrible Thieves

The American Legion — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Ashley shares the news that 2020 Wreaths Across America is back on the calendar.
CV talks about troop reductions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Jeff gets fired up over Texas thieves who targeted trucks with disabled veteran license at a Marine Corps ball in Houston.

Rapid Fire
Nerf grenades, a chaplain in cuffs, outsourcing Comp and Pen exams and Space Marines

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