Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Buddy Check”

MandatoryFunDay, GWOT memorial and community service

The American Legion — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Austin von Letkemann, better known by his MandatoryFunDay Instagram handle, leads off this episode by talking about his new podcast, the Army-Navy Game and more.

Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation CEO Rod Rodriguez shares an update on plans for the memorial and a new podcast that launches with a pilot episode September 11.

Representatives of The American Legion’s community service project, Heroes United to Heal and Protecting Vets Foundation also chatted with the hosts of Tango Alpha Lima about the role of service, overcoming PTSD and military sexual trauma. All this and more in Part 2 of our episode recorded during the Legion’s National Convention in Tampa, Fla.

Special Guests: Alyse Duffy, Austin Von Letkemann, Bridget Lake, Donna A. Michaels, Jennifer Ballou, and Michael "Rod" Rodriguez.

United in support of veterans

The American Legion — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Representatives of USAA, Mutual of Omaha, Sony and MilTrac share how they are supporting veterans through The American Legion. Veterans and servicemembers in transition can receive financial guidance, mental health support, hearing aids and more resources from these partners. They all stopped by the Tango Alpha Lima podcast booth during The American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Fla., for this special episode.

Special Guests: Kylie Reynolds, L.J. Pocsi, Matt Scherer, Melissa Bennett, and Thaddeus "Chris" Figueroa.

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Episode 274: How to overcome the broken veteran narrative with Kevin Schmiegel - Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

250 years of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps

THE INTERVIEW
Retired Marine Lt. Col. Kevin Schmiegel is helping fellow veterans to thrive instead of falling to the broken veteran narrative. Schmiegel, who previously founded Hiring Our Heroes, is now leading ZeroMils. Schmiegel shares how ZeroMills is breaking the broken veteran narrative by creating a military thriving movement.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Coast Guardsman on his first mission helped save 165 Texas flash flood victims

Not-so-hot pursuit! Charleston, S.C. police chase a burglary suspect going 3 mph on a tractor excavator

Special Guest: Kevin Schmiegel.

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Episode 266: A guide for veterans to navigate VA benefits with Joshua Parish – Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

OTD - In 1965 astronaut Edward Higgins White II became the first American to walk in space

THE INTERVIEW
Providing guidance to veterans navigating their VA services and benefits has turned Army National Guard veteran Joshua Parish into an entrepreneur. He has created Battle Buddy, a mobile app built to streamline access to services, support mental health through its AI-powered Talk to Sam feature, and strengthen the overall transition experience for veterans and their families.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Trump signs executive order for more homeless veteran housing at West LA VA campus

"Mysterious poop chucker" might be targeting Colorado woman for not picking up dog's waste

Special Guest: Joshua Parish.

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Episode 248: Former Congressman still serving veterans

The American Legion — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

California Legion members standing strong and supporting communities devastated by wildfires.

THE INTERVIEW
Patrick Murphy, who joined the Army at 19, worked his way up to become the 32nd Army Under Secretary and America’s first Iraq War veteran to serve in Congress. Today, he continues to serve his brothers and sisters.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Happy Birthday Coast Guard
How Navy veteran Charles Sanna changed hot chocolate forever
Remembering President Jimmy Carter

Special Guest: Hon. Patrick J. Murphy.

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Episode 240: A military analyst's view of national security

The American Legion — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Happy Birthday to the Kindle.

THE INTERVIEW
Air Force veteran and author Ethan Brown is a Senior Fellow for Defense Studies at the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress (CSPS), a bipartisan think-tank in Washington D.C. He is also the author of the “Visual Friendlies, Tally Target” trilogy (Casemate Publishers), chronicling the role of forward air controllers and Close Air Support in the Global War on Terror.

Ethan shares how his background as a TACP with multiple combat deployments led him to his writing career, and discusses the work he does with CSPS work to address the military recruiting crisis and toxic exposure issues among military veterans.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Follow Stacy down the Reddit Rabbit-hole as she explores "Random ways people got out of deployment"
Bravo Zulu to South Carolina post who did Buddy Checks in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Special Guest: Ethan Brown.

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Episode 226: Tango Alpha Lima: Marine Corps Veteran and Comedian Bryson Banks

The American Legion — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

CELEBRITY VETERAN: A salute to George Carlin

THE INTERVIEW
LA Stand-up comedian and Marine Corps veteran Bryson Banks talks about his comedy show, Semper Funny, and his journey from his military service to successful entertainer.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Coffee & Chat at American Legion Post 243 in Oviedo, Fla.
"A Soldier’s Journey" - WWI monument set to be unveiled in Washington DC

Special Guest: Bryson Banks.

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Episode 217: Tango Alpha Lima: Veteran Socials to Combat Loneliness Epidemic with Dr. Jay Gorman

The American Legion — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

BRAVO ZULU
Georgia American Legion Post enlists local resources to help homeless veteran

THE INTERVIEW
Dr. Jay Gorman, VA clinical psychologist and Education Director of the VISN 1 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the VA Bedford Healthcare System, joins the podcast to discuss how VOICES Veteran Socials enhance communication and foster bonds among veterans and others in the community.

Veteran socials are veteran-led weekly community-based social events with a purpose – getting veterans of all ages and service branches in one place to support and build connection with each other. Dr. Gorman stresses the importance of social connection to combat loneliness and isolation and improve overall health.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Bill would allow retroactive Purple Heart vets to transfer GI benefits

How the Gaza humanitarian aid pier traces its origins to discarded cigar boxes before World War II

What’s to become of the keepsakes left at Arlington Cemetery?

Special Guest: Dr. Jay Gorman.

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Episode 197: Tango Alpha Lima: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy

The American Legion — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

TROLL PATROL
Ashley and Stacy clarify a misunderstanding about service officers from Grunt4Life.
There are 16 billion reasons why The American Legion has the backs of all veterans. Even you, Grunt4Life.

ZERO CHAT THIRTY
We've scheduled an appointment with America's Top Doc – U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy.

Dr. Murthy talks about prioritizing mental wellness and identifying loneliness and isolation as predictors of depression and suicidal ideation. He stresses the importance of connection and camraderie. “What we really need more of in the world is to show up for one another, to check on one another and to remind each other that we're, in fact, not alone.”

THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Finding help for veterans facing homelessness
Coast Guardsman to Receive Distinguished Flying Cross for Daring Vessel Boarding and Rescue

Special Guest: Dr. Vivek H. Murthy .

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Episode 192: Tango Alpha Lima: America’s Resilience Coach Kristen Christy

The American Legion — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
National Membership & Post Activities Committee Chairman Matt Jabaut of Maine guest hosts the first of two episodes. He'll talk about membership, the 21st Century Committe and the origins of the podcast and other ways The American Legion is connecting with new generations of veterans and their communities.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Leaning on her own lived experiences, Air Force spouse and co-creator of 988 Crisis Line is dedicated to being an “emotional support human” for those facing tragedy.

Kristen discusses the importance of getting embedded in your community to provide a safety net that will support you in times of tragedy, as well as the knowing your resources and developing the skills to help those who may be in crisis.

RAPID FIRE
Jobs for spouses and childcare will be goals of new Army app

Army, Navy Unveil Incredible New Uniforms for 2023 Clash

What was the military doing at the Anime NYC convention?

Special Guest: Kristen Christy .

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Episode 186: Tango Alpha Lima: VA&R Chairman Autrey James and National Security Chairman Matthew Shuman

The American Legion — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
40th Anniversary of Operation Urgent Fury, when America Took a Stand Against Soviet and Cuban Influence in the Caribbean

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Two members of the American Legion National Leadership team discuss the looming threat of a government shutdown, and the potential National Security concerns and impacts that could ripple through VA.

Coast Guard veteran and National Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Autrey James and Army veteran and Chairman of the National Security Commission Matthew Shuman discuss how veterans and servicemembers should prepare themselves, and discuss how The American Legion can help.

RAPID FIRE
‘Home again’: Marine’s WWII diary returns to his daughter 81 years after final entry

Property company ordered to repay troops charged illegal rental fees

Farewell to JSTARS: End of an era in military intelligence

Special Guests: Autrey James and Matthew Shuman.

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Episode 183: Tango Alpha Lima: “Small Town Strong” Executive Producers Chase Millsap and Dale King

The American Legion — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:15:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
How the US Army made the world’s toughest sandwich

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Executive Producer and Director Chase Millsap and Executive Producer Dale King, join us to talk about their documentary, “Small Town Strong.”

Filmed over four years in Portsmouth, Ohio, the one-time pill mill capital of America, “Small Town Strong” follows Dale, a former Army Intelligence Officer, who returns to his hometown after two tours in Iraq, to find it in shambles amid the growing opioid epidemic. With no one coming to save them, King starts PSKC Crossfit gym and offers job opportunities to those in recovery. Their unorthodox strategy takes on fentanyl with fitness – resulting in one of the biggest comebacks in small-town America history.

RAPID FIRE
Women in Army SOF resorted to buying their own armor, study finds

Share your Buddy Check Week plans with us

How rucking can give your walking routine a boost

Special Guests: Chase Millsap and Dale King.

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Episode 165: Tango Alpha Lima: Nixon's Secret War with Air Force Veteran Bruce Roberson

The American Legion — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
America Faces Sharp Increase in Aging Military Veterans

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Air Force veteran Bruce Roberson served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He joins the podcast to talk about his experience working with Air Force Security Services as a military working dog handler on deployments that included the clandestine operations in Laos and Cambodia that later became known as “Nixon’s Secret War.”

RAPID FIRE
The US Army wants to build a drone fleet, inspired by Ukraine's example, but will not be able to use DJI quadcopters
Amid an epidemic of loneliness, nonprofits are helping keep veterans connected
All In One: GLA’s Document Day Offers Veterans Easy Access To Critical Documents

Special Guest: Bruce Roberson.

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Episode 160: Tango Alpha Lima: Special Assistant to the President for Veterans Affairs Terri Tanielian

The American Legion — Tue, 23 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Long-troubled Fort Hood has been redesignated Fort Cavazos, in honor of Gen. Richard Edward Cavazos, a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars and the first Hispanic four-star general.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Terri Tanielian, Special Assistant to the President for Veterans Affairs, is a nationally recognized expert in veteran and mental health policy. She discusses how the White House is tackling veterans issues such as suicide and homelessness, as well as how they are supporting military families and caregivers.

RAPID FIRE
 A very good girl deploys on carrier Ford: Sage the service dog
Marines to deactivate historically female recruit training battalion
The Story of Poppy Day

Special Guest: Terri Tanelian.

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Episode 140: Tango Alpha Lima: Connecticut State Trooper Kyle Kaelberer

The American Legion — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
Jeff and Ashley discuss "Retrograde" – a documentary about the U.S. military's final months in Afghanistan, as seen from an embed with U.S. Green Berets and an Afghan General.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
During a patrol on Sept. 11, 2021, Connecticut State Trooper Kyle Kaelberer stopped to check on a driver that pulled off the highway and activated their hazard lights. The bodycam footage of the interaction with the young veteran inside the vehicle has since gone viral, and Trooper Kaelberer has been lauded for his touching show of humanity.

Trooper Kaelberer talks about what happened that night, and how to use empathy to de-esclate and help a someone in crisis.

RAPID FIRE
McLaren and Lockheed Martin partnering to bring fighter-jet technology to supercars, Marine Corps develops technology to pull potable water from thin-air, and a centenarian attributes his longevity to daily workouts at the local gym.

Special Guest: Kyle Kaelberer.

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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.

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Episode 96: Tango Alpha Lima: Happy Birthday American Legion!

The American Legion — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Jeff and Ashley get ready for a battle royale as they plan a 100 Miles for Hope host vs. host challenge.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
The American Legion is the guest of honor for the 103rd birthday celebration as we spotlight how we help veterans, servicemembers and their families through programs such as Buddy Checks, the National Emergency Fund, Operation Comfort Warriors, 100 Miles for Hope and more.

MAIL BAG
We got mail! We've got a new fan, and we're excited.

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Episode 76: Tango Alpha Lima Veterans Day Special: Tomb Centennial, Buddy Checks and Veterans Day Deals

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

This Veterans Day, Team Tango honors the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

CV kicks things off with some of history of the WWI Unknown Soldier and the Tomb, and highlights some of centennial commemorations happening across Europe.

Ashley shares her excitement about a ceremony during Veterans Day week that will allow rare public access to lay flowers at the Tomb in Arlington National Cemetery.

Jeff reminds everyone about the importance of doing Buddy Checks, supporting the Buddy Check Legislation currently working its way through Congress.

RAPID FIRE
White House observes Veterans and Military Families Month in November
Legion GI Bill exhibit at Syracuse University
Veterans Day Deals
Tango Alpha Lima hosts hit NYC for Veterans Day Parade

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Episode 69: Tango Alpha Lima: Convention AAR, Army Vaccine Mandate and Suicide Prevention

The American Legion — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

The hiatus is over and Team Tango is back to tackle the news of the week.

CV kicks things off with a reminiscence of the podcast team's experience at National Convention in Phoenix.

Jeff revisits the subject of COVID-19 vaccines for the military, now that the Army has issued mandates.

Ashley discusses how purpose plays a role in the in reducing the rate of veterans suicide.

RAPID FIRE
U.S. Flag sewn by POW during Vietnam War heading for Smithsonian
WWII veteran meets grade-school pen pal, now National Guard member.
Food inflation hits commissaries.

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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.

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