Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Gi Bill”

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 264: How to create a network of veterans with Mitchelene BigMan - Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 20 May 2025 09:45:00 -0400

THE INTERVIEW
Native Americans serve at a higher percentage than the general population. Still, there are misunderstandings about their culture and spiritual beliefs even among their brothers and sisters in the armed forces. In this week's episode, Army veteran Mitchelene BigMan talks about her military service as a Native American, importance of culture, creation of a Native American women veterans nonprofit and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Down the Reddit Rabbit Hole: Native Americans and the U.S. Military

Tribal flags removed from Phoenix VA hospital under new federal policy

Memorial Honoring Native American U.S. Veterans proposed for Minnesota Capitol grounds

Special Guest: Mitchelene BigMan.

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Episode 256: Gaps in veteran transition as seen by SVA

The American Legion — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

National Medal of Honor Day

THE INTERVIEW
Access to food, childcare, transportation, mental health resources, social connection and more are key issues facing veterans in their first year transitioning out of the military. Air Force veteran Abby Kinch shares how Student Veterans of America is addressing these needs with its Basic Needs and Wellness Survey.

SCUTTLEBUTT
The first Americans to earn the Distinguished Service Cross were two Army nurses

Remembering Marine Corps veteran and Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman

Special Guest: Abby Kinch.

Links:

Episode 253: Transitioning tips for service members

The American Legion — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Retired Col. Sam Whitehurst found his purpose during his nearly 30 years in the Army. Whitehurst developed a passion for uplifting and developing the soldiers around him. That experience smoothed his civilian transition to his role at the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services where he helps veterans and their families. Whitehurst discusses all this and more as the special guest on this week’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast.

SCUTTLEBUTT
FDA Finally Bans Red Dye No.3 from Food, Drinks and Medicines in US–Following Cancer Link

A trailblazing woman veteran: Linda A McDonald DuMoulin Horan

Use Your Leadership Skills: Become a Mentor for a Veteran

Special Guest: Sam Whitehurst.

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
Be The One | The American Legion
Home page - dixoncenter
American Legion testifies on citizenship for service | The American Legion
After Action | Pledge of Allegiance | Season 1 | Episode 3 | PBS
Home - Soldier On
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans – Until No Veteran Is Homeless
Join | The American Legion
FDA Finally Bans Red Dye No.3 from Food, Drinks and Medicines in US–Following Cancer Link — FDA Finally Bans Red Dye No.3 from Food, Drinks and Medicines in US–Following Cancer Link
A first, and proud of it | Legiontown U.S.A.
Use Your Leadership Skills: Become a Mentor for a Veteran | Military.com — Use Your Leadership Skills: Become a Mentor for a Veteran

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 213: Tango Alpha Lima: 2024 Miss America - U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh

The American Legion — Tue, 14 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

LEARN ABOUT THE LEGION
American Legion Riders and the value of "Wind Therapy"

THE INTERVIEW
Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh is quite accomplished, obtaining her pilot’s license at age 16, receiving a black belt in taekwondo, earning a degree in astrophysics and completing a NASA internship. Marsh is also the first active-duty military officer to be crowned Miss America.

Marsh joins the podcast this week to talk about her motivation to join the military as a way to fulfill her childhood dream to become an astronaut, her support for pancreatic cancer research in memory of her mother, and what books are at the top of her reading list.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Supreme Court rules in favor of veteran who sued over GI Bill limits
New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona leads dual life as NFL player and Navy Reservist
U.S. pilot accounted for 57 years after vanishing during Vietnam War spy mission

Special Guest: Madison Marsh.

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Episode 208: Tango Alpha Lima: Chief Strategy Officer of Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America’s VetDogs, Brad Hibbard

The American Legion — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

ASK US ANYTHING
We answer questions about eligibilty for membership

THE INTERVIEW
Our guest is Brad Hibbard, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America’s VetDogs Chief Strategy Officer. Brad works with a dedicated group of Assistance Dog Instructors who provide Guide Dogs and Service dogs for civilians, first responders and U.S. Military veterans throughout the United States and Canada.

Brad talks about what goes into selecting and training a service dog, discusses the difference between service dogs and emotional support dogs, ADA rules and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Legionnaires, veterans, receive Royal Caribbean treatment during on-board salute.
Making Arrangements: planning ahead for your funeral
Celebrity Veteran: Pop art icon Roy Lichtenstein

Special Guest: Brad Hibbard.

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Tango Alpha Lima Be The One EP04: Veterans Mental Health Leadership Coalition Director Adam Marr

The American Legion — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

As a U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot, Adam Marr deployed to Iraq where he flew more than 400 combat hours and was awarded the combat action badge. In 2017, Marr co-authored the best-selling book, "Tales from the Blast Factory” where he shared the challenges his brother, a Green Beret, faced transitioning out of the Army because of his TBI and PTSD injuries sustained in combat. This book was the inspiration for the Academy Award-qualified documentary film Quiet Explosions: Healing the Brain (2020).

In this episode, Marr discusses the challenges his brother faced, his own struggles, and his current work as Director of Operations for the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition, a group of more than 45 organizations that advocates for increased research and safe, affordable access to psychedelic medicine and assisted therapies for Veterans and their family members.

Special Guest: Adam Marr.

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Tango Alpha Lima Be The One EP01: Meet Be The One Chair Waco Hoover

The American Legion — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Marine combat veteran and Navy reservist Amy Forsythe, an award-winning multimedia journalist, is the host of our new podcast series focused on The American Legion Be The One initiative.

In this month’s episode, Forsythe kicks off the series with fellow Marine veteran Waco Hoover, who recently led the Be the One Symposium at The American Legion’s national convention.

Hoover, newly named as The American Legion Be The One Chair, talks about the next phase for the Be the One initiative.

Special Guest: Waco Hoover.

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
Learn more about Be The One
Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then press 1

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.

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Episode 166: Tango Alpha Lima: “Ghosts of Baghdad” author USMC Ret. Col. Eric Buer

The American Legion — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Former CEO of Tech School Receives 5-Year Sentence in Largest Post-9/11 GI Bill Fraud Case

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Retired Marine Col. Eric “Ferris” Buer flew attack helicopters during multiple deployments, including a 2003 mission with Amphibious Task Force – East during Operation Iraqi Freedom that gave him the inspiration for his first book, “Ghosts of Baghdad.”

RAPID FIRE
100% tuition reimbursement coming for South Dakota National Guard members
Arkansas Veterans bring home medals from Golden Age Games
Marine Corps Veteran Robert McCall Fights the Entire Sicilian Mafia in 'The Equalizer 3'

Special Guest: Eric Buer.

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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.

Links:

Episode 153: Tango Alpha Lima: Military Transition with author Herb Thompson

The American Legion — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Coca-Cola was the result of a wounded soldier trying to ease his pain

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Herb Thompson, award-winning author who served 20 years in the U.S. Army, was named U.S. Army Drill Sergeant of the Year in 2008 and retired in March 2019 as a Special Forces (Green Beret) Team Sergeant, in the 5th Special Forces Group, talks about his military experience, military transition, and his best-selling book, “The Transition Mission: A Green Beret’s Approach to Transition From Military Service”

RAPID FIRE
A Marine Corps cook spread the gospel of tacos throughout America
Michiganders had a ball at the Deerfield American Legion Testicle Festival
A primer on intermittent fasting

Special Guest: Herb Thompson.

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Episode 142: Tango Alpha Lima: Vietnam War Silver Star recipient and author Dennis Hoy

The American Legion — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
We welcome former guest, comedian and military spouse Ashley Gutermuth, as the new co-host of the podcast, and get to know her a little better.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Silver Star recipient Dennis Hoy, who served in the U.S. Army infantry during the Vietnam War, is our guest. His memoir, “Letters from Vietnam” is based on the letters he wrote home to his new bride and his parents in 1966 and 67. He shares stories from his book and tells us how he was inspired to write his memoir.

RAPID FIRE
Singing the praises of the Skilcraft pen
Big year for American Legion blood donations

Special Guest: Dennis Hoy.

Links:

Episode 141: Tango Alpha Lima: SVA NatCon 2023 Recap

The American Legion — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

We're coming at you fresh from our weekend at the 15th Annual Student Veterans of America NatCon in Orlando.

Student Veterans of America President and CEO Jared Lyon gets nostalgic looking back on15 years of national gatherings with his organization and American Legion National Vice Commander Patricia Harris talks about her first NatCon experience and the importance of the connection between The American Legion and SVA

SVA 2021 National Student Veteran of the Year Katherine Martinez gets sworn in as an Alpha, and former guest and comedian Ashley Gutermuth, who joined us in our booth at the SVA Campus, shares a special announcement.

Special Guests: Ashley Gutermuth and Jared Lyon.

Links:

Episode 120: Tango Alpha Lima: Veterans Studies with EKU director Dr. Travis Martin

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

IN THE NEWS
Jeff shares highlights of his week as a staff member at American Legion Boys Nation.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Dr. Travis Martin, more commonly known as T-Dogg, joins the podcast to talk about his role in establishing the Kentucky Center for Veterans Studies at Eastern Kentucky University.

RAPID FIRE
PACT Act clears final hurdle to President's desk.
Kentucky National Guard rescues hundreds during catastrophic flooding.
Pelosi pledges solidarity with Taiwan as China holds military drills, vents anger

Special Guest: Travis Martin.

Links:

Episode 115: Tango Alpha Lima: Syracuse University Vice Chancellor and IVMF founder Dr. Mike Haynie

The American Legion — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Jeff and Ashley analyze an angry critic's 1/2-star review of "Top Gun: Maverick"

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Syracuse University Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, Dr. Mike Haynie, joins the podcast. Dr. Haynie discusses the University’s veteran-connected programs and resources for service members transitioning out of the military, and the evolution of the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans & Military Families, or IVMF, the nation’s first interdisciplinary institute created to inform and advance the policy, economic, and wellness concerns of the America’s veterans and families.

RAPID FIRE
U.S. House proposes 2.4% "inflation bonus" for DoD employees and U.S. Service Members
Kremlin spokesman says U.S. military veterans fighting in Ukraine won't get wartime protections set by Geneva Convention

Special Guest: Dr. Mike Haynie.

Links:

Episode 110: Tango Alpha Lima: Military Transition with the Walt Disney Company

The American Legion — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

To coincide with the June 22, 1944, anniversary of the signing of the original GI Bill, this week The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast is publishing a special, four-part series on military transition, career tips and more.

The first episode in the series will feature two military veterans: Disney Parks Experiences and Products Manager of Executive Communications, Cappy Surette and Walt Disney Company Director of Veterans Initiatives, Kevin Preston.

Kevin and Cappy share stories of support, career advice and the valuable resources the Walt Disney Company makes available for the military and veteran community.

Special Guests: Cappy Surette and Kevin Preston.

Links:

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.

Links:

Episode 90: Tango Alpha LIma: Honoring Black History

The American Legion — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
Jeff kicks off the episode by sharing the 2021 National American Legion College Resolution urging the United States to award the Congressional Gold Medal to all members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

FEATURED GUESTS
We feature two of the stories from the February issue of The American Legion Magazine:
NASCAR rising star Jessie Iwuji, a Navy Rerservist and Legion member who is poised to bring change and diversity to racing.
A group of California Legion members who are commemorating the unique experience of the Iron Riders - a group of Buffalo Soldiers in an experimental Bicycle Corps who made a 1,900-mile trek from Fort Missoula to St. Louis in 1897.

RAPID FIRE
 Newly introduced GI Bill Restoration Act would provide benefits to descendants of Black World War II veterans
Colin Powell remembered as a model for future generations

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Episode 89: Tango Alpha Lima: 2022 Legislative Priorities with Lawrence Montreuil

The American Legion — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

American Legion National Legislative Director Lawrence Montruiel returns to celebrate the organization's legislative wins from 2021 and give a briefing on the Legislative priorities for 2022.

Special Guest: Lawrence Montreuil.

Links:

Episode 45: Tango Alpha Lima: The American Legion Birthday with guest Jeff Stoffer

The American Legion — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Team Tango learns some American Legion lore during a visit with American Legion Media & Communications Division Director and 100th Anniversary Observance Committee staff co-chairman Jeff Stoffer.

In celebration of the Legion's 102nd Birthday, the team takes a look back at key historic moments, monumental social impact and a few tales of rowdy conventions. They discuss the ways in which these historic moments formed the foundation of how Legion members continue to serve their communites, states and the nation today.

Special Guest: Jeff Stoffer.

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Episode 35: Tango Alpha Lima: Student Veterans with guest Jared Lyon

The American Legion — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0500

President and CEO of Student Veterans of America Jared Lyon joins Team Tango and paints a portrait of the contemporary student veteran, the challenges they face, the changes they are experiencing due to the Coronavirus pandemic, how they use GI Bill, and ways in which organizations like The American Legion and Student Veterans of America can support them.

Special Guest: Jared Lyon.

Links:

Episode 26: Tango Alpha Lima: GIBill.com, “The Pledge” unveiled in Arlington and Suicide Prevention news

The American Legion — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 13:30:00 -0400

CV is befuddled by VA losing rights to the GIBill.com website.

Ashley celebrates the unveiling of "The Pledge,” a new statue dedicated to women in the military and service dogs at The Women In Military Service For America Memorial.

Jeff shares the news of progress addressing Veteran Suicide:

The 988 National Crisis Hotline will go live in Fall 2021
The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 includes mental health elements
More measures could be coming with agreements to fast track a package of 9 House bills related to veteran suicide (COMPACT Act) which includes VA mental health care services to ALL veterans, regardless of their discharge status

Rapid Fire
Vanessa Guillen death ruled "in the line of duty"
46 books on the 2020 Marine Commandant’s Reading List
World War II all-volunteer jungle fighters known as Merrill's Marauders will recieve Congressional Gold Medal
Army says viral video showing a soldier drinking Ocean Spray and lip-syncing Fleetwood Mac during parachute jump may be a safety violation.

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