Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “History”

Episode 284: Ken Burns previews American Revolution documentary

The American Legion — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Finding your Revolutionary War Roots

THE INTERVIEW
Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his new documentary film on the American Revolution, his Vietnam War documentary series, his path to a career in movies and more. He has created a legendary catalog of documentary movies including “The Vietnam War,” “The Civil War,” “Baseball,” “The War,” “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea;” and more. His films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including 17 Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards and two Oscar nominations. Other topics include the impact of funding cuts on PBS and NPR, what Reddit is saying about watching documentaries by Burns and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Ken Burns support for PBS, CPB and the National Endowment for the Humanities
Reddit Rabbit Hole: Bingeing Burns documentaries

Special Guest: Ken Burns.

Links:

Episode 280: How to create a mission-driven business that turns a profit

The American Legion — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Veterans and transitioning servicemembers often face challenges when seeking civilian careers. Air Force veteran Charlynda Scales found her business niche while honoring the legacy of her grandfather, a Korean War veteran. With no formal training in the food industry, she relied on her military experience to adapt, execute, and lead, bringing her vision to life. Her business, Mutt’s Sauce, is rooted in service, resilience and a sense of purpose. Learn more about how she developed her mission, her path to success and more in the first episode of Veteran Entrepreneurs, a special four-part podcast series from The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast.

Special Guest: Charlynda Scales.

Links:

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.

Links:

Episode 273: How to leverage military service into a rewarding civilian career with Natalie Schibell – Tango Alpha Lima

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

Native Americans in the Revolutionary War.

THE INTERVIEW
Former Navy Lt. Cmdr. Natalie Schibell found success in the military but struggled to find work in the civilian sector. She rallied and rebounded to become vice president of Market Strategy at Aetion and create Mission to Commission, a nonprofit dedicated to helping military veterans navigate career transitions. The former American Ninja Warrior contestant shares tips for veterans and servicemembers looking for civilian jobs

SCUTTLEBUTT
Air Force installing Lumena MindGyms to facilitate relaxation for stressed-out troops

Task & Purpose asked for the dumbest moments in uniform - and the responses did not disappoint

Army Aviators who helped kick off the air campaign of Operation Desert Storm in January 1991 awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses

Special Guest: Natalie Schibell.

Links:

Episode 272: Living the punk life with former sailor John Joseph - Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Remembering Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne and the Battle of Stony Point

THE INTERVIEW
Former Cro-Mags and Bad Brains singer John Joseph emerged from an abusive childhood in a foster home to serve in the Navy and then forge his punk rock career. Joseph rose through the ranks, along with others in the early 1980s scene including Henry Rollins, the Beastie Boys and others to become a successful singer. Now he inspires others as a vegan triathlete.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Reddit Rabbit Hole: Best posters seen during a triathalon

Army bringing in big tech executives as lieutenant colonels

American airmen in Japan test AI tool to streamline flight scheduling

Special Guest: John Joseph.

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Episode 271: Guiding veterans to healing and mentoring the next generation with Bart Womack – Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

OTDIH: The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence

THE INTERVIEW
Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bart Womack discusses creating an equine therapy facility for veterans with PTSD; mentoring ROTC cadets; his book, “Embedded Enemy,” which is about an insider terrorist attack; and more

SCUTTLEBUTT
Mapping US troops and military bases in the Middle East

Navy destroyer, air defense systems help intercept Iranian missiles

Special Guest: Bart Womack.

Links:

Episode 270: Top three things disruptive to your health with Jennifer Campbell – Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day

THE INTERVIEW
Nutrition can be complicated. Army veteran and health and wellness expert Jennifer Campbell helps bring clarity and provides answers on how adults can fix the most disruptive things affecting their health. Among the topics she tackles are the best exercise for your health and longevity, lessons from the Blue Zones and understanding the role of the microbiome and gut health.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Reddit Rabbit Hole: Unfortunate Fourth of July fireworks fizzles

Legacies of historic units face uncertain future as Army plans to close more than 20 base museums in major reduction

Special Guest: Jennifer Campbell.

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.

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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.

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 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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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 148: Tango Alpha Lima: HillVets Founder and CEO Justin Brown

The American Legion — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
Jeff and Ashley talk about the new video game release from Steam Games. “Company of Heroes 3″ takes on a new facet of WWII history, and brings players into the battle between U.S. Forces, British Forces, Wehrmacht, and Deutsches Afrikakorps that ensued during campaigns in Italy and North Africa.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
HillVets founder and CEO Justin Brown tells the origin story of how a networking event for veterans working in the Capitol has evolved into a veteran and military community helping one another in their pursuit of continued service in government.

Justin explains the leadership and fellowship programs, and how HillVets works with other VSOs to accomplish their mission.

RAPID FIRE
I'm a U.S. Marine turned Hooters girl - people thank me for my service... of their wings
Wisconsin post provides proper send-off to deploying commander
African Americans in USCG

Special Guest: Justin Brown.

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
Join The American Legion
New WWII video game drops players into Italy, North Africa campaigns
Action Center
HillVets | Serving Veterans & the Military-Connected in Washington D.C. — Our mission is to serve those who have served in their pursuit of continued service in government.
Be the One | The American Legion
I'm a U.S. Marine turned Hooters girl - people thank me for my service... of their wings | The US Sun
Wisconsin post provides proper send-off to deploying commander | The American Legion
African Americans in USCG | Legiontown U.S.A.
African American Chronology
(20+) American Legion Post 83 - Merced, Ca. | Merced CA | Facebook

Episode 118: Tango Alpha Lima: USS Constitution Commander B.J. Farrell

The American Legion — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Lt. Amanda Lee of Moundsview, Minn., becomes the first woman to pilot the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for the Blue Angels.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Commander B.J. Farrell is the first female commanding officer of the USS Constitution. She talks about life aboard the three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate known as “Old Ironsides” and the events surrounding a milestone year.

RAPID FIRE
There's a new, shorter suicide prevention hotline number to help veterans
The Air Force received its first laser weapons for fighter planes
Vote for Tango Alpha Lima at PODCASTAWARDS.COM

Special Guest: Commander B.J. Farrell .

Links:

Episode 103: Tango Alpha Lima: Buffalo Soldier Iron Riders with Bobby McDonald

The American Legion — Tue, 03 May 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Our hosts discuss the dilemma caused by the Navy deputizing doctors to enforce drug rules - even for those seeking mental health assistance.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
American Legion member Bobby McDonald visits to talk about his passion for military history, his work with the Buffalo Soldiers re-enactors and the upcoming Quasquicentennial of the Buffalo Soldiers Iron Riders.

RAPID FIRE
Bean bags, pod chairs and iPads for Air Force new recruit training
Back Packs for Hope

Special Guest: Bobby McDonald.

Links:

Episode 81: Tango Alpha Lima: War Letters with guest Andrew Carroll

The American Legion — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Andrew Carroll, playwright, author and founding director of the Center for American War Letters at Chapman University, talks with Tango Alpha Lima about his work to preserve war letters, how he got started, and how of collecting correspondence has led to the creation of the virtual Museum of American War Letters and his new podcast, "Behind the Lines: The Worlds Greatest War Letters and the Stories Behind Them."

Andrew shares some of the most unique and compelling letters from his collection as well as some of the stories behind them.

Special Guest: Andrew Carroll.

Links:

Episode 58: Tango Alpha Lima: What happened in Ohio

The American Legion — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0400

When the_ Akron Beacon-Journal_ first reported on the mic cut during a keynote address by retired Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter during Memorial Day ceremonies at American Legion Lee-Bishop Post 464 in Hudson, Ohio, all eyes in the veteran community focused on the small town just south-east of Cleveland. Media outlets large and small picked up on the story of post officials who turned off the mic as Kempter made reference to the role a group of freed Black slaves in Charleston, S.C., played in the origins of Memorial Day observances.

Team Tango takes breaks down exactly what happened, what went wrong and what was done right, and shares an excerpt of the muted portion of Kemter's address.

RAPID FIRE
Army active-duty specialists must serve as corporal before being promoted to sergeant.
SCOTUS rejects challenge to existing Selective Service men-only registration policy.
Senate calls for better coordination of Capitol Police and Guard, but won't establish QRF for Congress
Navy denies Midshipman cornerback and NFL hopeful's waiver request to postpone his five-year service

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