Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Honor”

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.

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.

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 268: The healing power of music for veterans with Mike Corrado – Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Navigating Visual Sequela Progression due to TBI

THE INTERVIEW
Mike Corrado discovered the power of music while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Music offers the power to heal, honor the fallen and inspire. He has seen firsthand how teaching songwriting to amputees helps them heal and move forward. Corrado talks about his lifelong love of music, its power to heal, his singer/songwriter retreats for veterans and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
The moment 250 years ago today, June 17, when General William Prescott uttered the famous line, “Don’t one of you fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”

An update to the Veterans Legacy Memorial’s online project

A “not friendly” macaque that is terrorizing military bases

Special Guest: Mike Corrado.

Links:

Episode 265: How to transition from service to executive ranks with Matt Stevens - Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Retired Navy SEAL Matt Stevens helps The Honor Foundation guide members of the Special Forces community toward rewarding civilian careers. Stevens talks about how to discover your “why,” developing contacts and other tips for developing executives.

THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Down the Reddit Rabbit Hole: The Meaning of Memorial Day

The fallout of banned books at the U.S. Naval Academy

Busch Gardens, Sea World offering free tickets for service members and veterans

Special Guest: Matt Stevens.

Links:

Episode 228: Tango Alpha Lima: American Legion 105th National Convention

The American Legion — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 06:30:00 -0400

In a special episode recorded live at the Tango Alpha Lima Podcast Outpost at The American Legion National Convention in New Orleans, hosts Stacy Pearsall and Adam Marr catch up with former guests and meet new friends who discuss the exciting things they are sharing with convention attendees.

Steve Burke, an Army veteran, West Point grad and Business Leader of Associations with Grouper talks about the critical need for social connection.

Kristie McNally, deputy director of the U.S. Mint shares news of the 2024 Greatest Generation commemorative coin set.

Kathryn Walker, chief executive director of Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness Ltd., discusses ketamine treatments and the integration of psychedelic medicine into mainstream mental health practices.

Marine Corps veteran Waco Hoover, the chairman of Be the One and a member of The American Legion talks about the second annual Be the One symposium and the future of the Be the One mission.

Norka Rojas, chief of Internment Services at Arlington National Cemetery talks about the process of requesting burial at Arlington.

Lexie Millikan, executive director of Quilts of Valor talks about the community built through the act of making quilts to comfort and honor servicemembers, veterans and first responders.

Navy veteran Andre Andrews, a member of American Legion Post 283 in Los Angeles and chairman of the Department of California’s Video Game Committee talks about the future of online gaming in the American Legion.

Cullen Wright and Christina Lonigro of Advocate Healthcare give an update on their new product, Vetecare

Special thanks to Wellcare for support of our Podcast Outpost on site in New Orleans.

Special Guests: Andre Andrews, Christina Lonigro, Cullen Wright, Kathryn Walker, Kristie McNally, Lexie Millikan, Norka Rojas, Steve Burke, and Waco Hoover.

Links:

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.

Links:

Episode 214: Tango Alpha Lima: DPAA Director Kelly McKeague

The American Legion — Tue, 21 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

HONOR & REMEMBRANCE
How you can be a part of Poppy Day

THE INTERVIEW
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Director Kelly McKeague talks about DPAA’s mission to provide the fullest possible accounting of our missing personnel to their families and to the nation.

He shares details of the complicated work that can take decades, the dedicated teams who work to recover and identify remains and how they are motivated by the emotional stories of the families of the missing.

SCUTTLEBUTT
POW-MIA servicemembers from the Cold War
The only Coast Guard Medal of Honor recipient
The story of Taps

Special Guest: Kelly McKeague.

Links:

Episode 211: Tango Alpha Lima: Comic artist and illustrator Stephen Russell

The American Legion — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis seeks veteran stories of service.

THE INTERVIEW
Army Airborne infantryman turned comic book creator, Stephen Russell, aka the Salty Skipper, talks about his service, what it takes to create a comic book and writing his memoir. Russell’s book, “Troublemakers: The Greatest Dog and Pony Show in Iraq,” is a memoir detailing his experiences and memories of his deployment in 2006-07 to the front lines in Baqubah, Iraq.

SCUTTLEBUTT
No American vets traveled to Iwo Jima for annual ‘reunion’ marking pivotal WWII battle
Hip replacements, other orthopedic devices not properly tracked by VA
After Action Season 2 streaming online beginning May 6th

Special Guest: Stephen Russell .

Links:

Episode 193: Tango Alpha Lima: Bestselling Author Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM

The American Legion — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
Volunteer and honor those who served during Wreaths Across America Day

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Dr. Michael Greger is a New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on public health issues. Three of his latest books, Three of his recent books — How Not to Die, the How Not to Die Cookbook, and How Not to Diet have helped millions adopt healthier habits, and his newest book, How Not to Age, will be out in January – just in time to help us stick to those New Year’s resolutions!

Dr. Greger talks about what sparked his passion for lifestyle medicine, the small changes that can make big differences, and how he hopes to inspire others to live longer, better lives.

RAPID FIRE
Air Force to issue protective eyewear as laser pointer incidents surge

Navy stands up sailor quality-of-life reforms in Newport News shipyard

Special Guest: Dr. Michael Greger.

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 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 154: Tango Alpha Lima: VA Vet Center Chief Readjustment Counseling Officer Mike Fisher

The American Legion — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Suicide surges among soldiers not inherently tied to wars, according to a study published in the May issue of Psychiatry Research.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
VA Vet Centers Chief Readjustment Counseling Officer Mike Fisher joins us to talk about the services provided by Vet Centers, scholarship opportunities available through the Vet Center Scholarship program, and future growth and expansion of Vet Centers across the nation.

RAPID FIRE
American Legion Removes Confederate Flag After Vet’s Query
Legionnaires warned to not download unauthorized My Legion app
 Fred Brock Post 828 honors Vietnam veterans, family members during National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Special Guest: Mike Fisher.

Links:

Episode 146: Tango Alpha Lima: CBRN Expert Jeffrey Brodeur

The American Legion — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
American Legion lines out priorities for the 118th Congress.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Former U.S. Army Ranger Jeffrey Brodeur has experience developing Chemical-Biological-Radiological-Nuclear (CBRN) strategy, plans, and training programs. He is an internationally recognized CBRN expert who has lead survey teams in combat zones to support Department of State programs, and he talks about the technology being used for presumptive identification of potential toxins in combat zones.

RAPID FIRE
Be The One takes center stage at California American Legion Revitalization event.
Military Police commander at Fort Hood suspended amid ongoing investigations
American Legion post in South Korea honors Four Chaplain

Special Guest: Jeffrey Brodeur.

Links:

Episode 119: Tango Alpha Lima: S-A-R Flag with Kevin Hertell

The American Legion — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Registration is open for the Hiring our Heroes career event taking place on Aug. 25 in conjunction with The American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Our guest is Kevin W. Hertell, an Air Force veteran who served with the 309th Fighter Squadron and a member of Glenwood Landing Post 336 in Glen Head, N.Y.

Kevin is the Founder and President of “The Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Flag Corporation,” as well as the creator of the S-A-R Flag. Jeff and Ashley learn about what inspired Kevin to create the S-A-R flag and launch his mission to remove the stigma of mental health and veteran suicide.

RAPID FIRE
Join the 9/11 National Day of Service
SCOTUS Gives Veterans Big Win, Says States Can Be Sued for Discriminating Against Vets

Special Guest: Kevin Hertell.

Links:

Episode 109: Tango Alpha Lima: The Misty Experiment with producers Ian Adelson and Dean Echenberg

The American Legion — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Air Force gamers comes out on top during the Pentagon's first official video game tournament.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Documentary filmmaker Ian Adelson, and his grandfather, U.S. Air Force veteran and former Misty squadron flight surgeon Dean Echenberg, join us to talk about their work on the documentary "The Misty Experiement"

The film tells the story of the special U.S. Air Force squadron whose pilots volunteered for one of the Vietnam War’s most dangerous air missions: to search for enemy supply transports and anti-aircraft installations concealed along the Ho Chi Minh Trail and direct rescue operations for U.S. and allied aircrews shot down within the web of trail paths and waterways.

RAPID FIRE
Second all-women Honor Flight takes off from Florida
Marine Corps Pride Month message misses the mark

Special Guests: Dean Echenberg and Ian Adelson.

Links:

Episode 105: Tango Alpha Lima: Marine Corps Combat Correspondent and Journalist Amy Forsythe

The American Legion — Tue, 17 May 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
A discussion of the military's history of toxic exposure and The American Legion's push for a Senate vote for the Honoring our PACT Act to address these issues for generations of military veterans.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Award-winning multimedia journalist, former U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondent and current U.S. Navy Reserve PAO Amy Forsythe stops by to talk about her new book, "Heroes Live Here: A Tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines Since 9/11"

Amy shares stories about her career as a military and civilian journalist, her inspiration for her new book, and a case of stolen valor she helped uncover.

RAPID FIRE
Parris Island Marine Corps Band nominated for an Emmy
VA Confirms Vital EHR Computer System Has Gone Down More Than 50 Times Since Launching in Spokane
Airman slays ‘tedious repetitive tasks’ for comrades stuck in paperwork hell

SHOUTOUTS
Post 176 in Springfield, Va.
Post 539 in New Bern, N.C.

Special Guest: Amy Forsythe.

Links:

Episode 101: Tango Alpha Lima: Live from Tough Ruck 26.2 Boston

The American Legion — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Jeff and Ashley are reunited in Boston with former podcast co-host, National Judge Advocate Mark Seavey, and three other Legion members for Tough Ruck 26.2 Boston.

Seavey, along with Media & Communications Chairman David F. Wallace of Virginia, South Dakota Department Service Officer Courtney VanZanten and Ashley’s husband, National Guard Sgt. Robert Maldonado, a member from Post 180 in Vienna, Va. traveled the 26.2 mile course.

The podcast team followed the progress of the ruck crew, as well as catching up with other members of the Legion Family who participated and volunteered in the event.

Check the show notes for a link to YouTube for the best experience for this episode.
(Hint, you don't want to miss the glow of Seavey's VERY pale gams in his Old Glory silkies)

Links:

Episode 88: Tango Alpha Lima: GWOT Memorial Foundation CEO Rod Rodriguez

The American Legion — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
Jeff and Ashley discuss humanitarian aid for Afghans as crisis grows after Taliban takeover.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Our hosts sat down for a live interview with Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation CEO and President, Michael “Rod” Rodriguez while in Orlando for SVA NatCon2022, for an update on the progress of the GWOT Memorial.

RAPID FIRE
2022 American Legion Legacy Scholarship Application open
Norwegian Armed Forces recycling used undies
VA wants to drop co-pays for mental health care

Special Guest: Michael "Rod" Rodriguez.

Links:

Episode 78: Tango Alpha Lima: A day in NYC, unions and the Guard, and how troop pay affects readiness

The American Legion — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Jeff and Ashley recap their whirlwind visit to New York City for the Veterans Day Parade.
Ashley shares a story about unions seeking collective bargaining rights for Connecticut National Guard members.
Jeff gets wound up by experts who claim troop pay and benefits could hurt military readiness.

RAPID FIRE
AGAIN with Fort Hood, return of the Tiger King, American Legion Mental Health Survey and moments of gratitude.

Links:

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

Links:

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