Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Iraq”

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 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 263: How to protect your identity with ID.me founder Blake Hall - Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 13 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Constitutional fun facts in honor of The American Legion National Oratorical Competition Finals

THE INTERVIEW
Army combat veteran Blake Hall created his company to protect veterans from identity theft. Veterans are more than 80% likely to have their identity stolen than other Americans. Learn how ID.me prevents fraud in this week’s episode.

SCUTTLEBUTT
A salute Ronin – the hero rat who set a Guinness World Record for detecting landmines

Legionnaires supporting manners, etiquette and Americanism in South Carolina

Special Guest: Blake Hall.

Links:

Episode 258: Paratrooper's path to award-winning movie director

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

Remembering the anniversary of the fall of Baghdad

THE INTERVIEW
Kyle Hausmann-Stokes won the 2024 South by Southwest Audience Award for his directorial debut of the feature film "My Dead Friend Zoe," which he also co-wrote and produced. The film is a creative take on the post-war experience and a tribute to veterans of all generations. Hausmann-Stokes, who served as a paratrooper with the Army in Iraq, talks about the film, his military experience and how he helped co-found an organization for military veterans in the entertainment industry, Veterans in Media & Television, in the basement of American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Veterans in Agritherapy - Celebrating Community Gardens week

DOD commits $9.8 million to study psychedelics for active-duty troops

Special Guest: Kyle Hausmann-Stokes.

Links:

Episode 245: Iraqi-born interpreter's escape to the U.S.

The American Legion — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:30:00 -0500

We kick off the new year with a few resolutions and a memory of Sammi, the Iraqi interpreter who worked with Joe and his Marines.

THE INTERVIEW
Mazin Mozan, who served as an interpreter with Stacy in Iraq shares his story of serving with Coalition forces, gaining a Special Immigrant Visa and moving to the United States, and his enlistment in the U.S. Army.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Norwegian fishermen accidentally catch U.S. sub in net

Thousands of U.S. affiliated Iraqis in harms way due to refugee program delays

'Disturbing' Number of VA Mental Health Appointment Cancellations Prompt Lawmakers to Call for Reforms

Special Guest: Mazin Mozan.

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
Join The American Legion
DVIDS - News - Former Iraqi interpreter reacts to plight of Afghans
Norwegian fishermen accidentally catch U.S. sub in net | The Seattle Times — Norwegian fishermen accidentally catch U.S. sub in net
Unfulfilled Promises: Thousands of U.S.-Affiliated Iraqis in Harm’s Way Due to Refugee Program Delays | International Refugee Assistance Project — Thousands of U.S.-Affiliated Iraqis in Harm’s Way Due to Refugee Program Delays
'Disturbing' Number of VA Mental Health Appointment Cancellations Prompt Lawmakers to Call for Reforms | Military.com — 'Disturbing' Number of VA Mental Health Appointment Cancellations Prompt Lawmakers to Call for Reforms
Clear Path for Veterans | You Found Your Place
TangoAlphaLima

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 236: Meet the widow of PACT Act namesake

The American Legion — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Duct Tape debuts at Paris Fashion Week

THE INTERVIEW
Danielle Robinson — the surviving spouse of the late Sgt. First Class Heath Robinson, namesake of the PACT Act – joins the podcast to share her family's story and how she and her husband became champions for passage of this historic legislation.

Danielle also shares how she honors Heath's legacy as an activist and advocate for Burn Pits 360, fighting for servicemembers and veterans exposed to hazardous environments while serving.

SCUTTLEBUTT
‘Area 52’ Veterans Call Out US Government for Refusing to Acknowledge Health Issues Caused By Radiation Exposure

U.S. Army helicopter repurposed into an Airbnb in Florida

Remembering country music legend and U.S. Army veteran, Kris Kristofferson

Special Guest: Danielle Robinson.

Links:

Episode 233: How veterans can find their passion in dance

The American Legion — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

THE INTERVIEW
Román Baca, Artistic Director of Exit12 Dance Company is a classically trained ballet dancer and choreographer who, in 2001, took a hiatus from dance and enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he served as a machine-gunner and fire-team leader in Fallujah, Iraq.

Baca shares how he founded Exit 12 Dance Company to give veterans a storytelling platform through dance, theater and movement.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Reviewing Raygun - the breakout Olympic break dance competitor
How Navy chiefs conspired to get themselves illegal warship Wi-Fi
Bravo Zulu to Legion members in Canton, Ga.

Special Guest: Román Baca.

Links:

Episode 231: Meet the "Littlest" Navy SEAL

The American Legion — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Joe marks his “hurt-a-versary” by looking back to the day 20 years ago when he was injured while running to assist a vehicle that had been hit by an IED.

THE INTERVIEW
Standing at 5'3" and weighing 110 pounds, young Navy recruit David Brown was laughed at and told he'd never make it through BUDS and become a SEAL. But Brown was determined. "If there was someone telling me I couldn’t do it, then this is the job for me. I was going to be Jacques Cousteau with a shotgun.”

Brown shares how he proved the doubters wrong, the story of his military and federal law enforcement careers, and his book "And Goliath" in this week's episode.

SCUTTLEBUTT
No matter what happens in November...there will be a military veteran serving as vice-president.

Rocky, a formerly-stray rescue dog who is now a Service Dog in training, is throwing his paws into the 2024 race to the White House.

The Legion "Get Out the Vote" program encourages all Americans to register and vote in all elections.

Special Guest: David Brown.

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.

Links:

Episode 212: Tango Alpha Lima: Air Force EOD veteran and endurance athlete Adam Popp

The American Legion — Tue, 07 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

NEWS FROM LEGIONTOWN
Remembrance of those who died - and survived - Pearl Harbor

THE INTERVIEW
In 2007, while serving as an Air Force EOD team leader in Afghanistan, Adam Popp was injured in a blast that resulted in an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg. During a decade of recovery and training, Adam has trained to become an elite athlete and a certified peer-mentor trainer who helps other amputees and individuals with disabilities to successfully pursue athletic and other personal goals. He joins the podcast to talk about his service, his recovery, and his search for a solemate.

THE SCUTTLEBUTT
The truth covered in sarcasm – exploring Redditors take on U.S. Army plans to restructure and slash force by 5% in preparation to fight future wars

Send a Salami to your Boy in the Army - New York's Katz Delicatessen still fulfilling a their WWII-era tradition.

Special Guest: Adam Popp.

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:

Tango Alpha Lima Be The One EP08: Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman

The American Legion — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman has mastered the art of getting through tough times. His resilience has inspired thousands, and through his company, SOF Spoken, he has provided inspirational coaching to share his methods for leadership, teamwork and overcoming adversity for businesses, first responders, sports teams, and government organizations.

In this episode of the Be The One podcast, Jason talks about overcoming the military mindset of toughness to end the stigma of asking for mental health assistance, and the importance of seeking out the mulitple treatment options to find the best fit. He also talks about the importance of studying the effects and finding treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury.

Special Guest: Jason Redman.

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:

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:

Tango Alpha Lima Be The One EP06: Grunt Style Foundation Founder Tim Jensen

The American Legion — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 10:45:00 -0500

Tim Jensen serves as Chief Brand Officer of Grunt Style LLC, Chairman of the Grunt Style Foundation and host of several popular veteran-focused podcasts.

A Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq in September 2004 and participated in over 200 combat patrols in the extremely violent Northern Babil Province, Tim is a strong advocate for defending the rights, lives, and well-being of veterans who have defended this country.

Tim discusses his military experience, how that led to his leadership role at Grunt Style LLC, and ultimately the Grunt Style Foundation, where he leads a team on a mission to provide resources and experiences that support veterans and servicemembers facing challenges with mental health, military transition, food insecurity and homelessness.

Special Guest: Tim Jensen.

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.

Links:

Episode 188: Tango Alpha Lima: Combat Boots Jewelry Founder Lisa Bass

The American Legion — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
2023 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Retired U.S. Army Maj. Lisa Bass began her 20-year military career as a 30-year-old private in the JAG Corps, attended Airborne School as a grandmother, and became the first female Commander in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

After separating from the Army, Lisa made the transition from soldier to entrepreneur and founded Combat Boots Jewelry, selling patriotic accessories that help women show pride of service. She also founded Task Force Sisterhood Against Sexual Assaults (TF SASA) - a team of former military leaders from various branches with a deep commitment to providing effective solutions and support concerning sexual assault and harassment.

RAPID FIRE
Navy promotes first female mortician to senior chief petty officer

A beer-drinking Marine Corps duck earned a citation for fighting at Tarawa

Testing of Air Force all-electric plane set to start at Florida base

Special Guest: Lisa Bass.

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 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.

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 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 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 122: Tango Alpha Lima: Sierra Club Military Outdoors campaign manager Aaron Leonard

The American Legion — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Our hosts remember 1-year anniversary of the attack near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul by honoring the 13 servicemembers killed in the bombing.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Our guest is U.S. Army retired Lt. Col. Aaron Leonard, a combat veteran who now serves as Campaign Manager at Sierra Club Military Outdoors and as co-chair of the Outdoor Rx Coalition with the New York State Division of Veterans Services.

RAPID FIRE
Marine Corps promotes first Black officer to 4-star general in 246-year history
Anniversary of Afghanistan withdrawal could serve as a trigger for those suffering moral injury
Hiring Our Heroes and Wisconsin Career Event at American Legion National ConventionIN THE NEWS

Special Guest: Aaron Leonard.

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 104: Tango Alpha Lima: 100 Miles for Hope Ambassadors Julia Waring and Rachelle Cannon

The American Legion — Tue, 10 May 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
100 Miles for Hope is in full swing, and Jeff and Ashley are pumped up! The hosts ponder the various benefits of physical activity.

THIS WEEK'S GUESTS
We're doubling the fun with two professional bodybuilders and 100 Miles for Hope Ambassadors, Julia Waring and Rachelle Cannon.
Both of these International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Figure Professional Athletes share stories of their military academy experiences, their military service and how their current status as elite athletes.

RAPID FIRE
Bootcamp breakdown
Make-a-Wish allows young teen to attend a special Boot Camp and become a Marine for a day.

Special Guests: Julia Waring and Rachelle Cannon.

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 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 74: Tango Alpha Lima: "Dodgebomb" author Darin Pepple

The American Legion — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Team Tango visits with U.S. Army veteran and author Darin Pepple.

Pepple's debut novel, "Dodgebomb: Outside the Wire in the Second Iraq War" is a satirical work that follows a lieutenant and his platoon as they go out on patrol each day and try to stay alive.

Pepple talks about some of his real life experiences as an Army Captain, how he uses these moments into the novel, and the inspiration behind bringing his work to life.

Special Guest: Darin Pepple.

Links:

Episode 91120: Tango Alpha Lima remembers 9/11 with motivational speaker USMC Cpl. Josh Bleill

The American Legion — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Working a corporate job in Indianapolis on Sept. 11, 2001, Purdue graduate Josh Bleill was so moved by the events of that day that he soon found himself, at the age of 27, following in his father's yellow bootsteps at Marine Corps bootcamp.

During a deployment to Fallujah, Iraq in 2006, a bomb exploded under the vehicle Josh was riding in. He woke up five days later to the realization that he had lost two friends and both of his legs in the blast.

Josh's journey through recovery led him to a new role as a motivational speaker, trying to help veterans and civilians alike move forward with positivity by taking just one step at a time.

Special Guest: Josh Bleill.

Links:

Episode 91114: Tango Alpha Lima remembers 9/11 with former POW Jessica Lynch

The American Legion — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Former POW Jessica Lynch reported to basic training a week after 9/11. Eventually she deployed to Iraq, where her unit was ambushed, she was captured and held prisoner by Iraqi forces for nine days.

Jessica shares the emotional story of her captivity and rescue, as well as how she perservered through the aftermath of the experience, and became a motivational speaker to help others.

Special Guest: Jessica Lynch.

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.

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Episode 44: Tango Alpha Lima: Questionable Chow, 100 Miles for Hope and Space Force scores a win

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

Ashley shares a report of “highly inadequate" food given to National Guardsmen still protecting the Capitol.

Jeff gets pumped up for the 2021 American Legion 100 Miles for Hope Challenge.

CV shares news of a 60 Minutes report that revealed new details about how Iran tried to use commercially available satellite imagery to monitor Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq as it prepared to launch more than a dozen ballistic missiles at U.S. and coalition forces in January, 2020 - and celebrates the Space Force’s missile warning satellite operators who foiled Iran's attack with critical intelligence that showed an attack was imminent.

Rapid Fire
A Navy WAVE celebrates her 100th birthday in style, more nefarious activities at Ft. Hood as Army CID special agent is accused of seeking out puffer fish toxin before poisoning his wife, Trailblazing Ranger grad reignites the debate over the ACFT and LEGO Top Gun Maverick trailer looks better than the actual movie

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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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