Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Medal Of Honor”

Episode 277: From the battlefield to the Grand Ole Opry with Scotty Hasting

The American Legion — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

"Wayspring Wanderer" launches on Amazon.

THE INTERVIEW
Scotty Hasting is an Army combat veteran turned singer/songwriter who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Hasting, who received the Purple Heart, was shot 10 times at once in Afghanistan. Hasting has opened for artists including Dave Grohl, Jelly Roll, Parmalee and Tanya Tucker - and will be appearing at the American Legion National Convention in Tampa.

On this week’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast, Hasting discusses his time in the military, music career and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Down the Reddit Rabbit Hole: What’s the worst MRE you’ve ever ate?

Future destroyer to be named after Medal of Honor recipient, Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle Carpenter

Bravo Zulu to American Legion Riders from Ernest A. Love Post 6 in Prescott, Ariz.

Special Guest: Scotty Hasting.

Links:

Episode 275: A transgender service member speaks out about being forced out

The American Legion — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

250 ways to participate in The American Legion USA 250 Challenge

THE INTERVIEW
Col. Bree Fram, a transgender Space Force member, is being forced out of the military and end her 23-year service that began with the Air Force. Fram is currently headed toward retirement due to President Trump’s prohibition on transgender service that was implemented in 2025. The White House implemented the transgender ban through an Executive Order and Department of Defense (DoD) policies. Fram speaks as a civilian as she discusses her time in the military, issues related to her transition and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Army moves to dismantle most ceremonial horse units

How WWII helped normalize tattoos

MOH recipient Clint Romesha is getting a new comic book highlighting his actions in Afghanistan

Special Guest: Col. Bree Fram.

Links:

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 250: Who is MandatoryFunDay?

The American Legion — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Army 1st Lt. Austin von Letkemann, better known to his Instagram followers as MandatoryFunDay, shares his unusual rise to fame on the podcast. His Instagram channel, with 20 million monthly views, features comedy videos that poke fun at various parts of military life.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Medals of Honor, delayed nearly 120 years due to administrative issues, to be posthumously delivered to desendants.

VA National Salute to Veteran Patients

Reddit Rabbit Hole: Military Romance Scams

Special Guest: Austin Von Letkemann.

Links:

Episode 249: Meet the Navy's first Black female helicopter pilot

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

Stacy, Joe and Adam look forward to the holidays and observances in February, including African American History Month, International Women’s Day, Valentines Day, Change Your Password Day, and GI Joe Day.

THE INTERVIEW
After making history, Kamin Samuel struggled upon leaving the military. Now she is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and documentary filmmaker of “Courage to Thrive.”

SCUTTLEBUTT
Arizona Legion members take part in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop.

National WWII Museum in New Orleans, the special exhibition - Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II

A trip down the Reddit rabbit hole in search of wild post office stories in honor of National Thank a Mail Carrier Day

Special Guest: Kamin Samuel.

Links:

Episode 230: Marine veteran's mission across Antarctica

The American Legion — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

How we continue to remember September 11

THE INTERVIEW
Marine Corps veteran, endurance athlete, adventurer and author Akshay Nanavati has a picture of a friend he lost in war on his wall and under it he wrote, “This should have been you. Earn this life."

This was the fuel to write his book, "Fearvana: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear into Health, Wealth and Happiness" in order to help others navigate their own suffering and turn it into nirvana, turn it into bliss.

It is also fuel for his own extreme adventuring.

In November, Nanavati will begin a 110-day, 1,700-mile solo trek across Antarctica, wher he'll ski for 10 to 12 hours a day hauling a 400-pound sled full of supplies and become the single most isolated being on the planet. He shares how he has been preparing for the grueling physical and mental challenges he will face along the way.

SCUTTLEBUTT
VA worker errors when reviewing claims for full disability cost $100M, auditors say

Post 58 in Oklahoma using gaming to provide veterans camaraderie and support.

Special Guest: Akshay Nanavati .

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:

Tango Alpha Lima Trailblazing Women Veterans: Medical Marvel Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

The American Legion — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

_In this special series we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the service of women veterans and their contributions to American military history. _

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a surgeon and is the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor for her service during the Civil War. She worked as a contract surgeon for the Union Army and was known for her dedication and pioneering efforts in the field of military medicine.

In addition to sharing the story of Dr. Walker, we also honor other trailblazing women who served in during the earliest wars in America's history.

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Deborah Sampson
Molly Pitcher
Lydia Darragh

MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR
Sarah Borginis
Sarah Edmonds

U.S. CIVIL WAR
Mary Ann "Mother" Bickerdyke
Dorothea Dix
Susie King Taylor

Links:

Episode 174: Tango Alpha Lima: Typhoon Coast Author Mark R. Clifford

The American Legion — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
A Veteran Combat Photographer Is on a Mission to Capture Portraits of Every Living Medal of Honor Recipient

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Mark R. Clifford served in the Marine Corps infantry for ten years and as a police officer for over a quarter-century. On the podcast this week, Mark talks about his military and law enforcement career, his debut novel, Typhoon Coast, and his work mentoring veterans at Zac Brown's Camp Southern Ground.

RAPID FIRE
Maryland's Howard County Veterans Foundation celebrates ‘Valiant Women’

If properly flown, an Attack Helicopter would defeat most fighter airplanes in 1 on 1 air combat. Attack Helicopter Crews explain why.

Air Force Pilots Have One Month to Extend Contracts for Up to $50,000 Per Year in Bonuses

Special Guest: Mark R. Clifford.

Links:

Episode 161: Tango Alpha Lima: Legion of Valor National Commander Justin "JD" LeHew

The American Legion — Tue, 30 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
We celebrate the career of Marine Corps veteran Dale Dye, and his contributions to more accurate and realistic portrayals of the military in the entertainment industry.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Marine Corps veteran and Navy Cross recipient Justin "JD" LeHew talks about his role as the first post-Vietnam generation National Commander of the Legion of Valor of the United States of America, his work with History Flight, a private MIA search and recovery organization, and his cross-country journey along the Medal of Honor Highway with Team Long Road.

RAPID FIRE
Top enlisted soldier calls out leaders to ‘show up’ at PT
Food delivery driver dashes into Army ranks after chance encounter
Reddit post leads to top Army leaders crashing soldier’s reenlistment

Special Guest: Justin "JD" LeHew.

Links:

Episode 151: Tango Alpha Lima: National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation CEO Chris Cassidy

The American Legion — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
How to Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.
American Legion virtual training with Veterans Yoga Project helps members learn about the physical and mental health benefits of yoga

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation CEO Chris Cassidy leads the mission to inspire America and promote the belief that everyone is born with the potential to be extraordinary. He talks about his work to build a national museum, and the educational programs offered while the structure is being built.

The retired Navy SEAL and former NASA Chief Astronaut talks about his military and space career.

RAPID FIRE
Jon Bernthal Returning as the Punisher for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’
Here's How to Get a 2023 MLB.TV Military Discount
National Parks jokingly warns not to 'push a slower friend down' if you encounter a bear

Special Guest: Chris Cassidy.

Links:

Episode 147: Tango Alpha Lima: Retired Air Force Combat Photographer Stacy Pearsall

The American Legion — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
Law enforcement is investigating after an intruder breached Andrews Air Force Base, the home of Air Force One.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Stacy served in the Air Force as a combat photojournalist, where she earned numerous medals and commendations during her deployments. She is one of only three women to win National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) Military Photographer of the Year competition and is the first woman to earn it twice.

Today, Stacy continues to work worldwide as an independent photographer, author, educator and founder of the Veterans Portrait Project.

She talks with us about her history as well as her current project, the PBS series "After Action," which reveals the experiences of veterans before, during and after their service.

RAPID FIRE
One of the First Black Marines, 101, Honored for His Service
Veteran Who Started Neo-Nazi Group Arrested Again, This Time for Targeting a Power Station
Black History Month: a time to honor and share

Special Guest: Stacy Pearsall.

Links:

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 99: Tango Alpha Lima: “Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare” with Jamie Gray Hyder

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

IN THE NEWS
CV and Ashley kick off Children & Youth Month with a discussion of the programs and services that support The American Legion's advocacy for young people.

THE INTERVIEW
Ashley and Jeff visit with actress Jamie Gray Hyder, best know in the military community as Lt. Nora Salter in the video game "Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare."

RAPID FIRE
Posting POW footage on social media
SD VA Medical Center renamed after fallen US Army nurse
Rabid animal found at Marine Corps base in North Carolina

Special Guest: Jamie Gray Hyder.

Links:

Episode 82: Tango Alpha Lima: A bittersweet goodbye, daring Coast Guard rescue, and MOH Cashe at last

The American Legion — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Our big farewell to CV has a little bit of everything.

Ashley fosters a lively discussion about using the National Guard as a pivot point during the Jan. 6 Probe.

Jeff sings the praises of a daring Coast Guard rescue on the brink of Niagara Falls.

CV finally gets his wish as President Biden awards the Medal of Honor to Sgt. First Class Alwyn C. Cashe.

RAPID FIRE
Three APP-tastic stories of how the military uses mobile technology...for better or for worse.

Some surprise guests help bid CV adieu.

Links:

Episode 71: Tango Alpha Lima: Guardians Uniforms, Afghanistan (Again!) and Wind Therapy

The American Legion — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Jeff gets pumped about U.S. Space Force Guardians newly unveiled dress uniforms.

CV reluctantly brings us yet another story about Afghanistan as two of the military’s highest-ranking generals telling lawmakers that they did not support the full withdrawal this year.

Ashley shares a story from The American Legion Magazine about the benefits of Wind Therapy.

RAPID FIRE
Marine Lieutenant Colonel who demanded Afghanistan accountability thrown in brig.
Remains of Medal of Honor recipient Rev. Emil Kapaun returned to Kansas 70 years after his death in North Korean POW Camp.
Navy veteran with broken-down scooter becomes TikTok star is flooded with generosity.
Lawmaker on a mission to compel Pentagon to take UFOs seriously.

Links:

Episode 52: Tango Alpha Lima: Officer Shenanigans, Podcast Love and honor for a WWII Sailor

The American Legion — Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Jeff shares a story of 101st Airborne officers gone wild at a strip club in Poland, sending CV into fits of glee.

Ashley gets excited about some reader feedback and love for Team Tango.

CV talks about a movement to gaining steam to honor Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Ark., with the Medal of Honor. French became a national hero after he towed wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal.

Rapid Fire:
The American Legion World Series is on, Afghan translator scammers indicted, rethinking medals from Wounded Knee and 53 women complete the Crucible for the first time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Links:

Episode 42: Tango Alpha Lima: Black History in the Military

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

In honor of Black History Month, Team Tango has collected a group of stories about Black members of the military.

Ashley shares the story of Retired Adm. Cecil Haney, who was one of the first Black four-star admirals in Navy history, serving as the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the U.S. Strategic Command, where he oversaw nuclear weapons before retiring in 2017.

Jeff shares a historical story of German POWs at a camp in Texas who were shocked by the shoddy treatment of the Black Americans who were their guards and who they worked alongside at local farms.

CV shares the Medal of Honor story of Army Sgt. William H. Carney, who posthumously recieved the honor in 1900 for his actions during the charge of Fort Wagner in Charleston, S.C. during the Civil War.

Rapid Fire
Team Tango is inspired by three stories of Black History being made today by Black servicemembers

2017 U.S. Naval Academy graduate Lt. JG Madeline Swegle who recently became the Navy's first Black female strike pilot
Former U.S. Central Command leader Lloyd Austin, who was confirmed as the nation's first Black Defense Secretary
81-year-old retired Army Col. Paris Davis, who may finally recieve a long-delayed Medal of Honor for his actions to save wounded teammates during a gunfight in Vietnam in 1965.

Links:

Episode 29: Tango Alpha Lima: COVID-19 conversation ft. guest Dr. Kermit Jones

The American Legion — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Navy veteran Kermit Jones joins Team Tango to talk about beating the coronavirus and an inspiring Medal of Honor recipient from his hometown.

Special Guest: Dr. Kermit Jones.

Links:

Episode 27: Tango Alpha Lima: Military Reporting feat. Hope Seck

The American Legion — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Team Tango chats with 2016 American Legion 4th Estate Award recipient and Military.com Managing Editor, Hope Seck about journalism and reporting on the military community.

Special Guest: Hope Seck.

Links:

Episode 21: Tango Alpha Lima: MOH for SGM Payne, Burn Pits and Suicide Prevention

The American Legion — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 12:00:00 -0400

The Medal of Honor is bestowed upon Sgt. Maj. Thomas Payne, and Team Tango discusses the man CV claims is "tougher than woodpecker lips."

Jeff breaks out his knife-hand again as he gets riled up about new studies linking adverse health effects to burn pit exposure and the team talks about new legislation introduced to address obstacles many veterans face when seeking health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for illnesses related to toxic exposure.

Ashley shares a story about time running out to pass pending legislation on veteran suicide prevention during the current Congressional session, and the team stresses the importance of actively using existing resources during mental health crisis, including the Veterans Crisis Line:
Call: 1-800-273-8255 – Press 1
Text: 838255
Online: veteranscrisisline.net

Rapid Fire
Russian Bounty story still unconfirmed, Chimp study influences squad sizes, Air Force Academy mascot gets a name, and Space Force deploys to the Middle East.

Links:

Episode 19: Tango Alpha Lima: Bergdahl stays in jail, Esper backs Cashe MOH and more death at Ft. Hood

The American Legion — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 19:30:00 -0400

Bowe Bergdahl's sentence is upheld, and CV poses questions about the influence of public debate and podcast episodes on the evolution of the case.

Ashley shares the news that Secretary Esper has backed the effort to posthumously bestow the Medal of Honor on Sgt. Alwyn Cashe.

Jeff unsheaths the knife hand as he expresses his continuing frustration over the mounting death toll at Ft. Hood, and all of Team Tango agrees on the need for Army leadership to clear the deck and start over.

Rapid Fire
Army OKs Push-ups as Punishment
Coast Guards close call with a shark and a unicorn
Army investigating soldier who posts Holocaust joke on TikTok.
59-year-old Army Basic Training graduate is Team Tango's new hero.

Links:

Episode 8: Tango Alpha Lima: The Legion Response, Base Namesakes and Military Gamers

The American Legion — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 12:00:00 -0400

Jeff starts the conversation about The American Legion statement addressing racial tensions.

CV talks about the potential renaming of military bases after Medal of Honor recipients and relates the story of Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Raul Perez “Roy” Benavidez and Silver Star recipient Army Sgt. Alwyn Cashe, who are potential namesakes.

Ashley talks about Green Berets playing video games.

Rapid Fire Topics
A bad week for Fort Hood - deplorable housing conditions and sex trafficking rings and a soldier gone missing, and the Army delays penalties for ACFT scores until 2022.

Links:

Episode 6: Tango Alpha Lima: NG Policing Protests, Minority MOH and Space Force

The American Legion — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:00:00 -0400

Ashley starts the ball rolling with a conversation about National Guard troops deploying to assist in policing protests across the country.

CV talks about the Harlem Hellfighters, a Legion resolution supporting a review of minority awards of Medal of Honor in WWI and other historical Legion positions on segregation and voting rights.

Jeff and the gang are over the moon about Netflix's highly anticipated new series, "Space Force."

Rapid Fire
DARPA lasers in on jet lag and diarrhea
Heroes at NAB Corpus Christi up for awards
Airmen supporting Space X

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