Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “National Guard”

Episode 276: Call of duty: A veteran-led peer support network with retired Maj. Gen. Mark Graham

The American Legion — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

2025 American Legion World Series begins

THE INTERVIEW
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Mark Graham, the executive director of Vets4Warriors, lost both of his sons, including one to suicide. In response, Graham has dedicated his life to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, aligned with the Rutgers UBHC National Call Center. Vets4Warriors hires and trains veterans to be peer support specialists who answer calls within 30 seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Graham discusses his time in the military, his work to reduce mental health stigma and the suicide rate, and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
American Legion Family rallies to help Texas communities in the aftermath of devastating floods in Kerr County

The amazing escape of a WWII pilot who crash-landed into a field hosting a Nazi soccer match.

OTDIH 1981: IBM enters the personal computer market with the introduction of the IBM 5150.

Special Guest: Mark A. Graham.

Links:

Episode 266: A guide for veterans to navigate VA benefits with Joshua Parish – Tango Alpha Lima

The American Legion — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

OTD - In 1965 astronaut Edward Higgins White II became the first American to walk in space

THE INTERVIEW
Providing guidance to veterans navigating their VA services and benefits has turned Army National Guard veteran Joshua Parish into an entrepreneur. He has created Battle Buddy, a mobile app built to streamline access to services, support mental health through its AI-powered Talk to Sam feature, and strengthen the overall transition experience for veterans and their families.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Trump signs executive order for more homeless veteran housing at West LA VA campus

"Mysterious poop chucker" might be targeting Colorado woman for not picking up dog's waste

Special Guest: Joshua Parish.

Links:

Episode 221: Tango Alpha Lima: Warrior Canine Connection with Rick Yount and Joe Ouellette

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

LEGIONTOWN
Guitars for Veterans – using the healing power of music to restore feelings of joy and purpose

THE INTERVIEW
Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection and veteran Joe Oullette and his dog Wells, join the podcast to talk about the organization’s mission to enlist recovering warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow veterans.

The guests also talk about WCC's legislative work surrounding the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act (PAWS Act), and the healing power of a connection with a dog.

SCUTTLEBUTT
A new documentary about a Marine veteran’s road trip with his brother that ended tragically in the Grand Canyon.

Army set to debut new rapid test that checks for traumatic brain injuries using a single drop of blood

Head of U.S. 2nd Fleet, demonstrated his pullup prowess during the Navy’s Fleet Week in New York City

Special Guests: Joe Ouellette and Rick Yount.

Links:

Episode 189: Tango Alpha Lima: Ms. International World Terace Garnier

The American Legion — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
American Legion National Commander: Task Force Movement: more than a job program

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Newly crowned Ms. International World, Air Force veteran Terace Garnier has found the resilience to overcome obstacles including childhood rape, Military Sexual Trauma and homelessness.

She found success as the first Pentagon correspondent for Newsy, an artist, a mentor and advocate for fellow veterans and now, an author with a new book “No Longer Silent” just released on Veterans Day.

RAPID FIRE
Soldiers Unpaid: National Guard Hasn't Paid Out Thousands of Enlistment Bonuses

Seen UFOs as a government worker? The Pentagon wants to hear from you

Watch Marines fire rocket from ‘creepy’ robot goat available on Amazon

Special Guest: Terace Garnier.

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 133: Tango Alpha Lima: 49-year-old NDSCS Wildcats Defensive Lineman and ND-ANG Sgt. Ray Ruschel

The American Legion — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
Caring for your chompers can benefit your overall health. Jeff and Ashley extoll the virtues of good dental hygiene and explore dental insurance options offered by VA

THIS WEEK’S GUEST
We visit with the inspiring Ray Ruschel, who served 20 years in the U.S. Army, is still serving in the North Dakota National Guard, and a is a 49-year-old freshman at North Dakota State College of Science where he is taking business classes and is a defensive lineman on the NDSCS Wildcats Division III football team. Tom Brady, eat your heart out.

RAPID FIRE
Amityville American Legion Pipe Band will take lead role in 2023 D-Day commemoration ceremonies in Normandy
New Army social media policy pushes stricter rules

Texting paying off for national vice commander

Special Guest: Ray Ruschel.

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 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 106: Tango Alpha Lima: Army Veteran and author Br. Logan M. Isaac, HoSM

The American Legion — Tue, 24 May 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
A greedy Michigan Guardsman filed a pay inquiry for a missing part-time drill paycheck, prompting an investigation that uncovered he had been quietly collecting full pay and allowances for more than two years after resigning from full-time Guard status with the Hawaii National Guard Active Reserve in 2017.

The NCO is awaiting trial for theft of more than $200,000 of public funds. Ashley and Jeff discuss the rationale of the criminal mind.

THE GUEST
Br. Logan M. Isaac, HoSM, is an Army veteran who is bringing Christian beliefs about military service into the 21st century. He’s breaking down the bias and bad theology that isn’t veteran-friendly. He has a new book that challenges that bad theology, titled “God is a Grunt.”

Logan talks about how his military experience led him to his complex relationship with Christianity, guilt and moral injury, and the inspiration for his book and and his advocacy to promote human dignity for soldiers and veterans.

RAPID FIRE
Navy brings new software online in time for sailors’ fitness testing season
California American Legion Post 731 makes all World War II, Korean and Vietnam War post members honorary life members

Special Guest: Br. Logan M. Isaac, HoSM .

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 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 80: Tango Alpha Lima: Our 100th Episode

The American Legion — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0500

You have to do some math to figure it out, but Episode 80 is really our 100th episode. The hosts spend a little time reminiscing about favorite moments before we dive into the rest of the episode. (Check the show notes if you want to go back to any of the full episodes we loved)

Ashley gets excited about a newly signed bill that will allocate $15 million to improve maternity care for female veterans - although CV is not impressed by the name "Momnibus Bill"

It wouldn't be a 100th Episode without a good Space Force Story, and CV obliges with a story of the newest branch formulating a plan to train Guardians ... if they could just figure out what they're training them to do.

RAPID FIRE
Jeff hits the Red Zone with a Rapid Fire matched set of tales about is beloved Eagle, Globe and Anchor: Good Corps, Bad Corps, Bye Corps

Special Guests: Autrey James, Hugh Crooks Jr., Jeff Stoffer, Jessica Lynch, Naveed Jamali, Robert Douglas, Sean Powers, and Vince Patton.

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
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Join The American Legion
SE1EP1: Take me to the pilot — Watch Jeff Daly from the cozy confines of his boudoir.
Tango Alpha Lima remembers 9/11 with USCG Master Chief Petty Officer Vince Patton — Ashley gets a shock during one of our most memorable 9/11 special episodes
Tango Alpha Lima Podcast Episode 65: Tango Alpha Lima: First steps for Afghan Interpreters, Pay the Guard, and GOMORs Galore — In which we pull one over on CV.
Tango Alpha Lima Podcast: Episode 9: Tango Alpha Lima: Race and Law Enforcement - Part I
Tango Alpha Lima Podcast: Episode 9: Tango Alpha Lima: Race and Law Enforcement - Part II
The American Legion (@theamericanlegion) • Instagram photos and videos — Catch our NYC parade interviews
Tango Alpha Lima Podcast Episode 50: Tango Alpha Lima: Devil Dogs Decline Vaccine, a Legion Founder and Navy 'Deviants' — Where we begin our officer roast.
Tango Alpha Lima Podcast Episode 39: Tango Alpha Lima: How to Catch a Russian Spy with guest Naveed Jamali — Russian spies and Hooters
Tango Alpha Lima Podcast Episode 91114: Tango Alpha Lima remembers 9/11 with former POW Jessica Lynch — Really, it's THE Jessica Lynch.
Tango Alpha Lima Podcast Episode 91106: Tango Alpha Lima remembers 9/11 with air traffic controller Robert Douglas — Our most watched/listened to episode
American Legion called upon to bolster Toys for Tots | The American Legion
New law pumps $15 million into improved maternity care for female veterans | Stars and Stripes
Space Force Has a Plan for Training Its Troops. Now It Must Figure Out What They Need to Learn - Government Executive
The American Legion Vehicle Donation Program
Smarter not harder: How the Marine Corps wants to improve performance
Marine Corps Commandant considers letting some Marines skip boot camp
Why the Marine Corps wants to tank National Guard recruiting efforts

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 68: Tango Alpha Lima: Chase Rauchle PTSD NOW! Foundation

The American Legion — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

In honor of National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month, Team Tango hosts Chase Rauchle PTSD NOW! Foundation founder Craig Rauchle and board member Steve Lenzi.

The pair discusses the origins of their organization, and it's mission to address and reduce suicide among military servicemembers and veterans who suffer from the effects of trauma, stress and depression from combat and reintegration into civilian life.

They share the ways organization conducts research, supports new and existing treatments and strives to bring those resources to the military servicemembers, and to help to save lives.

Special Guest: Chase Rauchle PTSD NOW! Foundation.

Links:

Episode 65: Tango Alpha Lima: First steps for Afghan Interpreters, Pay the Guard, and GOMORs Galore

The American Legion — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0400

CV gets a surprise, then shares a story of positive first steps for Afghan Interpreters as Fort Lee prepares temporary housing for evacuees.

Ashley talks about the National Guard facing shutdown as Congress debates payment of the $520 million tab to reimburse the force for protecting lawmakers during its months-long Capitol Hill mission.

Jeff learns about GOMORs (General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand) and debates Fort Knox official issuing them as punishments for unvaccinated troops caught unmasked.

Rapid Fire: Battle Taxis, Ft. Hood looks for lost NVGs, Immigrant turned U.S. Army soldier competes in Olympics, and drones fired fro grenade launchers.

Links:

Episode 56: Tango Alpha Lima: Afghan Interpreter Visas, NG quick-reaction force and DoD eases mask rules

The American Legion — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0400

CV and the team weigh in on the urgency for special visas for Afghan interpreters.
Ashley ponders how "quick" a proposed National Guard Quick Reaction Force to support Capitol Security might actually be.
Jeff shares news that DoD has relaxed mask policies for vaccinated individuals in accordance with CDC guidelines BUT notes that supervisors cannot ask about vaccination status.

RAPID FIRE
Rear Adm. Jack Meehoff fools Flag Officers 4 America
Special Forces bracing for Arctic missions
Soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord tested new Enhanced Night Vision Goggles
Homeless man in mouse-ear cap wanders into Joint Base Andrews, boards C-40 transport jet

Links:

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

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

Links:

Episode 5: Tango Alpha Lima: NG Injustice, Military TV and We're Not Dead Yet

The American Legion — Wed, 27 May 2020 12:00:00 -0400

Ashley talks about concerns with the hard stop on National Guard deployment during the pandemic - most notably the frustration that they are stopping one day short of allowing Guardsmen to qualify for GI Bill benefits.

Jeff and the gang share their favorite military TV shows.

CV unwraps an old chestnut: the 1971 Wall Street Journal article in which their reports of The American Legion's death were greatly exaggerated.

Rapid Fire discussion: Untapped beer-rating app check-ins are causing trouble in covert circles, the virtues of Naval Academy virtual graduation and the continuing saga of ex-Special Forces SNAFUs.

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
Share your COVID-19 haircuts and your thoughts on episode 5
American Legion Legislative Action Center — Stand with The American Legion and urge your House and Senate representatives to tell DoD to extend our Guardsmen's orders so they can earn the benefits they deserve.
Buy American Flags at American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales
Indivisible - The Story of Our Flag - American Legion Flag & Emblem
Join The American Legion | The American Legion
Donate to The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation
A Legion Riders tribute to West LA hospital and staff
Carry The Load