Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Suicide”

Episode 260: Supporting other veterans in crisis with Vic Martin

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

American Legion Family Day

THE INTERVIEW
Navy veteran Vic Martin struggled after suffering a brain injury, receiving mental health diagnoses and being medically retired. After hitting bottom and attempting suicide, Martin now dedicates his life to helping others find their purpose and the mental health care they need.

SCUTTLEBUTT
World Autism Awareness month: Neurodivergent Veterans

Florida American Legion Riders gearing up for massive Boots on the Ground Poker Run

Military nicknames - usually born of our less-than-heroic moments

Special Guest: Vic Martin.

Links:

Episode 259: Brain cancer survivor runs 500th marathon at Boston Marathon

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

Marine Corps veteran Hank Donigan has survived brain cancer and coped with severe PTSD. He has transformed personal adversity into extraordinary achievement. On Monday, April 21, Donigan will complete his 500th marathon at the 2025 Boston Marathon, a testament to his resilience and dedication.

SCUTTLEBUTT
How Comic Legend Mel Brooks Defused Land Mines During World War II

The worst military smells for Sony to add to its video games

Special Guest: Hank Donigan.

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
Be The One | The American Legion
Hank Donigan - Semper Fi & America's Fund Community Athlete Team
Home - Semper Fi & America's Fund
Boston Marathon | Boston Athletic Association
How Comic Legend Mel Brooks Defused Land Mines During World War II | Military.com
The Worst Military Smells for Sony to Add to its Video Games | Military.com — The Worst Military Smells for Sony to Add to its Video Games

Episode 257: Leadership lessons in the military

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

April is American Legion Children & Youth Month

THE INTERVIEW
Retired Marine Corps veteran Robert Yarnall talks about leadership, preventing veteran suicide and more. Throughout his career, he has mentored veterans, athletes and others through leadership lessons he was taught in the military. As vice president of Development and Impact for the Robert Irvine Foundation, he focuses on preventing veteran suicide and encouraging safe storage of weapons.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Army veteran returns WWII ‘good luck’ flag to Japanese soldier’s family

American Legion Baseball gearing up for Centennial celebration

Special Guest: Robert Yarnall.

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 229: Wellness advocate and rock star Tanya O'Callaghan

The American Legion — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Grab your cowboy hats - Stacy briefly steps out of the recording studio and Adam and Joe launch a three-week "Bro-down" of episodes.

IN THIS EPISODE
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and a perfect time to be part of The American Legion Be the One mission by taking part in the online Columbia Training Protocol.

THE INTERVIEW
Our guest is Tanya O’Callaghan - an Irish-born bass player who has toured, written and recorded with music legends. She’s also a passionate advocate of living a vegan lifestyle to support health and environmental concerns.

Inspired by her neighbor, Bob, a Vietnam veteran who has faced hardships and health concerns, Tanya is taking a year off from touring to make a documentary with Bob and others to show how health and wellness can positively influence the lives of veterans.

SCUTTLEBUTT
A little-known law has forced over 120,000 veterans to return the money they got to leave the military

Army lieutenant ‘living the American dream’ after being crowned Miss USA

Special Guest: Tanya O’Callaghan.

Links:

Episode 223: Tango Alpha Lima: “A Date With Suicide” author D. Paul Fleming

The American Legion — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

‘A monumental step’ for LGBTQ+ rights

THE INTERVIEW
Author D. Paul Fleming shares his book “A Date With Suicide,” and discusses how to help veterans struggling with PTSD and mental health.

THE SCUTTLEBUTT
VA announces $10M in new funding opportunities for state, territory and Tribal governments to help understand, prevent veteran suicide

A dental debacle: Why veterans struggle to navigate VA’s oral care

The Next Deadline for Backdated PACT Act Payments Is Coming Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know

Special Guest: D. Paul Fleming.

Links:

Watch video of this episode on YouTube
‘A monumental step’ for LGBTQ+ rights | The American Legion — ‘A monumental step’ for LGBTQ+ rights
Tango Alpha Lima Podcast Episode 219: Tango Alpha Lima: Retired Army Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith - Living under the confines of DADT
Pentagon’s request to dismiss lawsuit from LGBTQ+ veterans denied
Saving lives of veterans, their families, and communities with the Columbia Protocol | The American Legion
Home | D Paul Fleming
Amazon.com: The Hunt for Red October: A Novel: 9780870212857: Clancy, Estate of Thomas L.: Books
Be the One | The American Legion
VA announces $10M in new funding opportunities for state, territory and Tribal governments to help understand, prevent veteran suicide | The American Legion
A dental debacle: Why veterans struggle to navigate VA’s oral care — A dental debacle: Why veterans struggle to navigate VA’s oral care
The Next Deadline for Backdated PACT Act Payments Is Coming Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know | Military.com — The Next Deadline for Backdated PACT Act Payments Is Coming Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know

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:

Tango Alpha Lima: Leaping Lizards – Meet the new Tango Alpha Lima podcast hosts

The American Legion — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Since there’s an extra day on the calendar, we’re taking the opportunity to introduce the newest members of the Tango Alpha Lima family. Host Stacy Pearsall introduces her new co-hosts, Army veteran Adam Marr and Navy veteran Joe Worley.

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:

Episode 197: Tango Alpha Lima: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy

The American Legion — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

TROLL PATROL
Ashley and Stacy clarify a misunderstanding about service officers from Grunt4Life.
There are 16 billion reasons why The American Legion has the backs of all veterans. Even you, Grunt4Life.

ZERO CHAT THIRTY
We've scheduled an appointment with America's Top Doc – U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy.

Dr. Murthy talks about prioritizing mental wellness and identifying loneliness and isolation as predictors of depression and suicidal ideation. He stresses the importance of connection and camraderie. “What we really need more of in the world is to show up for one another, to check on one another and to remind each other that we're, in fact, not alone.”

THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Finding help for veterans facing homelessness
Coast Guardsman to Receive Distinguished Flying Cross for Daring Vessel Boarding and Rescue

Special Guest: Dr. Vivek H. Murthy .

Links:

Episode 192: Tango Alpha Lima: America’s Resilience Coach Kristen Christy

The American Legion — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

IN THE NEWS
National Membership & Post Activities Committee Chairman Matt Jabaut of Maine guest hosts the first of two episodes. He'll talk about membership, the 21st Century Committe and the origins of the podcast and other ways The American Legion is connecting with new generations of veterans and their communities.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Leaning on her own lived experiences, Air Force spouse and co-creator of 988 Crisis Line is dedicated to being an “emotional support human” for those facing tragedy.

Kristen discusses the importance of getting embedded in your community to provide a safety net that will support you in times of tragedy, as well as the knowing your resources and developing the skills to help those who may be in crisis.

RAPID FIRE
Jobs for spouses and childcare will be goals of new Army app

Army, Navy Unveil Incredible New Uniforms for 2023 Clash

What was the military doing at the Anime NYC convention?

Special Guest: Kristen Christy .

Links:

Tango Alpha Lima Be The One EP03: Neuroscientist and Trauma Response Expert Dr. Ruth Moore

The American Legion — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0400

U.S. Navy veteran, Dr. Ruth Moore is an Integrative Health Practitioner in Functional Medicine in Ellsworth, Maine. She is trauma-response expert who treats stress-based health conditions and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine. She is also a published author, neuroscientist and clinical aromatherapist who has testified before Congress and played a role in creating health policy that helps her fellow veterans get access to appropriate healthcare from VA.

Dr. Moore shares her own journey from experiencing MST, surviving suicide and homelessness to receiving her doctorate and the work she does now to help veterans in crisis.

Special Guest: Dr. Ruth Moore.

Links:

Episode 182: Tango Alpha Lima: “Black Warriors: The Buffalo Soldiers of World War II” with Ivan A. Houston

The American Legion — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Knowing the signs of a stroke can save your life

How a Hallmark Movie's Take on Air Force Romance Got Cooperation from the Thunderbirds

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Ivan Abbott Houston, who was a design engineer and test driver of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, MLRS and Humvee Military Vehicle, shares the story of his father, Ivan James Houston, a Buffalo Soldier who served with the 92nd Division in Italy during WWII, and wrote two books and a documentary film about his experiences during and after the war.

RAPID FIRE
Free career guidance for Veterans from America's top companies

U.S. Army Mariners Rescue A Man Clinging To Plastic Lid In The Middle Of The Ocean

VA recreation therapist leads Yak and Yarn group

Special Guest: Ivan A. Houston.

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 176: Tango Alpha Lima: MST Series - Changing culture with Andrea Goldstein and Dr. Athena Ives

The American Legion — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, two survivors discuss how they are transforming their personal experiences into a mission to create culture change and prevent and support individuals affected by Military Sexual Trauma.

U.S. Navy Reserve Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Goldstein, a member of American Legion Post 84 in Hudson, N.Y., formerly served as the principal adviser to the Secretary of the Navy on integrated prevention efforts. In that capacity she led the Navy’s sexual assault, sexual harassment, and suicide prevention and response efforts.

Dr. Athena Ives, a Marine Corps sexual assault prevention specialist and forensic criminologist, did her doctoral dissertation on how military culture affects MST.

These women share their inspiring journeys as well as the strategies, resources, and support systems they have developed to help survivors and prevent future incidents.

Special Guests: Andrea N. Goldstein and Athena Ives, PhD.

Links:

Episode 157: Tango Alpha Lima: 22Zero Founder Dan Jarvis

The American Legion — Tue, 02 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Kevin Kline, a member of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 176 in Springfield, Va., executive director of the USS Arizona “Operation 85” project, is seeking help on his mission to identify the "unknown" Navy and Marine servicemembers from the USS Arizona using DNA samples from families.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Suffering from sleeplessness as a side-effect of a traumatic brain injury, struggling with survivors guilt and grieving his mother's death, Dan Jarvis found himself contemplating suicide. His journey to healing led him to found 22Zero, a non-profit that helps heal trauma using a technique known as Tactical Resiliency Training.

Dan shares his personal journey and how his organization assists veterans, first responders and their families.

RAPID FIRE
2023 American Legion Memorial Day speech available online
Fort Gordon families say base housing still plagued with mold, sewage and other problems
Get One Year of LinkedIn Premium and LinkedIn Learning for Free

Special Guest: Dan Jarvis.

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 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 126: Tango Alpha Lima: Concussion Legacy Foundation w/ CEO Chris Nowinski and retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Daryl Adamson

The American Legion — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Share Sons of The American Legion Anniversary activities on Legiontown

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
This week we are joined by Concussion Legacy Foundation co-founder and CEO, Chris Nowinski, PhD. CLF is a non-profit organization that is leading the fight against concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, a degenerative brain disease found in athletes, military veterans, and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma.

We’ll also talk with retired U.S. Navy Commander Daryl Adamson about his experience as a suicide loss survivor and the legacy of his son, Cameron, a Marine, who died by suicide in 2021 at age 22. The Adamson family donated Cameron's brain for study of CTE, and are advocates for the Concussion Legacy Foundation Project Enlist.

RAPID FIRE
National Guard tapped to help in understaffed Florida prisons
Former Managers at Military Housing Contractor Sentenced in Fraud Scheme

Special Guests: Chris Nowinski PhD and Daryl Adamson.

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 100: Tango Alpha Lima: Mighty Oaks founder and author Chad Robichaux

The American Legion — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Jeff Daly makes a triumphant return to the show and shares his heartfelt thanks for the care and support he recieved from his Legion family.

Ashley shares a story of 4 airmen awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for evacuating more than 150 civilians from Kabul.

THE INTERVIEW
Our guest this week is Chad Robichaux, a former Force Recon Marine and DoD contractor with eight deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Command task force.

Chad very nearly became a veteran suicide statistic, but he overcame personal battles with PTSD and went on to start the Mighty Oaks Foundation, a nonprofit that serves active duty and veteran communities with faith-based combat trauma and resiliency programs.

RAPID FIRE
Chad Robichaux Update
Marine Corps body composition standards may be leading to eating disorders
Powdered hot sauce coming soon to MREs

Special Guest: Chad Robichaux.

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: