Tango Alpha Lima Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Taliban”

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:

Tango Alpha Lima Trailblazing Women Veterans: Col. Allison Black, the "Angel of Death,"

The American Legion — Wed, 20 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 episode, we honor U.S. Air Force Col. Allison Black for her historic role as the first female AC-130H Spectre navigator to open fire on enemy targets in combat. Dubbed the "Angel of Death," Black's story exemplifies the courage and resilience of women in the military – especially those in combat roles.

We also recognize the contributions of other women who emerged as trailblazers during the Cold War era, when policies began to change and women increasingly held administrative, technical and medical positions within the military.

KOREAN WAR
Anna May Hays
Eileen Collins
Capt. Della H. Raney
Col. Ruth A. Lucas

VIETNAM WAR
Mary Therese Klinker
Adm. Michelle J. Howard
Diane Carlson Evans
Maj. Gen. Marcelite J. Harris

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Episode 185: Tango Alpha Lima: Advocating for Afghan Allies with Mahnaz Akbari and Rebekah Edmondson

The American Legion — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
Will all NFL teams retire Pat Tillman's number?

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
This week we visit with two female veterans who work with the PenFed foundation keep faith with the Afghans who served alongside U.S. forces by assisting with their rescue and successful resettlement into American communities.

Mahnaz Akbari served 10 years the in Afghan special forces as the Commander of a Female Tactical Platoon – a small unit of Afghan women who worked with U.S. special operations forces (SOF) in Afghanistan to search, questioning, and medical assistance of women and children - in a way that was respectful of Islam and Afghan culture.

Rebekah Edmondson served 10 years in U.S. Army and deployed to Afghanistan several times to support a program called the Cultural Support Team, where she trained FTPs.

Both women talk about how they got started in their military careers, the missions they were part of an Afghanistan, and the work they are doing in support of Afghan allies today.

RAPID FIRE
Air Force to review discharges of troops with mental health conditions

Drunken Special Operators Struggle to Finish a Mission in New Action Comedy 'Obliterated'

American Legion Post 109 Donates $4,500 to Feed Vail’s Schoolchildren

Special Guests: Mahnaz Akbari and Rebekah Edmondson.

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Episode 98: Tango Alpha Lima: "Jungle Combat" with retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. John "Ace" Astle

The American Legion — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0400

IN THE NEWS
CV makes a guest appearance, and he and Ashley get excited for 100 Miles for Hope and the Boston Tough Ruck.

THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Jeff and Ashley spend time with retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. John "Ace" Astle, talking about his new book, "Jungle Combat: A Combat Pilot’s Tape Recorded Transcripts from Vietnam 1968-1969," as well as a lifetime of expereiences that included his service in the military - including a tour in Vietnam and a tour as a Marine One Presidential helicopter pilot, law enforcement, and the Maryland General Assembly. 

RAPID FIRE
Russia's alleged use of hypersonic missile in combat
Ukrainian girl who sang 'Let it Go' in a bomb shelter sings Ukranian national anthem at a charity concert in Poland
Taliban cancels higher education for girls - to the surprise of nobody.

Special Guest: John Astle.

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

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

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

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

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

Special Guest: Michael "Rod" Rodriguez.

Links:

Episode 63: Tango Alpha Lima: Deported Marine, Bagram bug-out and just where did we end in Afghanistan

The American Legion — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Ashley shares the story of a deported Marine who was able to return to the U.S. to become an American citizen.
CV wonders why U.S, Military ended nearly two decades at Bagram Airfield by slipping away in the night without telling the base's new commander.
An Associated Press story where U.S. veterans who served in Afghanistan ponder what exactly the U.S. has gained in the past 20 years inspires Jeff to make the same query of Team Tango.

RAPID FIRE
Air Force video explains the penis, how baby Space Marines are made, new Air Force PT, no Space Force PT and a shout-out to military athletes heading to Tokyo for the Olympic games.

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Episode 50: Tango Alpha Lima: Devil Dogs Decline Vaccine, a Legion Founder and Navy 'Deviants'

The American Legion — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Ashley shares some stats that show 40% of U.S. Marines have declined the COVID-19 vaccine.

Jeff drops some history knowledge with a story the life of Legion founder Maj. G. Edward “Ned” Buxton Jr. of Rhode Island.

Hilarity ensues when CV shares a story of a Navy officer who penned a strongly worded message to complain about his noisy enlisted neighbors, who he called 'perverts' and 'deviants.'

Rapid Fire
Withdrawal from Afghanistan, VA staffer stalks female vet, and Space Force Command lands in LA

Links:

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Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
100 Miles For Hope | The American Legion
OUR WWII STORY: Legion founder helped lead the OSS | The American Legion — Maj. G. Edward “Ned” Buxton Jr. of Rhode Island
Join The American Legion | The American Legion
Sparta American Legion Post 100 - Military, Food, Veteran