Episodes

  • PART 2: MandatoryFunDay, GWOT memorial and community service

    PART 2: MandatoryFunDay, GWOT memorial and community service
    Sep 2 2025
    Austin von Letkemann, better known by his MandatoryFunDay Instagram handle, leads off this episode by talking about his new podcast, the Army-Navy Game and more. Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation CEO Rod Rodriguez shares an update on plans for the memorial and a new podcast that launches with a pilot episode September 11. Representatives of The American Legion’s community service project, Heroes United to Heal and Protecting Vets Foundation also chatted with the hosts of Tango Alpha Lima about the role of service, overcoming PTSD and military sexual trauma. All this and more in Part 2 of our episode recorded during the Legion’s National Convention in Tampa, Fla. Special Guests: Alyse Duffy, Austin Von Letkemann, Bridget Lake, Donna A. Michaels, Jennifer Ballou, and Michael "Rod" Rodriguez.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • PART 1: United in support of veterans

    PART 1: United in support of veterans
    Sep 2 2025
    Representatives of USAA, Mutual of Omaha, Sony and MilTrac share how they are supporting veterans through The American Legion. Veterans and servicemembers in transition can receive financial guidance, mental health support, hearing aids and more resources from these partners. They all stopped by the Tango Alpha Lima podcast booth during The American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Fla., for this special episode. Special Guests: Kylie Reynolds, L.J. Pocsi, Matt Scherer, Melissa Bennett, and Thaddeus "Chris" Figueroa.
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    53 mins
  • Episode 278: Communicating the stories of war through art

    Episode 278: Communicating the stories of war through art
    Aug 26 2025
    With a rifle in one hand, and a sketch pad in the other, retired Marine veteran Joe Winslow’s combat service in the Battle of Fallujah inspired a return to his love of art. He drew sketches and collected artifacts before returning home to begin working on art reflecting the dedication of Marines, sailors, soldiers and others in action. Winslow discusses his time in the military, drawing inspiration from combat zones, transition issues for servicemembers and more. Other topics include alternative therapies for mental health, the origins of battle cries and the upcoming anniversary of Star Trek. Special Guest: Joe Winslow.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Episode 277: From the battlefield to the Grand Ole Opry with Scotty Hasting

    Episode 277: From the battlefield to the Grand Ole Opry with Scotty Hasting
    Aug 19 2025
    "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.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 276: Call of duty: A veteran-led peer support network with retired Maj. Gen. Mark Graham

    Episode 276: Call of duty: A veteran-led peer support network with retired Maj. Gen. Mark Graham
    Aug 12 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Episode 275: A transgender service member speaks out about being forced out

    Episode 275: A transgender service member speaks out about being forced out
    Aug 5 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Episode 274: How to overcome the broken veteran narrative with Kevin Schmiegel - Tango Alpha Lima

    Episode 274: How to overcome the broken veteran narrative with Kevin Schmiegel - Tango Alpha Lima
    Jul 29 2025
    250 years of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps THE INTERVIEW Retired Marine Lt. Col. Kevin Schmiegel is helping fellow veterans to thrive instead of falling to the broken veteran narrative. Schmiegel, who previously founded Hiring Our Heroes, is now leading ZeroMils. Schmiegel shares how ZeroMills is breaking the broken veteran narrative by creating a military thriving movement. SCUTTLEBUTT Coast Guardsman on his first mission helped save 165 Texas flash flood victims Not-so-hot pursuit! Charleston, S.C. police chase a burglary suspect going 3 mph on a tractor excavator Special Guest: Kevin Schmiegel.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Episode 273: How to leverage military service into a rewarding civilian career with Natalie Schibell – Tango Alpha Lima

    Episode 273: How to leverage military service into a rewarding civilian career with Natalie Schibell – Tango Alpha Lima
    Jul 22 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 22 mins