Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation is on a journey to dedicate a place of honor and remembrance for all service members and military families who served and sacrificed during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Former Army Green Beret and foundation CEO Michael Rodriguez shares his vision for the GWOT memorial in Washington, D.C.; how it is a “sacred duty” and more. This episode, hosted by Army veteran Jennifer Ballou, is the first in the initial six-part special series produced by The American Legion.

Alicia Freeman talks about how equine therapy helps veterans with mental health issues, her Stay in the Fight Veterans Foundation philanthropy organization and more as the special guest on this week’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast. Other topics in this episode include International Podcast Day, Wiley X’s protective eyewear for military members, the decline of civic engagement, music as a lifeline for deployed troops and more.Episode linksThe history of podcastsUSA250 ChallengeWileyXV.A.L.O.R. equine therapyVeterans volunteer longer, vote more often than civilian peers: reportWe The VeteransWTV: The 2025 Veterans Civic Health IndexDeployment playlists, then and now: from Walkmans to wireless despair

Number One New York Times bestselling author Robert Edsel is the author of “The Greatest Treasure Hunt in History: The Story of the Monuments Men.” The book served as the basis for Academy Award winner George Clooney’s 2014 film, which stars an ensemble cast including himself, Matt Damon, and Bill Murray. Edsel, whose father served as a Marine during World War II, is one of the world’s foremost advocates for art preservation and the recovery of cultural treasures missing since World War II. The Monuments Men and Women were the soldier-scholars who helped save many of the world’s great art and cultural treasures from the destruction of war and theft by the Nazis. Other topics in this episode include a wounded Navy veteran’s “Alive Day,” how Sesame Street characters are giving back to the military community and more.Learn more about Robert EdselBuy "Remember Us" on AmazonJoin the USA 250 ChallengeWatch Robert Edsel at the 2025 American Legion National ConventionPoem: The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not SpeakNetherlands American Cemetery in MargratenThe Forever Promise ProjectArmy Monuments Officer TrainingAmerican Legion Oratorical ContestSesame Street helps military kids build healthy habits Sesame Street: Fun Recipes with Cookie Monster! 

Finding your Revolutionary War RootsTHE INTERVIEWRenowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his new documentary film on the American Revolution, his Vietnam War documentary series, his path to a career in movies and more. He has created a legendary catalog of documentary movies including “The Vietnam War,” “The Civil War,” “Baseball,” “The War,” “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea;” and more. His films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including 17 Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards and two Oscar nominations. Other topics include the impact of funding cuts on PBS and NPR, what Reddit is saying about watching documentaries by Burns and more.SCUTTLEBUTTKen Burns support for PBS, CPB and the National Endowment for the HumanitiesReddit Rabbit Hole: Bingeing Burns documentariesSpecial Guest: Ken Burns.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeJoin The American Legion Finding Your Roots | PBSDaughters of the American RevolutionAmerican Legion Family USA250 | The American LegionKen Burns UNUMKen Burns | National Endowment for the HumanitiesThe American Revolution - Ken BurnsOratorical Contest | The American LegionKen Burns is ready to fight for public broadcasting : NPRSullivan Ballou - WikipediaOnce or twice a year I get drunk and watch Ken Burns’ Civil War. Anyone else? : r/redscarepodKen Burns on new documentary: ‘We hope to put the ‘us’ back into the United States’ : r/history

The American Legion is proud to introduce “Welcome Home,” a new podcast series from the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. GWOT Memorial Foundation CEO and former Army Green Beret Michael “Rod” Rodriguez chats with Chief of Staff and Army veteran Jennifer Ballou, who will host the upcoming series. The memorial will honor and remember military members who served since 9/11. Rodriguez and Ballou talk about their personal connections to the Global War on Terrorism, the memorial foundation and more in advance of the first episode of Season 1 of "Welcome Home," which will be released on Oct. 2.Special Guest: Michael "Rod" Rodriguez.Links:Follow the Welcome Home Podcast on SpotifyGlobal War On Terrorism Memorial Foundation - Advocating for a memorial on the mall for GWOT service members.

Military spouses often face challenges when seeking jobs. They raise their military families while one parent is frequently deployed for months or years at a time. Military members regularly PCS to a different duty station, making it difficult for a spouse to remain employed. Entrepreneurship is a good way for a military spouse to earn some extra money. Monica Fullerton created Spouse-ly, an online business that spotlights and supports businesses owned by military spouses, transitioning service members and veterans. Meet this successful entrepreneur and learn more about her business, path to a rewarding career and more in the fourth and final episode of Veteran Entrepreneurs, a special four-part podcast series from The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast.Special Guest: Monica Bassett.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSpouse-ly, Shop Military & First Responder-Owned Small BusinessesMonica Fullerton | E-Commerce Expert and Business MentorPodcast - Spouse-lyBoots to Business | U.S. Small Business AdministrationSpouse-ly University

Veterans and transitioning servicemembers often face challenges when seeking civilian careers. Brian Marchegiani, co-founder of Mack Brothers Elevator, found his calling in the skilled labor field. But he does more than elevator repair. He gives back to the veteran community, providing jobs for former military members and military families. In fact, for this business owner, mentorship isn’t optional, it’s a force multiplier. Learn more about this entrepreneur success story, how to apply his expertise to landing a job in the skilled trades and more in the third episode of Veteran Entrepreneurs, a special four-part series from The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast.Special Guest: Brian Marchegiani.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeHome - Mack Brothers ElevatorHelmets to HardhatsInternational Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) - NABTU

Veterans and transitioning servicemembers often face challenges when seeking civilian careers. Former Army officer Kirby Atwell faced burnout in his first attempt at entrepreneurship post service. He stayed true to his calling, seeking a mission that would bring him freedom after his military service. Learn how he knew when to move on and how to make a pivot to unlock a more rewarding business that supports veterans in need in the real estate field. Tune in to the second episode of Veteran Entrepreneurs, a special four-part podcast series from The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast.Special Guest: Kirby Atwell.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeLiving Off RentalsDune Dwellings: Premium Vacation Rentals Near Lake MichiganSell My House Fast IN – We buy houses in Michigan City – Green Vet HomesRich Dad Poor Dad: The #1 Best-Selling Personal Finance Book EverHome - D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military FamiliesBunker Labs – Perkins&Will

Veterans and transitioning servicemembers often face challenges when seeking civilian careers. Air Force veteran Charlynda Scales found her business niche while honoring the legacy of her grandfather, a Korean War veteran. With no formal training in the food industry, she relied on her military experience to adapt, execute, and lead, bringing her vision to life. Her business, Mutt’s Sauce, is rooted in service, resilience and a sense of purpose. Learn more about how she developed her mission, her path to success and more in the first episode of Veteran Entrepreneurs, a special four-part podcast series from The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast.Special Guest: Charlynda Scales.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeMutt's Sauce LLC® Free Small Business Mentorship and Resources | SCOREUnion Kitchen – Food Business Accelerator & Shared Kitchen in DC6888 Kitchen Incubator | Dayton OhioRock Bottom Has a Trampoline: How to Turn Every Loss into a Win with the Like-Hearted Mentor (TM): Scales, Charlynda: 9781956906691: Amazon.com: BooksAmazon.com : Powershift

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.

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.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeInsurance, Banking, Retirement & Investment Services | USAA | USAALife Insurance, Finance, Medicare from Mutual of OmahaMutual of Omaha's Wild KingdomVisit Amazing Animals Inc. in St. Cloud, FloridaMilTRAC – Military Transition Resources and Calendar

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.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSeparating Fact from Fiction: Exploring Alternative Therapies for Veterans’ Men...USA 250 Challenge | The American LegionHome - Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division - Research Guides at Library of the Marine CorpsJoe Winslow ArtistUSMC Combat Artist Program - National Museum of the Marine CorpsFallujah BronzesWhere ‘hooah,’ ‘oorah,’ and ‘hooyah’ came from and why they still echoShips named Enterprise: For more than 240 years, They've boldly served America's Navy | Top Stories | militarynews.comWhat’s In a Name? American Vessels Called Enterprise – The Unwritten RecordIf you hypothetically had a large(8ft+) shark on a fishing line would your command let you bring it on deck? : r/navy

"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:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeAmazon.com: Wayspring Wanderer (The Desert Druid Book 1) eBook : Worley, Joedan : BooksScars - YouTubeUSA 250 Challenge | The American LegionScars by Scotty HastingScotty Hasting | OpryFacebookConcert on the Corner | AlwsOratorical Contest | The American LegionWhat’s The WORST MRE you’ve ever ate? : r/USMCTabasco bottles make a glorious return to the MREWalter Stauffer McIlhenny - WikipediaFuture destroyer to be named after Marine Medal of Honor recipientList of U.S. military vessels named after living Americans - WikipediaWhat really matters | Legiontown U.S.A.The American Legion Legacy Run | The American Legion

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:Watch video of this episode on YouTube2025 American Legion World SeriesBaseball Centennial Bookazine - American Legion Flag & EmblemBASEBALL | Legiontown U.S.A.Share | Legiontown U.S.A.USA 250 Challenge | The American LegionWays to Collaborate - Vets4WarriorsPartnership Opportunities - Vets4WarriorsBecome an Ambassador - Vets4WarriorsHome - Vets4WarriorsPost provides hope, support amidst tragedy of Texas flooding | The American LegionTexas counties eligible for NEF grants | The American LegionNational Commander LaCoursiere gets firsthand look at Texas flooding impact | The American LegionThis WWII pilot crash-landed into a field hosting a Nazi soccer matchHow the IBM PC Won, Then Lost, the Personal Computer Market - IEEE Spectrum(17) IBM PS/2 Commerical | Cast of MASH - YouTube

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 AfghanistanSpecial Guest: Col. Bree Fram.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeUSA 250 Challenge | The American LegionLegionnaire shares 250 activities to support USA 250 Challenge | The American LegionFORGED IN FIRE - HomeAmazon.com: With Valor And Visibility: The Next Chapter of Transgender Military Service eBook : Fram, Bree, Sheridan, Máel: Kindle StoreBree FramOratorical Contest | The American LegionArmy Disbanding Most Ceremonial Horse Units | Military.comHow WWII brought about the normalization of tattoosNew Medal of Honor comic tells the story of heroism in Afghanistan"Rise of Our Flag" Graphic Novel - American Legion Flag & Emblem

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.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeAfter Action | For God and Country | Season 2 | Episode 2 | PBSUSA 250 Challenge | The American LegionBe The One | The American LegionHomepage / ZeroMilsHiring Our Heroes: Bridging the Job Gap for VeteransU.S. Chamber of Commerce | U.S. Chamber of CommerceJoin The American Legion Coast Guard 'American hero' Scott Ruskan helps save Texas flood victimsNot-So-Hot Pursuit of Burglary Suspect Sees Police Cars Chase Tractor Excavator at Walking Pace

Native Americans in the Revolutionary War.THE INTERVIEWFormer 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 SCUTTLEBUTTAir Force installing Lumena MindGyms to facilitate relaxation for stressed-out troopsTask & Purpose asked for the dumbest moments in uniform - and the responses did not disappointArmy Aviators who helped kick off the air campaign of Operation Desert Storm in January 1991 awarded Distinguished Flying CrossesSpecial Guest: Natalie Schibell.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeAmerican Legion Family USA250 | The American LegionBattle of Minisink | American Revolutionary WarBe The One | The American LegionAbout Natalieschibell.com - Empowering Military and VeteransPhilosophy Natalieschibell.com - Empowering Military and VeteransJoin | The American LegionAir Force spends millions on relaxation cubes that may prove worth itHome - LumenaAlcohol and swords don't mix — 9 amazingly dumb stories of military lifeDesert Storm Apache crews awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses

Remembering Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne and the Battle of Stony PointTHE INTERVIEWFormer Cro-Mags and Bad Brains singer John Joseph emerged from an abusive childhood in a foster home to serve in the Navy and then forge his punk rock career. Joseph rose through the ranks, along with others in the early 1980s scene including Henry Rollins, the Beastie Boys and others to become a successful singer. Now he inspires others as a vegan triathlete. SCUTTLEBUTTReddit Rabbit Hole: Best posters seen during a triathalonArmy bringing in big tech executives as lieutenant colonelsAmerican airmen in Japan test AI tool to streamline flight schedulingSpecial Guest: John Joseph.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeStony Point Battle Facts and Summary | American Battlefield TrustAnthony Wayne | American Battlefield TrustBe The One | The American LegionJohn Joseph DisciplineMeat Is for Pussies: A How-To Guide for Dudes Who Want to Get Fit, Kick Ass, and Take Names by John Joseph | GoodreadsWhat’s the best poster you’ve seen on race day? : r/triathlonTangoAlphaLima on RedditArmy recruits Big Tech executives as senior officers — Army bringing in big tech executives as lieutenant colonelsAmerican airmen in Japan test AI tool to streamline flight scheduling | Stars and Stripes

OTDIH: The first public reading of the Declaration of IndependenceTHE INTERVIEWRetired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bart Womack discusses creating an equine therapy facility for veterans with PTSD; mentoring ROTC cadets; his book, “Embedded Enemy,” which is about an insider terrorist attack; and moreSCUTTLEBUTTMapping US troops and military bases in the Middle EastNavy destroyer, air defense systems help intercept Iranian missilesSpecial Guest: Bart Womack.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeAmerican Legion Family USA250 | The American LegionJohn NixonEquine therapy – RideAFECVeterans Media Corporation – Uniting Veterans GloballyHome | VET TvWelcome to The Veterans Channel - The Veterans ChannelBart Womack – Embedded Enemy – The true story of the unprecedented, deadly attack against the men and women of Headquarters and Headquarters Company First Brigade, 101st Airborne DivisionEmbedded Enemy: The Insider Threat: Womack, Bart E.: 9781948903394: Amazon.com: BooksBe The One | The American LegionMapping US troops and military bases in the Middle East | Military News | Al Jazeera — Mapping US troops and military bases in the Middle EastNavy destroyer, air defense systems help intercept Iranian missiles

National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day THE INTERVIEW Nutrition can be complicated. Army veteran and health and wellness expert Jennifer Campbell helps bring clarity and provides answers on how adults can fix the most disruptive things affecting their health. Among the topics she tackles are the best exercise for your health and longevity, lessons from the Blue Zones and understanding the role of the microbiome and gut health. SCUTTLEBUTT Reddit Rabbit Hole: Unfortunate Fourth of July fireworks fizzles Legacies of historic units face uncertain future as Army plans to close more than 20 base museums in major reductionSpecial Guest: Jennifer Campbell.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeAging and Longevity: How to Live Longer While Aging Gracefully: An Essential Guide to Functional Health and Wellness eBook : Campbell, Jennifer: Kindle StoreTango Alpha Lima on RedditUS Army plans to close more than 20 of its museumsBe The One | The American LegionJoin The American Legion American Legion Family USA250 | The American Legion