Listen Now

In honor of Black History Month, Team Tango has collected a group of stories about Black members of the military. Ashley shares the story of Retired Adm. Cecil Haney, who was one of the first Black four-star admirals in Navy history, serving as the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the U.S. Strategic Command, where he oversaw nuclear weapons before retiring in 2017. Jeff shares a historical story of German POWs at a camp in Texas who were shocked by the shoddy treatment of the Black Americans who were their guards and who they worked alongside at local farms. CV shares the Medal of Honor story of Army Sgt. William H. Carney, who posthumously recieved the honor in 1900 for his actions during the charge of Fort Wagner in Charleston, S.C. during the Civil War. Rapid Fire Team Tango is inspired by three stories of Black History being made today by Black servicemembers 2017 U.S. Naval Academy graduate Lt. JG Madeline Swegle who recently became the Navy's first Black female strike pilot Former U.S. Central Command leader Lloyd Austin, who was confirmed as the nation's first Black Defense Secretary 81-year-old retired Army Col. Paris Davis, who may finally recieve a long-delayed Medal of Honor for his actions to save wounded teammates during a gunfight in Vietnam in 1965. Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Suggest a GuestHe became one of the Navy’s first Black four-star admirals. The military has work to do on diversity, he says.National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - HomeEven Nazi prisoners of war in Texas were shocked at how black people were treated in the South | by Heather Gilligan | TimelineJohn R. Fox | World War II | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor RecipientWilliam H. Carney | U.S. Civil War | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor RecipientIndivisible - The Story of Our Flag - American Legion Flag & EmblemLift Every Voice and Sing | An African American History Month Tribute - YouTubeUS Navy's first Black female tactical jet pilot gets her 'wings of gold' - CNNAustin confirmed as new defense secretary in historic voteRetired Col. Paris Davis may finally receive the Medal of HonorAmerican Legion Post 67TAL Episode 9: Race and Law Enforcement - Part ITAL Episode 9: Race and Law Enforcement - Part II

Marine and Navy veteran and psychologist David Fisher joins the Team Tango to discuss Moral Injury. Fisher, who founded and runs the Moral Injury Institute, defines moral injury as “witnessing whether in person, through reporting, or some other means something that causes a crisis of conscience due to a violation of one’s deeply held moral, religious, or ethical beliefs such that one psychically suffers in a materially adverse way.”Special Guest: David Fisher, PhD.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!The Road Back: A Novel (All Quiet on the Western Front) (9780449912461): Remarque, Erich Maria, Wheen, Arthur Wesley: BooksReading Bibliography & Resources – The Moral Injury InstituteThe Rag and Bone Shop of the Heart: A Poetry Anthology: Bly, Robert, Hillman, James, Meade, Michael: 9780060924201: Amazon.com: BooksWar and Moral Injury: A Reader: Meagher, Robert Emmet, Pryer, Douglas A., Nash, William P., Acampora, Christa Davis: 9781498296786: Amazon.com: BooksMoral Injury and the Promise of Virtue (9783030329365): Wiinikka-Lydon, Joseph: Books

Ashley questions the wisdom of a group of soldiers on a field exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, who thought they'd sneak a round of drinks, but instead ended up hospitalized after ingesting antifreeze. Jeff gets passionate about writing resolutions. CV shares the saga of the U.S. Navy band's cover of a Taylor Swift song remade a sea shanty, the Twitter backlash, and the band member's redemption when they followed up with a mean Tweets video in response. Rapid Fire: Cheaters at the Air Force Academy, Space Force rank structures, COVID vaccines at GITMO, and troops opting out of vaccineLinks:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Join The American Legion American Legion ResolutionsLearn how to write a resolutionWe Are Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together | A Sea Shanty Parody - YouTubeU.S. Navy Band Mean Tweets - YouTubeThe American Legion Veterans & Children FoundationWilliam Shatner wants to know: What the heck is wrong with you, Space Force?Maine Legionnaires continue effort to assist homeless veterans | The American Legion(20+) American Legion Post #36 | FacebookBOOTHBAY V.E.T.S. - HomeSea Shanty Challenge — Post your Legion sea shanties to Instagram, tag @theamericanlegion and use #TALseashanty

Former FBI double agent and Navy Intelligence Officer Naveed Jamali joins Team Tango to share stories of his time spent as a Russian double-agent, his transition into the military, mentorship and Hooters.Special Guest: Naveed Jamali.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Naveed JamaliHow to Catch a Russian Spy: The True Story of an American Civilian Turned Double Agent: Jamali, Naveed, Henican, Ellis: 9781476788821: Amazon.com: Books

Jeff celebrates the end to the long-decried law known as the Widow's Tax and Ashley gives props to American Legion Department Service Officers who secured nearly $3.7 billion in benefits for the nation’s veterans during fiscal year 2020. CV opens discussion on the furor over National Guard troops sleeping on the floor of the U.S. Capitol. Rapid Fire: Soldier plots to blow up NYC 9/11 memorial, Navy SEAL pleads guilty in hazing death of Green Beret, Alaska Joint Army-Air Force base installs curfew on base liquor sales and a "National Garden for American Heroes.”Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!American Legion Department Service OfficersAmerican Legion DSOs help secure nearly $3.7B in benefits for veterans | The American LegionThe American Legion Veterans & Children FoundationJoin The American Legion These Military Figures May Be Honored in Trump's Proposed 'Garden of American Heroes'The oldest living Marine, a North Carolina woman, has died at age 107Frank Marston American Legion Post 33 | Facebook

American Legion Legislative Director Lawrence Montreuil joins Team Tango to discuss American Legion legislative priorities for 2021, as well as how veteran-related legislation will be impacted by a new Congress and new administration. Special Guest: Lawrence Montreiul.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation The American Legion Legislative CenterThe American Legion Legislative Action CenterJoin The American LegionDeborah Sampson Act American Legion Resolutions

Jeff recounts the 9-week ordeal of a suicidal sailor who was punished by the Navy after seeking mental health treatment. Ashley highlights an American Legion Boys Nation Alumni who has earned a spot on NASA's Artemis lunar mission team. CV poses the question: Is the military paying troops too much? Rapid Fire: Army grooming regulation changes, DoD tackling obesity and fewer veterans in Congress.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!US Navy punishes suicidal sailor who sought mental health treatment | Seattle WeeklyMilitary Crisis Line: Suicide Prevention Hotline, Chat & Text – Veterans Crisis LineDepartment Service OfficersBoys Nation alum named to lunar mission team | The American LegionArtemis Program | NASANASA The Artemis TeamJoin The American Legion | The American LegionMarine awarded for saving elderly woman after deadly viper attackSioux Falls American Legion Post 15 Chorus

President and CEO of Student Veterans of America Jared Lyon joins Team Tango and paints a portrait of the contemporary student veteran, the challenges they face, the changes they are experiencing due to the Coronavirus pandemic, how they use GI Bill, and ways in which organizations like The American Legion and Student Veterans of America can support them. Special Guest: Jared Lyon.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Million Records Project - Student Veterans of AmericaVeterans Education Center | The American LegionGI Bill | The American LegionHomepage - Student Veterans of AmericaGuideOn Education ConsultingResearch + Analytics - Institute for Veterans and Military FamiliesResearch - Student Veterans of AmericaStudent Veterans of America JobsDepartment Service OfficersNatCon Returns: February 19-20 - Student Veterans of America

In our final episode for 2020, Team Tango is joined by Neal Schrodetzki and Ethan Morse, the duo behind Time to Kill Productions. The pair talks about how they met while serving together in the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Regiment – what it was like serving in the Old Guard, how they started their production company, and the two documentary projects they've produced together. Special Guests: Ethan Morse and Neal Schrodetzki .Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!American Legion Emblem Sales - BookazinesArlington's horsemen not left in the cold | The American LegionChallenge Coins for the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon | The American LegionWatch The Unknowns | Prime VideoTime To Kill ProductionsJoin The American Legion

Team Tango is joined by Backpacks For Life founders Brett Dalessandro and Alexa Modero. An encounter with a homeless veteran in 2014 inspired Army veteran and Weehawken American Legion Post 18 member Brett Dalessandro and his wife, Alexa Modero, to start Backpacks for Life. Their oganization designed and distributes The Bowery Pack, a backpack engineered specifically to meet the needs of homeless Veterans. That initial mission has led them to additional homeless outreach initiatives. Special Guest: Backpacks For Life.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Backpacks For Life — designing The Bowery Pack, a backpack engineered specifically to meet the needs of our homeless Veterans.RogerFind a Service Officer | The American Legion

CV celebrates a Coastie who buys dinner for a stranger in a random act of kindness and ends up fostering international relations with Greenland. Ashley shares Military Times' brilliant review of Ralph Lauren's newest outerwear offerings - many of which look suspiciously familiar to standard military issue items. Jeff gets revved up over The American Legion's new initiative with Chip Ganassi Racing. Rapid Fire Marines and LSD, Oversight panel questions Pentagon's $700M loan to a company worth $70M, Brian Tally's Bill and COVID vaccinesLinks:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Ralph Lauren can’t stop ripping off military clothing — The conglomeration of salmon pant and polo shirt enthusiasts simply cannot resist the mere sight of camouflage, which oftentimes sends the creative minds behind the company’s fashion lines into a hungry-hungry-hipster feeding frenzy the likes of which only Bon Iver and one to three dandelion lemon grass IPAs can sooth.Legion, Chip Ganassi enter multi-year IndyCar allianceThe American Legion Give $48 Challenge — Giving Tuesday is over, but you can still help The American Legion support Veterans and ChildrenTime running out on one veteran’s push for VA reforms

Team Tango welcomes Joanne Steen, Gold Star widow and founder of Grief Solutions, a company that provides practical training and resources on grief to professional assistance providers who work with the bereaved.Special Guest: Joanne Steen.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Play Tango BingoGrief Solutions | Practical Training on Grief, Loss & ResilienceWe Regret to Inform You: A Survival Guide for Gold Star Parents and Those Who Support Them eBook: Steen, Joanne: Kindle Store

Ashley shares the news that 2020 Wreaths Across America is back on the calendar. CV talks about troop reductions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jeff gets fired up over Texas thieves who targeted trucks with disabled veteran license at a Marine Corps ball in Houston. Rapid Fire Nerf grenades, a chaplain in cuffs, outsourcing Comp and Pen exams and Space MarinesLinks:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeShare your feedbackWreaths Across AmericaThe American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation American Legion Flag & Emblem — Collect all of the American Legion BookazinesThe War Zone | The DriveFind an American Legion Service Officer

Navy veteran Kermit Jones joins Team Tango to talk about beating the coronavirus and an inspiring Medal of Honor recipient from his hometown.Special Guest: Dr. Kermit Jones.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Play Tango BingoMedal of Honor Story: James C. McCloughan | The American LegionPhoto Gallery: Medal of Honor recipient dedicates Michigan memorial | The American Legion

Jeff gets started with a lesson on how the Armistice that ended WWI evolved to what we now recognize as Veterans Day. CV shares how events following the Armistice led to the founding of The American Legion. Ashley talks about what Veterans Day looks like in 2020 and what American Legion posts around the country are doing to mark the day.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Play Tango BingoRecording reveals moment the guns fell silent at the end of WW1 | Daily Mail OnlineJoin The American Legion Timeline | The American Legion Centennial To Strengthen A Nation: The American Legion Story — American Legion documentary seriesNational Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford delivers Veterans Day MessageAmerican Legion Eric V. Dickson Post 1980Veterans Day deals and discounts | The American LegionBuddy Check | The American Legion

Team Tango chats with 2016 American Legion 4th Estate Award recipient and Military.com Managing Editor, Hope Seck about journalism and reporting on the military community.Special Guest: Hope Seck.Links:Send us your feedback!Watch video of this episode on YouTubeHope Hodge Seck | Military.comCenter for a New American Security Bill Would Clear the Way for Army Legend Alwyn Cashe to Receive Medal of Honor | Military.comLawmakers Intensify Medal of Honor Push for Black D-Day Hero Who Saved Dozens | Military.comLeft of Boom Podcast | Military.comJoin The American Legion Legion Announces 2016 Recipients of Top Journalism Award | The American LegionUnicorn Made Famous by Shark Incident Floats into History at Coast Guard Museum | Military.comPlay Tango Bingo

CV is befuddled by VA losing rights to the GIBill.com website. Ashley celebrates the unveiling of "The Pledge,” a new statue dedicated to women in the military and service dogs at The Women In Military Service For America Memorial. Jeff shares the news of progress addressing Veteran Suicide: The 988 National Crisis Hotline will go live in Fall 2021 The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 includes mental health elements More measures could be coming with agreements to fast track a package of 9 House bills related to veteran suicide (COMPACT Act) which includes VA mental health care services to ALL veterans, regardless of their discharge status Rapid Fire Vanessa Guillen death ruled "in the line of duty" 46 books on the 2020 Marine Commandant’s Reading List World War II all-volunteer jungle fighters known as Merrill's Marauders will recieve Congressional Gold Medal Army says viral video showing a soldier drinking Ocean Spray and lip-syncing Fleetwood Mac during parachute jump may be a safety violation.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!GI Bill | The American LegionVA | Education and Training HomeArlington National Cemetery Has A New Monument To ServicewomenWomen In Military Service For America MemorialThe American Legion Veterans & Children FoundationSuicide Prevention Hotline: 24/7 Confidential Help – Veterans Crisis LineS.785 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 | Congress.gov | Library of CongressH.R.8247 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020 | Congress.gov | Library of CongressJoin The American Legion | The American LegionHere are the 46 books on the 2020 Marine Commandant’s Reading ListLegendary WWII Jungle Fighters Finally Have the Congressional Gold Medal | Military.comMERRILL'S MARAUDERS ASSOCIATION HOME PAGEParatrooper’s airborne TikTok video could be a safety violation, Army says - News - Stripes — viral video showing a soldier drinking from an Ocean Spray juice bottle and lip-syncing the words of the Fleetwood Mac hit “Dreams” while on a daytime parachute jumpArmy Paratrooper Takes Pet Fish on Last Jump | Military.comAmerican Legion Post 370, Highlands, NC | FacebookHerstory | Women Veteran Oral History ProjectPlay Tango Bingo

Jeff shares Space Force immersive space sim training tool, and the gang waxes poetic about Col. Max Lantz, Commandant of the U.S. Air Force’s National Security Space Institute. CV leads a discussion about the wisdom of eliminating of Basic Training Shark Attacks. Ashley celebrates an inspirational story of a Legion member who has completed his 100 Miles for Hope challenge. Rapid Fire: Veterans guarding the polls in Minnesota, protection for Parris Island, stolen VA benefits for faked combat injuries and nutritional transparency in MREs.Links:Watch video of this episode on YouTubeSend us your feedback!Play Tango BingoIndivisible - The Story of Our Flag - American Legion Flag & Emblem100 Miles for Hope | The American LegionFind a Service Officer | The American LegionLegion Riders Headlines | AL Pony ExpressTHE 2020 AMERICAN LEGION LEGACY RUN FUNDRAISER | The American LegionS.4657 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): "Buddy Check" Bill

Team Tango sits down to share a sweet tea and catch up with 2016 Boys Nation President Anighya Crocker, who is gearing up for law school as well as pursuing his musical passions.Special Guest: Anighya Crocker.Links:Send us your feedback!Watch video of this episode on YouTubePlay Tango BingoBoys State / Boys Nation | The American LegionAnigha Crocker profile on LegionTVJune 2021 Carnegie Hall CalendarAnighya Crocker article in the Tennesseean

CV celebrates as the U.S. Coast Guard unicorn float made famous by the USCGC Kimball shark-infested swim call makes it's debut at the U.S. Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut. Jeff shares stories of criminal indictments for leaders at two veterans homes over COVID-19 deaths of residents. Ashley brings the scoop on how the National Archives Navy deck log digitization project will help speed the disability claims process for Blue Water Vietnam veterans. Rapid Fire Space Force: Why use a human when you have a robot? Ninja Hellfire Missile Marines rob Catholic church at gunpoint Shulkin urges VA to do more for veterans exposed to Burn Pits.Links:The Unicorn Song - The Irish RoversSend us your feedback!Watch video of this episode on YouTubeU.S. Coast Guard MuseumUnicorn Made Famous by Shark Incident Floats into History at Coast Guard Museum | Military.comThe American Legion Veterans & Children FoundationNavy Deck Logs Available in the National Archives Catalog | National ArchivesFind an American Legion Service Officers