Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

To celebrate Father’s Day, retired Army Colonel Mike “Sully” Sullivan and his daughter, Olympic bronze medalist and Army Captain Sammy Sullivan, talk about five generations of military service, accidental trailblazing, a Green Beret’s surprisingly tender parenting philosophy, developing grit and more. Sully, the executive director of Team Red, White & Blue, also discusses the organization’s mission to keep veterans “left of clinical.” Plus: New research on team sports as therapy, and how The American Legion supports adaptive sports programs. SHOW LINKSLearn more about Solace Health and check your eligibility hereLearn more about Team RWBLearn more about the Army World Class Athlete ProgramLearn more about Capt. Sammy Sullivan and Team USA Rugby Women's Eagle SevensThere is still time to be part of The American Legion Family USA 250 ChallengeRead more of the Journal of Veterans Studies report on how team sports help veterans with PTSDFind out more about how The American Legion can help you get back in the game with Operation Comfort Warrior grants.Follow the progress of the Veterans SPORT Act on and the National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026 Capitol HillYour stories. Your service. Your community. This is Tango Alpha Lima.

What does it take to reach tens of millions of people a month while still on active duty? For Army Sgt. First Class Johnny Vargas — better known as Viva La Vargas — it started with a car fire, a recruiting station and a promise to himself to show up every single day.In this episode, Johnny chats about his journey from aspiring recording artist in Los Angeles to one of the military community's most trusted and entertaining voices online. He breaks down the three pillars that guide every piece of content he creates, explains why staying nonpartisan isn't just a strategy but a responsibility, and shares two powerful stories of how a single social media post changed real lives — including a family fighting a $800,000 insurance billing error while their toddler battled a terminal brain tumor.Johnny also shares a closing message about mental health that every veteran and servicemember needs to hear, which is in line with The American Legion's Be the One mission to create mental health awareness.Also in this episode, the hosts discuss a veteran-founded nonprofit turning vets into entrepreneurs, the growing world of remembrance tattoos, and Women Veterans Day on June 12.Show LinksCelebrate Women Veterans DayLearn more about VivaLaVargasCheck out the Warrior Rising Activate AcceleratorCheck out the Task & Purpose article about TAPS gallery of military memorial tattoos

What does it take to make 200 armed, exhausted Marines laugh? Michael D'Angelo knows. The Las Vegas street punk turned Marine Corps veteran turned comedian created Rapid Fire Comedy Tour, a nonprofit delivering free standup shows to military bases nationwide. From surviving Vegas streets — including a razor attack that required 32 stitches to his face — to living in his car while pursuing comedy in LA, D'Angelo's journey to serving those who serve is both heartbreaking and inspiring. In Episode 299 of Tango Alpha Lima, discover how comedy became his way of continuing to serve, how he's exposing young troops to diverse perspectives through art, and why performing for skeptical Marines is the ultimate comedy bootcamp. Also in this episode: the truth about the notch in dog tags, can this platform save veterans money and more.SHOW LINKSJoin The American Legion Family USA250 ChallengeLearn more about Rapid Fire Comedy TourJoin The American LegionGo down the Reddit Rabbit HoleIs it Military Fact or FictionExpertVoice

One of our first episodes of Season 6 resonated the most for us. Retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Col. Lee Ellis, who was shot down and captured during the Vietnam War, talks about leadership and team building lessons he learned during his five years as a prisoner of war, as well as throughout his military service and his 25 years as a leadership coach.

Our listeners didn't sleep on this episode! It was one of the top downloaded episodes of 2025. Sleep expert Dr. Tina Burke shares her experience working with veterans, first responders and others who have trouble sleeping and provides tips on how to improve sleep including meditation, breathing techniques and establishing a routine.

Our list of Top 6 most impactful guests of Season 6 would not be complete without American Folk singer-songwriter and author Mary Gauthier, who talks about her addiction recovery, mental health journey and how she uses songwriting to help veterans with PTSD. She works with veterans on their healing through songwriting with SongwritingWith:Soldiers. “What I try to emphasize is that this can be of service to other people — a lifeline actually, which it often is.”

Get a sneak peek at “Sheepdog,” an uplifting, award-winning movie, inspired by countless first-hand accounts from veterans about recovery, redemption and the journey of healing. Writer, director and actor Steven Grayhm and Emmy-winning actor Vondie Curtis Hall, who also stars in the film, are the guests in this episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast. Grayhm talks about interviews with veterans from the Vietnam War, Global War on Terrorism, OIF and OEF, and others that serve as the basis for this uplifting movie that highlights Post Traumatic Growth. Also in this episode, a record $23.3 billion in VA claims benefits, Buddy Checks for the Army during the holiday season, and more.SHOW LINKSEP287 - Doug Evans The Sprouts GuyFuel the Fight - Fund the MissionBart Womack - Tango 271Sheepdog the Movie WebsiteVet TixJoin the USA250 ChallengeAmerican Legion Be the OneBuddy ChecksArmy leaders ordered to check in daily with soldiers over the holidaysRecord year for American Legion Service OfficersFind a Service OfficerSupport Service Officers and Military Families