Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

How veterans rescued 195,000 Afghans after Kabul fell – Tango Alpha Lima

For Navy veteran Shawn VanDiver, a 2021 call from Afghanistan sparked the creation of AfghanEvac, now one of the most successful refugee advocacy organizations. In this season premiere, VanDiver discusses his path from getting his GED to military service, his work with the Truman National Security Project, and how a single emergency became a mission supporting more than 195,000 Afghan refugees. He explains his community-first approach, why this work extends beyond Afghanistan, and concrete ways veterans can advocate for allies worldwide. Plus: Tango Alpha Lima hosts warn about predatory VA claim services, explore the Together We Served veteran network, and honor WWII veteran and Beetle Bailey cartoonist Mort Walker. LINKS The War Horse: VA Warned These Companies They May Be Breaking the Law. Most Are Still in Business [https://thewarhorse.org/veterans-affairs-claim-benefit-company-letters/] NPR: Congress calls for a crackdown on companies charging disabled vets [https://www.wmra.org/2025-12-10/congress-calls-for-a-crackdown-on-companies-charging-disabled-vets] Join The American Legion Family USA250 Challenge [https://www.legion.org/get-involved/community-programs/usa250/challenge] AfghanEvac Website [https://afghanevac.org/] Afghan Allies Vetting process [https://afghanevac.org/vetting] How you can help AfghanEvac [https://afghanevac.org/uscis-policy-alert] AfghanEvac Store [https://afghanevac.org/store] The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program [https://www.legion.org/Get-Involved/Youth-Programs/Junior-Shooting-Sports] Learn more about Together We Served [https://www.togetherweserved.com/] Remembering Beetle Bailey creator Mort Walker [https://www.dvidshub.net/news/532979/mort-walker-still-tickles-military-funny-bones-80?utm_source=chatgpt.com ] Legion calls for Congress to include Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Amendment in 2025 NDAA [https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/legislative/2024/november/legion-calls-for-congress-to-include-fulfilling-promises-to-afghan-allies-amendment-in-2025-ndaa]

Best of 2025: A Vietnam POW's story of survival - Tango Alpha Lima

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.

Best of 2025: Making history and shifting mindsets with Dr. Kamin Samuel - Tango Alpha Lima

After making history as the Navy’s first Black female helicopter pilot, Dr. Kamin Samuel went from thriving to surviving when she transitioned out of the military. Plagued by financial troubles after her business went bankrupt, Samuel put her faith and military discipline into action to overcome the suicidal thoughts that crept in. Now she helps others identify their character strengths, is a best-selling author and documentary filmmaker.

Best of 2025: How sleep impacts wellness and readiness with Dr. Tina Burke - Tango Alpha Lima

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.

Best of 2025: Who is MandatoryFunDay? - Tango Alpha Lima

Army 1st Lt. Austin von Letkemann, better known to his Instagram followers as MandatoryFunDay, has become a frequent flyer on our show in 2025. But his first appearance was what made him one of our most impactful guests of 2025, when he talked about his unusual rise to fame. His Instagram channel, with 20 million monthly views, features comedy videos that poke fun at various parts of military life.