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Shannon Book grew up in the Kentucky hills, joined the Navy in the mid-1990s and spent 17 years as a Fleet Marine Force corpsman, including two tours in Iraq. He survived Fallujah running on coffee grounds and sheer grit. What nearly broke him came after.  When he was medically retired in 2010, the brothers he counted on had moved on, his marriage dissolved, and a years-long battle with alcohol and drugs nearly cost him everything. What kept him going — then and now — is music. On this episode of Tango Alpha Lima, Book opens up about founding the veteran band Vetted, the dark night he pressed a handgun to his own forehead, the DUI that became his turning point, and the Veterans Court system that helped him walk out of that dark alley one step at a time. He's now sober, back in the studio, and sharing the message he once gave others from a stage — this time from a place of hard-earned experience. Also on this episode: why traditional field screenings miss TBIs in combat zones — and the surprising food that became a secret weapon for fighter pilots. Your stories. Your service. Your community. This is Tango Alpha Lima. Show links Learn more about American Legion Family Day and share how your post is celebrating.Learn more about our guest, Shannon Book.Task & Purpose: TBI field screenings can miss key symptomsLearn more about the Millenium Protocol at TBI Help NowWatch Quiet Explosions documentaryRead "Tales from the Blast Factory"Smithsonian: How a WWII propaganda campaign started the myth about carrots and night vision.

Before she was War Hamster — the Air Force veteran and military influencer known for irreverent humor, insider satire and candid commentary on service life — she was picking up loose change to buy gas for her car. Two years of military rejections. Craigslist living. Multiple jobs. Finally the Air Force finally said yes. War Hamster shares her honest, funny and deeply relatable life story and what it really means to serve, create and build something meaningful after the uniform comes off. She talks about joining as a medic at the start of COVID, building a medical program, losing four loved ones in a year, surviving a mini stroke — and using all of it as fuel for a content career. "Suffering is a currency in the military," she says. "It builds a kind of resilience that's missing in people who haven't served." Now, she’s building a military community on Twitch, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Also in this episode: a veteran whose therapy chickens are in a legal battle, new legislation authorizing psychedelic-assisted therapy research for veterans, and why soldiers are being warned about "honeypots." Episode Links Where to find War Hamster on social media From the War Horse: Finding solace in chickens Utah could soon study psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD Strange, but Service-Connected: Beware the Honeypot Watch War Hamster's take on the danger of Honeypots

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith shares the compelling story of her 35-year military career, including 25 years serving under Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) while hiding her identity. As one of the first openly gay generals in U.S. military history, Smith discusses the psychological toll of living authentically in secret, the 2011 repeal of DADT, military-to-civilian transition, and moral injury. Learn about LGBTQ+ veterans' unique challenges, discharge upgrade opportunities for those separated under discriminatory policies, and resources available through American Legion service officers. Smith provides insight intoLGBTQ+ military families, finding acceptance in veteran communities, and healing from service-related trauma. Critical listening for LGBTQ+ veterans, military families, those interested in military history and policy, discharge upgrade information, and veteran advocacy. SHOW NOTES Learn more about PFLAG Learn more about Modern Military Association of America

Three-time national wrestling champion and Army Special Operations veteran Sally Roberts shares her powerful journey from delinquent youth to elite athlete and military leader. Roberts, founder of Wrestle Like a Girl, discusses how wrestling saved her life, built her winning mindset, and prepared her for success in Special Operations and deployment to Afghanistan. Learn about overcoming adversity, developing mental toughness, the power of suffering and endurance, and breaking barriers for women in combat sports. Roberts addresses military transition challenges, building resilience, leadership development through athletics, and empowering girls and women through wrestling. Essential listening for veterans navigating transition, athletes seeking motivation, parents of daughters in sports, anyone overcoming difficult backgrounds, and those interested in women's wrestling, mental resilience training, and veteran success stories. SHOW LINKS Learn more about Wrestle Like a Girl

Navy veteran Lonnie Bedwell lost his sight in a hunting accident in 1997. He was 30 years old, blind, and raising three daughters alone. What he did next is the kind of story that makes you rethink every excuse you've ever made. In episode 303 of Tango Alpha Lima, Bedwell shares his extraordinary journey — from talking his way onto a construction crew as a blind man, to kayaking 226 miles through the Grand Canyon (earning National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year), to summiting Mount Everest with a failed oxygen mask 750 feet from the top. Now Bedwell is one expedition away from making history. He has summited six of the Seven Summits and skied to the South Pole. When he reaches the North Pole, he will become the first blind American to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam — an achievement fewer than 75 people in history have accomplished. His journey is the subject of a feature documentary called Beyond Vision. "I lost my eyesight," he says. "I gained vision." Also in this episode: the VA's new Artificial Intelligence tool and what it means for your appointments, plus three new laws signed into law that expand housing access, improve VA accountability, and strengthen job training for veterans. SHOW NOTES Download the VA Health and Benefits mobile appJoin The American LegionLearn more about Lonnie BedwellLearn more about the film "Beyond Vision"Join The American Legion Family USA 250 ChallengeNew VA Database causes concern among lawmakersAI tool helps VA doctors minimize administrative tasks and focus on patientsView American Legion Legislative AgendaCheck out The American Legion Grassroots Action CenterLearn more about American Legion Advocacy

Retired Air Force physician Dr. Mary Ann Kiel reveals how lifestyle medicine transformed her health and revolutionized her approach to treating servicemembers and military families. As a board-certified pediatrician and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Kiel explains the six pillars of wellness: whole food plant-based nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, social connection and avoiding harmful substances. Learn evidence-based strategies for disease prevention, increasing healthspan (not just lifespan), and addressing the root causes of chronic illness without relying on medications. Dr. Kiel shares practical behavior change techniques she teaches as a Food for Life Instructor and discusses why military members face unique health challenges. Perfect for veterans, military families, health-care professionals, and anyone interested in preventive medicine, holistic health and sustainable wellness practices.

Sleep isn't a luxury — it's a mission-critical function. And for veterans, the stakes are even higher. Dr. Sara Alger, Sleep Research Scientist with the Psychological Health Branch at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, unpacks what chronic sleep deprivation is actually doing to your brain and body — and what you can do about it. Alger explains why the military culture of "I'll sleep when I'm dead" carries real long-term consequences, how combat-trained sleep patterns can follow you home long after deployment, and why those 3 a.m. wake-ups may be more biology than disorder. She also makes the case for tactical napping as a legitimate performance tool — not a sign of weakness. Whether you're dealing with PTSD-related sleep disruption, years of short nights, or just waking up exhausted, this conversation offers science-backed answers and practical strategies. Also in this episode: a bipartisan effort to expand overdose protection for veterans, the wartime origins of Daylight Saving Time, and how the Star-Spangled Banner became official. SHOW LINKS Learn more about Buddy Checks Join The American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge Learn more about the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Facts about tactical napping Defense Health Agency Continuing Education Program Office Be a part of The American Legion Oratorical Contest Learn more about the End Veterans Overdose Act of 2026 Wartime history of Daylight Savings Time Health tips for help you Spring Forward Star-spangled history or The National Anthem Learn more about the U.S. Flag - Indivisible: The Story of Our Flag

Navy veteran Kelley Gilberry shares his inspiring transformation story from obesity and heart disease to optimal health. Before age 40, Gilberry battled cardiovascular disease, high blood sugar and a 70-pound weight problem fueled by fast food. Discover how he reversed heart disease naturally through plant-based eating and lifestyle changes, and became a certified health coach and nutritionist. Learn about his "Medicine Free Method" and "Ant Philosophy" for sustainable weight loss, diabetes prevention, and getting off medications. Gilberry, founder of One Determined Vegan and author of "Plants Saved My Life," provides practical guidance on eliminating processed foods, reducing carcinogens, and adopting whole food nutrition. Essential listening for veterans struggling with obesity, heart disease, diabetes, or anyone seeking health transformation without pharmaceuticals. SHOW LINKS Plants Saved My Life on Amazon Learn more at KelleyGilberry.com Mark Schatzker "The Dorito Effect"

From childhood trauma to military service, from a career-ending brain injury as a paramedic to Paralympic glory — Shawn Cheshire's story is one of extraordinary resilience. In this powerful episode, the former US Army helicopter mechanic and 13-time US para-cycling national champion shares how she rebuilt her life after losing her sight at age 36. The Army veteran opens up about her journey from contemplating suicide to becoming a Paralympian, crossing the Grand Canyon solo as the first blind woman to complete Rim to Rim to Rim, and cycling across America on a single bike. Her new documentary "Blind AF" captures her incredible endurance challenges and the trauma she's overcome. This is a conversation about refusing to be defined by your circumstances and choosing to see possibility even in darkness. Also in this episode: the BEACON Act, the magic of audio books and more. SHOW LINKS Military memoir audiobook recommendations AURA Special Offer Learn more about Shawn Cheshire Choosing to See Join the USA250 Challenge American Legion Advocacy Toolkit American Legion Grassroots Action Center Visit Legiontown Reddit Rabbit Hole: Tall tales and fish stories in the military community

Discover proven strategies for improving heart health and living longer with interventional cardiologist Dr. Columbus Batiste. In this encore episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, Dr. Batiste shares expert guidance on cardiovascular diseaseprevention, plant-based nutrition, and cardiac rehabilitation specifically for veterans and military families. Learn about Healthy Heart Nation, his nonprofitorganization helping thousands reverse heart disease through whole food nutrition, exercise, sleep and lifestyle medicine. Perfect for veterans facing increased heart disease risk, anyone interested in preventive cardiology, or those seeking natural approaches to cardiovascular wellness. Topics include cardiac rehab programs, heart-healthy eating, the physiology of heart disease and practical steps to reduce your risk of the leading cause of death in America. SHOW LINKS Dr. Columbus BatisteHeart Healthy Nation

Army veteran Kayla Williams served in combat, deploying to Iraq in 2003 as an Arabic linguist with the 101st Airborne Division. Since retiring from the military, she has become a bestselling author, and leading advocate for women veterans and military families. From serving without body armor plates during the 2003 Iraq invasion to navigating her husband's traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery, Williams shares her journey of resilience and her ongoing fight to preserve the hard-won gains women have made in the military. Discover why hope matters more than hardship, and why evidence-based policy changes are critical for the future of veteran health care. Also in this episode: a VA health care change that will help women veterans, tips on how veterans can protect themselves against scammers, the legend of Cafe Ground Zero and more. SHOW LINKS Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) eligibility American Legion Junior Shooting Sports VA makes it easier for women to access gynecology care Avoid veteran scams The legend of Cafe Ground Zero

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 LINKS Join The American Legion Family USA250 Challenge Learn more about Rapid Fire Comedy Tour Join The American Legion Go down the Reddit Rabbit Hole Is it Military Fact or Fiction ExpertVoice

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 NPR: Congress calls for a crackdown on companies charging disabled vets Join The American Legion Family USA250 Challenge AfghanEvac Website Afghan Allies Vetting process How you can help AfghanEvac AfghanEvac Store The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program Learn more about Together We Served Remembering Beetle Bailey creator Mort Walker Legion calls for Congress to include Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Amendment in 2025 NDAA

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.

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.