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 app
• Join The American Legion
• Learn more about Lonnie Bedwell
• Learn more about the film "Beyond Vision"
• Join The American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge
• New VA Database causes concern among lawmakers
• AI tool helps VA doctors minimize administrative tasks and focus on patients
• View American Legion Legislative Agenda
• Check out The American Legion Grassroots Action Center
• Learn more about American Legion Advocacy