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.

Join The American Legion Family USA250 Challenge

Rapid Fire Comedy Tour

Join the American Legion

The Reddit Rabbit Hole

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.