Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough stopped by The American Legion National Convention in late August to record a special podcast episode before he addressed delegates in Phoenix. It is the first of two episodes to be published this week.
In this exclusive podcast interview, McDonough addresses topics such as:
• VA’s future of using technology for health records, including mobile devices and apps.
• The emotions veterans who served in Afghanistan are feeling after the Taliban retook control of the nation.
• The importance of getting the COVID vaccine. “I want to start off with a thanks to The American Legion for being a partner with us, and communicating this to our vets. The fact that we can work with you and have your validation is really meaningful to us,” he said.
This bonus episode of Tango Alpha Lima is available for download here. Or watch the YouTube version at this link.
At the Legion’s 102nd national convention, McDonough addressed several key issues to veterans, including the situation in Afghanistan and the importance of getting vaccinated as the Delta variant spreads.
In the regular weekly episode that drops on Tuesday, Craig Rauchle discusses the organization he founded to honor his son, Chase Rauchle. The Chase Rauchle PTSD (Prevent & Treat Stress & Depression) NOW! Foundation is dedicated to reducing the rate of suicides among veterans and servicemembers.
Chase was a staff sergeant in the Army National Guard who suffered from PTSD following his tours of duty as a gunner in Afghanistan. After numerous failed attempts to receive help, Chase took his own life on Sept. 9, 2019.
Steve Lenzi, a member of American Legion Post 1 in Nevada and friend of the Rauchle family, is on the foundation’s board. He joins Rauchle in this podcast to promote Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, held annually during September. Download the episode here or watch it here.
Check out these episodes, the special podcast series dedicated to the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and more than 60 others at the Tango web page, or via download on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or other major podcast-hosting sites. You can also view all of the episodes on the Legion’s YouTube channel.
