"I felt like a waste of life, getting on a boat with my best friends." That realization on a deep sea fishing trip led Eric Tansey from a surfer lifestyle straight into the Army where he became a paratrooper. But his story doesn't end there.

After serving his country, Tansey became a police officer in one of Raleigh’s toughest districts, turned his craziest police stories into a published book, Pig Latin; appeared in “Office Joe,” a comedy series about veteran office life; and now does the “Failure to Stop” podcast and stand-up comedy.

This episode is equal parts inspiring, hilarious and proof that the most unexpected paths can lead to the most interesting lives.

Other topics in this Tango Alpha Lima episode include Veterans Day themes like sharing your military story and supporting veteran-owned businesses.

Veterans Day Deals & Discounts

Office Joe

Learn more about the Army/Navy Game

Eric Tansey author page

Failure to Stop podcast

Pig Latin: A Seriously Funny True Story of a Former Police Officer

Join the USA250 Challenge

Reddit Rabbit Hole: Veterans Stories

Veteran Owned Businesses

VA VETBIZ

PBS After Action