Tango Tango

Purpose can be forged in the most unexpected crucibles. From growing up as a homeschooled "Grady baby" in Atlanta's South Cobb area to serving as an Army infantry officer deployed to Afghanistan with Special Forces, Zack Knight's path took him through the grind of blue-collar work, the discipline of law enforcement, the chaos of combat, and the depths of his own personal rock bottom, before finding healing and a renewed sense of mission.

In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight sits down with Army veteran, entrepreneur, author, and ATLVets founder Zack Knight. Despite sharing a last name, the two are quick to clarify they're not related, though they've become close brothers in the veteran community. Zack reflects on his Atlanta upbringing, his years with the Smyrna Police Department, his decision to join active duty at 28, and his deployment to Afghanistan in 2019 where his unit lost six soldiers.

They discuss the physical and mental toll of combat and Zack’s spiral into survivor’s guilt and a near-fatal crisis. From that low point, a friend’s simple challenge sparked a transformational self-discovery. Zack also shares the unconventional healing practices that helped him rebuild, from Emory's outpatient therapy program and daily gratitude rituals to teaching himself piano with a partially numb hand. Today, he channels those hard-won lessons into ATLVets, a nonprofit now operating in 12 states, focused on giving veterans the continuity, community, and "now what" they need to thrive in post-service life.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:31) Growing up in Atlanta as a "Grady baby"

(04:00) Homeschooling and learning self-reliance

(05:45) Almost joining the Air Force at 18

(07:48) Starting a business while on active duty

(10:49) Why Zack joined the Army at 28

(11:21) Scoring in the 97th percentile on the ASVAB

(13:01) Deploying to Afghanistan in 2019

(14:08) Losing six soldiers in combat

(15:46) Physical injuries discovered after service

(18:25) Suicide attempt and the darkest chapter

(21:59) "You don't even love yourself"

(25:30) Survivor's guilt and finding the right therapist

(27:36) Learning piano with a partially numb hand

(33:20) Founding ATLVets to serve veterans

(48:15) Zack's closing advice for veterans

Additional Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
• Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
• Connect with Zack Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackaknight/
• Learn more about ATLVets: https://atlvets.org/
• Get The Legacy of Love: A Journey of Self-Mastery: https://a.co/d/07DVhMFW
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com

The journey to purpose unfolds in unexpected ways. From growing up in small-town New Jersey to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during Desert Storm, Kevin Schmiegel’s path led him through nonprofit leadership and ultimately to founding ZeroMils, a company committed to helping veterans thrive in civilian life.

In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, Lloyd Knight speaks with Marine Corps veteran and ZeroMils founder Kevin Schmiegel. He reflects on his upbringing in Toms River, New Jersey, his ROTC scholarship, and his career as an artillery officer in the Marines. After his service, he transitioned into nonprofit work, ultimately founding Zero Mills to support veterans in thriving beyond military service.

They discuss Schmiegel’s military service, the hardships he faced, and how his nonprofit experiences led him to create a new model for veteran success. Today, he’s focused on helping veterans build purpose, opportunity, and community in their post-service lives.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:36) Growing up in a Marine family

(03:41) How sports built Kevin’s discipline

(05:43) ROTC and military commissioning journey

(08:25) Choosing artillery in the Marines

(09:53) Serving in Desert Storm deployment

(15:07) Marine Expeditionary Unit and London orders

(22:16) Leaving the military for the U.S. Chamber

(25:28) Building “Hiring Our Heroes” program

(26:35) Shadowing CEOs at the Chamber

(27:26) Addressing the veterans hiring gap

(29:24) Media breakthrough at hiring events

(30:23) Securing funding and scaling quickly

(32:39) Facing burnout and stepping down

(34:43) Losing purpose after leaving

(37:16) The “Courage Cap” and Kevin’s turning point

(39:14) Leading new nonprofit ventures

(40:11) Founding ZeroMils to empower veterans

(43:00) Challenging nonprofit culture norms

(45:42) Emphasizing due diligence and impact

(49:23) Vision behind The Service Project

(53:24) Kevin's advice for transitioning veterans

Additional Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
• Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
• Connect with Kevin Schmiegel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-schmiegel-03523b8/
• Learn more about ZeroMils: https://www.zeromils.com/
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/redefining-veteran-narrative-broken-thriving-2tt8

In this episode of the Tango Tango Podcast, host Lloyd Knight sits down with Air Force veteran and former Deputy of Military Affairs at USAA, Michael Kelly, for a candid conversation about leadership, transition, and building a meaningful career after service.

From his early days as a security policeman to retraining into public affairs and ultimately becoming an officer, Michael shares the pivotal moments, mentors, and mindset shifts that shaped his journey. He reflects on the realities of military life, lessons learned through deployment and leadership, and how those experiences translated into a successful 20+ year corporate career.

The conversation also dives into one of the most critical topics for service members: transitioning to civilian life. Michael offers practical advice on networking, planning ahead, and positioning yourself for success in a competitive job market.

Whether you're currently serving, transitioning, or simply interested in leadership and career growth, this episode delivers real-world insights you can apply immediately.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Michael Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfkelly/
• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
• Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
• Connect with Patrick Flood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmichaelflood/
• Learn more about Owners in Honor: https://www.ownersinhonor.org/
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/serving-those-who-serve-2tt7

Purpose often emerges from unexpected paths. For Patrick Flood, that path ran from small-town Wisconsin to Hollywood sets, from Special Forces deployments to entrepreneurship, and ultimately to helping veterans build and exit businesses with dignity.

In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, Lloyd Knight speaks with Army Special Forces veteran, entrepreneur, and Owners in Honor founder Patrick Flood. Flood reflects on growing up in Wisconsin, earning an ROTC scholarship to George Washington University, and beginning his career as an Army officer before an unexpected turn into acting in Los Angeles. After booking commercials, television roles, and film work, he realized that success in Hollywood still felt empty and pulled him back toward a life of service.

They discuss Flood’s return to active duty through the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, his deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, and the injuries and hardships that shaped his leadership and sense of purpose. He also shares how his father’s business was sold for far less than it was worth due to poor exit guidance, an experience that inspired him to found Owners in Honor. Today, he is focused on helping veterans buy and sell businesses in ways that preserve dignity, strengthen communities, and create new pathways for purpose after military service.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:16) Growing up in Ephraim, Wisconsin

(04:53) ROTC scholarships and family sacrifice

(10:18) Commissioned, but stuck in limbo

(11:56) Los Angeles move and Army recall

(13:25) Reviving a struggling reserve unit

(17:03) An accidental start in acting

(26:11) Brother’s loss and horse therapy

(29:38) Hollywood emptiness, Army purpose returns

(32:09) Fort Bragg and early war deployments

(33:58) Advised to try Special Forces

(34:43) How acting helped in combat

(37:09) Explaining his Afghanistan combat rotations

(41:52) Bit by a cobra mid-firefight

(47:11) Blast injury, broken neck, TBI

(53:03) Why he founded Owners in Honor

(58:09) Helping veterans buy and sell businesses

(59:23) Fatherhood, walking, swimming, and healing

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
2. Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
3. Connect with Patrick Flood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmichaelflood/
4. Learn more about Owners in Honor: https://www.ownersinhonor.org/
5. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/after-battlefield-tragedy-purpose-rise-ceo-2tt6

Nobody trains and educates better than the military. That belief, shaped by decades of service and leadership, continues to guide how she develops people and advises organizations today.

In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight speaks with retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, the first woman to serve as the senior enlisted leader of a United States military service. An Army brat who grew up moving around the world, from Illinois to Germany to Hawaii, Bass reflects on her early years, including getting into trouble as a teenager and joining the Air Force in 1993, looking for direction and discipline.

They discuss her journey from aviation management in the operations world to senior enlisted leadership at Ramstein, Goodfellow, the Pentagon, and Second Air Force. Bass shares lessons on mentorship, resilience, and learning to take care of herself after experiencing burnout. She also speaks candidly about becoming Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force during a time of global uncertainty, navigating public scrutiny, addressing suicide and people policy reform, and leading through the challenges of the digital age. Now in her next chapter, she continues to focus on national security, leadership development, and building strong people and strong families beyond the uniform.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:15) Army brat life across Germany

(03:50) Banned from Hawaii military bases

(07:07) Open general enlistment decision

(10:10) First assignment at Pope AFB

(11:40) Meeting husband at Fort Bragg

(16:58) Ramstein AMOC and DV scheduling

(20:29) NCO Academy during 9/11

(29:35) Ramstein squadron and group leadership

(31:31) Selected chief despite discouraging advice

(34:11) Command chief at Goodfellow AFB

(39:28) Leading professional military education at Pentagon

(45:26) Birthday call selecting next CMSAF

(59:10) Testifying before Congress on force issues

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
2. Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
3. Connect with JoAnne Bass: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-bass
4. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/aim-high-airman-chief-master-sergeant-air-force-journey-2tt5

Do the right thing, even if you never get the credit. That mindset guided a 36-year Army career and continues to drive service beyond the uniform.

In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight speaks with retired Sergeant Major of the Army Tony Grinston, who now serves as CEO of Army Emergency Relief. He reflects on growing up in Jasper, Alabama, joining the Army for a two-year enlistment, and serving more than three decades in uniform, including multiple combat deployments and leadership at the highest enlisted level.

They discuss his path to becoming the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, the demands of advising senior leaders and testifying before Congress, and his approach to tackling suicide, sexual assault, and quality of life by improving how the Army treats its people. Grinston also shares his transition out of uniform, his role leading Army Emergency Relief, and why continuing to serve off the battlefield remains his greatest calling.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:33) Welcome to Tango Tango with Tony Grinston

(01:48) Growing up in Jasper, Alabama

(05:26) From college scholarships to Army enlistment

(07:05) The unexpected path to SMA

(09:50) Choosing artillery over an infantry career path

(11:21) Fort Sill basic training shock

(16:01) Earning a degree during deployments

(19:55) Combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan

(21:12) Inside the SMA selection process

(24:21) Addressing suicide and linked Army challenges

(27:25) Family sacrifices behind the promotion

(30:02) Public scrutiny and protecting the family

(33:48) Helping soldiers with immediate impact

(36:48) Securing barracks funding for soldiers

(42:11) From Army service to AER leadership

(47:02) Emergency grants for military families

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
2. Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
3. Connect with Tony Grinston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-grinston/
4. Learn more about Army Emergency Relief: https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/
5. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/next-mission-sergent-major-army-ceo-army-emergency-relief-2tt4

In this powerful episode of The Tango Tango Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Miller, a U.S. Army veteran and President of the Georgia Veterans Day Parade, to explore a journey defined by service, resilience, and community.

Kevin shares his story from growing up in rural Franklin, Pennsylvania, to enlisting in the Army and training at Fort Benning during Desert Shield. He reflects on serving with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea near the DMZ, and how that experience shaped his pride in military service and the U.S.–Korea alliance.

The conversation takes a deeply moving turn as Kevin recounts surviving the tragic Green Ramp disaster at Fort Bragg—an event that tested his strength and forever changed his life. He opens up about recovery, brotherhood, and the extraordinary support of the military community.

After transitioning to civilian life, Kevin found new purpose in Atlanta, becoming a driving force behind the Georgia Veterans Day Parade and working with the Korea Defense Veterans Association. His mission: honor those who served, inspire future generations, and help veterans thrive beyond uniform.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. What life is really like near the DMZ in Korea
2. The untold story of the Green Ramp tragedy
3. How veterans rebuild after trauma
4. Why community and camaraderie matter after service
5. How Kevin is preserving veterans’ legacy in Georgia

If you’re passionate about veteran stories, military history, leadership, and service beyond the battlefield, this episode is for you.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-l-miller-ab68257/
2. Georgia Veterans Day Parade: gvda.org
3. Korea Defense Veterans Association: kdva.vet
4. Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
5. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
6. Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
7. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
8. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. This episode is hosted by Lloyd Knight and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/vision-valor-veterans-day-inside-leadership-2tt3

On this episode of the Tango Tango Podcast, host Lloyd Knight sits down with Army veteran and Washington Tattoo CEO Mark Reilly for an inspiring conversation about service, music, leadership, and healing.

Mark shares his journey from growing up as a talented young musician in New York to serving in the U.S. Army’s prestigious Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Along the way, he reflects on performing on international stages, representing the military through music, and navigating the transition from uniform to civilian leadership.

The conversation dives deep into the Washington Tattoo’s powerful mission to support veteran mental health through music wellness — a unique, community-driven approach that complements traditional care and creates meaningful connections for those who’ve served.

Mark also discusses the organization’s role in America 250, helping celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary through music, service, and remembrance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How music shaped Mark’s military and post-service career
2. What life is like in elite military music units
3. How music wellness supports veteran mental health
4. The vision behind the Washington Tattoo
5. Why America 250 matters to veterans and their communities

If you’re passionate about veterans’ stories, creative healing, and leadership after service, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmarkreilly
2. Learn more about Washington Tattoo: https://www.thewashingtontattoo.com/
3. Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
4. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
5. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
6. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. This episode is hosted by Lloyd Knight and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: http://supplychainnow.com/from-old-guard-world-stage-life-precision-purpose-2tt2

In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight speaks with Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar, an Army veteran whose post-service mission is supporting service members, veterans, and their families. She shares how running a military mailroom revealed what lives beneath the uniform and inspired her path into criminal justice and counseling.

They discuss her work at the intersection of trauma recovery and the criminal justice system, including training law enforcement, courts, and treatment programs to recognize military-connected trauma and reduce cycles of crisis and incarceration. Qwynn also discusses compassion fatigue and the practices that help her stay grounded.

Qwynn then explains how a mentor’s terminal diagnosis led her to become a death doula and advocate for dignified end-of-life care for veterans. From building In Their Honor to leading national training through PsychArmor, she reflects on how storytelling, cultural competency, and heart-centered leadership can transform support for the military community.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:43) Meet Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar

(01:51) Growing up in New York

(05:00) Choosing the Army path

(07:29) Activation and military service lessons

(11:17) Transitioning out and finding purpose

(12:33) Criminal justice, trauma, and veteran care

(21:50) Earning a PhD through adversity

(24:55) Transition advice for women veterans

(29:45) Launching In Their Honor, 2021

(30:17) Mentorship from Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas

(32:36) Becoming a death doula for veterans

(33:49) Expanding end-of-life care impact

(36:16) Building military cultural competency at PsychArmor

(42:39) Becoming a Bush Institute Presidential Scholar

(48:43) Arlington moments that changed everything

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
2. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
3. Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
4. Connect with Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qwynn-galloway-salazar-/
5. Learn more about In Their Honor: https://www.intheirhonor.info/
6. Learn more about PsychArmor: https://psycharmor.org/
7. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
8. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. This episode is hosted by Lloyd Knight and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/honoring-service-embracing-life-conversations-2tt1

In this special episode of Tango Tango, host Lloyd Knight sits down with Holly Joers, President, Military and Veterans for CareSource, for an inside look at one of the most important changes impacting military families this year: TRICARE Open Season and the brand-new CareSource Military & Veterans Prime option available in Atlanta and Tampa.

Holly shares her remarkable journey—from growing up in small-town West Virginia to a distinguished civil service career across the Air Force, the F-35 program, and the Defense Health Agency—before transitioning into the mission-driven world of CareSource. Her unique background offers rare insight into how healthcare innovation, military culture, and patient-centric design come together in this groundbreaking TRICARE demonstration program.

Listeners will learn:

• What TRICARE is and who is eligible
• Why the new CareSource Prime option matters, including game-changing benefits like no referrals for in-network specialists
• How CareSource leverages decades of experience in whole-person, community-based care
• The biggest differences between this demonstration and earlier pilots, including broader provider networks and integrated care teams
• How enrollment works, why it’s fast and easy, and what beneficiaries can expect after signing up
• How military families can advocate for expanding choice to other states and regions

With TRICARE Open Season ending on December 9, this episode offers timely, practical information for retirees, families, Guard and Reserve members, and veterans who want more control, choice, and convenience in their healthcare.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Holly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-joers-04ab4783/
• Learn more about CareSource: www.caresource.com
• Enroll today: https://www.caresource.com/plans/tricare-prime-demo/eligibility-and-enrollment/#enroll
• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• Learn more about Vetlanta: https://vetlanta.org
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

This episode of Tango Tango was hosted by Lloyd Knight and produced by Trisha Coredes, Joshua Miranda, nd Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/mission-better-care-talk-caresource-military-1tt15