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…

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. Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Kevin Schmiegel Learn more about Tango Tango Learn more about our hosts Learn more about ZeroMils Learn more about Supply Chain Now Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit

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 Learn more about Tango Tango Learn more about our hosts Learn more about Vetlanta Learn more about Supply Chain Now Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit

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…

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…

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. Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Tony Grinston Learn more about Army Emergency Relief Learn more about Tango Tango Learn more about our hosts Learn more about Vetlanta Learn more about Supply Chain Now Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s…

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: What life is really like near the DMZ in Korea The untold story of the Green Ramp tragedy How…

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: How music shaped Mark’s military and post-service career What life is like in elite military music units How music wellness supports veteran mental health The vision behind the Washington Tattoo 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…

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. Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar Learn more about In Their Honor Learn more about PsychArmor Learn more about Tango Tango Learn more about our hosts Learn more about Vetlanta Learn more about Supply Chain Now Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit