In this powerful episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight sits down with Pat McNamara, a retired Delta Force operator, small business owner, creator of Basic Dude Stuff, and the ultimate champion of resilience. Mac opens up about his journey from elite military operations to navigating darkness after service, revealing the deeply personal story behind his second lease on life.

Listeners get a raw look at the highs and lows of Pat’s career, from failing Special Forces training to becoming one of the top performers in Delta. But the most gripping moments come after the battlefield, when he’s living in a bonus room above his garage, caring for his kids, and battling depression and burnout. It was a moment with his son and a screech owl that sparked the turnaround, and a single run that helped him remember who he was.

This isn’t just a story about combat. It’s a story of fatherhood, recovery, discipline, and the choice to grow. From surviving a towed parachute jump to creating a children’s show rooted in curiosity and wonder, Pat’s journey is a lesson in how warriors heal, rebuild, and give back.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:16) Meeting Rebecca and getting a second lease on life

(04:25) Growing up in Connecticut and love for the outdoors

(06:24) Wrestling, discipline, and turning around high school

(09:02) Joining the Army and choosing Special Forces

(10:30) The Q Course and failing first phase

(14:00) Training in weapons and unconventional warfare

(17:02) Parachute school and surviving a towed jump injury

(23:18) Returning to training and pushing through setbacks

(27:00) Spying on the Soviet army during the Cold War

(30:42) Trying out for Delta and breaking his ankle

(33:30) Leveling up and self-governance in Delta

(36:00) Missions in Bosnia and the mindset of preparation

(39:43) Retiring to care for his kids

(41:00) Transitioning, depression, and personal breakdown

(44:00) The turning point with his son and a screech owl

(46:21) Reclaiming discipline with a 6AM run

(50:00) Cop's life-changing advice and moving forward

(52:00) Reconnecting with Rebecca

(53:15) Battling chronic illness and finding natural healing

(57:30) Why Mac embraced social media and stayed authentic

(58:50) Creating Basic Dude Stuff and building a kids' show

(01:02:30) Inspiring kids through curiosity and nature

(01:07:32) Muscle cars, craftsmanship, and honoring legacy

(01:13:23) Building a multifaceted business post-military

(01:16:03) Invader Coffee and the power of quality over gimmicks

(01:17:22) Mac’s advice for struggling veterans

Additional Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
• Connect with Pat McNamara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcnamara-267aa819/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.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...

In this gripping episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight sits down with retired Army Colonel John Thompson, a veteran Night Stalker and one of the mission leads behind the historic raid that killed Osama Bin Laden. John takes listeners deep inside the operations of Task Force 160, the U.S. Army’s elite special operations aviation unit, sharing the mindset, logistics, and extraordinary preparation that went into one of the most consequential missions in modern history.

John also opens up about his upbringing as a Gold Star son, his roots in Georgia, and how a letter from his late father shaped the path of a 30-year military career. From a busted wrist before flight school to leading elite helicopter assault teams in Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, and ultimately Abbottabad—John’s journey is a testament to grit, humility, and excellence under pressure.

This episode isn’t just about one mission. It’s about the decades of leadership, sacrifice, and quiet service that made that mission possible.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:16) John Thompson's background and early life

(02:34) Military career beginnings

(07:45) Flight school challenges and experiences

(18:26) Deployment to Germany and Desert Storm

(26:52) Return to Germany and Fort Knox assignment

(30:07) Transition to Fort Campbell

(34:06) Special Operations recruitment

(36:05) Joining the Night Stalkers

(38:15) The unique nature of Special Operations Forces

(38:50) Introduction to the Little Bird helicopter

(39:43) The Night Stalkers and their night missions

(40:34) Career path leading to the Bin Laden raid

(42:25) Commanding in Iraq and Afghanistan

(51:40) The call from Admiral McRaven

(53:04) Planning the Bin Laden mission

(01:04:18) Executing the mission

(01:13:37) Challenges during the raid

(01:17:25) Aftermath and celebrations

(01:19:41) Returning home and reflections

Additional Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
• Connect with John Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thompson-bb577140/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.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/night-stalkers-bin-laden-raid-1tt2

In this inaugural episode of the Tango Tango podcast, proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Lloyd Knight kick off a new chapter in veteran storytelling by exploring the evolution from Veteran Voices to Tango Tango. The mission remains the same—amplifying veteran perspectives, experiences, and leadership—but the format and energy get a bold refresh.

Lloyd shares his inspiring journey from a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force to his current role leading veteran talent acquisition and retention at UPS, one of the largest veteran employers in the world. He reflects on how his experiences as a loadmaster, first sergeant, and logistics innovator shaped his leadership approach, both in service and in corporate America.

The episode also digs into Lloyd’s founding of VETLANTA, an award-winning collaboration hub uniting veteran-focused business resource groups across Atlanta, and the creation of his book and platform, Knight Work. Lloyd and Scott discuss the power of culture, community, and honest conversations—and why Lloyd chose “Tango Tango” as the perfect name for this new era in veteran advocacy media.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) Transitioning Veteran Voices to Tango Tango

(14:58) Lloyd's military career

(26:55) Transition to civilian life

(35:16) Balancing career and personal life

(35:34) Starting the Veterans Business Resource Group

(36:12) Special assignments and awards

(36:51) Current role in veteran talent acquisition

(40:09) Founding VETLANTA

(41:20) Challenges and successes of Vetlanta

(51:07) Future plans and personal life

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
• Learn more about VETLANTA: https://vetlanta.org
• Check out Lloyd’s book Knight Work on Amazon (re-release coming soon): https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Work-Unfinished-Journey-VETLANTA/dp/1662874464
• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Lloyd Knight and produced by Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/introducing-tango-tango-real-talk-real-veterans-1tt1