Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth

Latest Episodes:

134: "Giving social support has helped increase my mental health and has led to all the success in my life." Healing Thru Service with Sgt Q May 24, 2022

Show notes

Hey there, listener! Thank you for checking out our older seasons! As of September 2025, we have revamped our website! So if any episodes or links seem to be missing, don't hesitate to contact Jen at jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

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134: "Giving social support has helped increase my mental health and has led to all the success in my life." Healing Thru Service with Sgt Q

Aaron Quinonez, aka Sgt Q, thought that the anxiety, hyper vigilance, and nightmares he experienced as a Marine was just combat. Little did he know that his transition to civilian life was only the start of his troubles. After eight years of military service, Sgt Q suffered from depression, anger, and panic attacks and was diagnosed with PTSD. He nearly ended his own life in the parking lot of a church, where later he was redeemed by Jesus Christ, who gave him a new life. Sgt Q shares his experiences with the VA, becoming homeless, to now becoming an award-winning author, successful entrepreneur and PTSD ambassador.

Connect with Sgt Q and learn about his latest projects at https://sgtq.net/

Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or dial 988, which has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Learn more at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
For additional mental health resources, check out our past newsletter from December 13, 2021 https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=713c5c25a1186d1f165bc7edd&id=9228ea652a

RETURNING FALL 2023

The award-winning podcast, Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth, is returning for Season 7 in Fall 2023 to share inspiring stories of service and self-sufficiency from the military community! This show is a must-listen for military servicemembers and families interested in pursuing financial autonomy while serving our nation.

The show is very excited to announce its new partnership with The Rosie Network, which will include featuring the stories of Service2CEO Cohort Members. Read more about this exciting partnership at https://issuu.com/therosienetwork/docs/me_mag_2023/16

Our main sponsor US VetWealth is proud to announce their newest FREE resource hub: Military Retirement Blueprint — the perfect knowledge library for career retiring military officers who want to make the most of their retirement. This specialized program provides training, guides, consulting, investment-grade insurance strategies, financial & retirement planning, and more. Join for FREE today by visiting: https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-learning-center-access-the-military-retirement-blueprint/

Stay connected and get the latest updates from our Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

133: "Veterans, especially women, want to continue serving outside of the military. It's just finding that thing that ignites you." Today's female veteran with Cat Corchado May 17, 2022

Show notes

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133: "Veterans, especially women, want to continue serving outside of the military. It's just finding that thing that ignites you." Today's female veteran with Cat Corchado

It's been 22 years since Cat Corchado transitioned out of the military as an Air Force veteran that served for 20 years. Although she has enjoyed most of her civilian life as a personal trainer, it's only been in the recent years where she's asked herself, "What's next?" It was during the heart of the pandemic when she realized it was time to start the Sisters in Service podcast. In sharing her journey as a podcaster, she reflects on her surprisingly quiet military transition 22 years ago, how she enjoys supporting people to 'be better in their bodies,' being a female veteran in today's society, and much more.

Reach out to Cat:

Resources

The Veteran Retirement Rescue: How to Protect Your Retirement Savings from the Certainty of Uncertain Times is available to order on Amazon and Kindle. F FREE PDF download, visit https://usvetwealth.com/veteran-retirement-rescue

RETURNING FALL 2023

Stay connected and get the latest updates from our Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth community by subscribing to our...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

132: "Sometimes securing that next income source isn't the most important thing in post-military life." Becoming an entrepreneur with Jason Madden May 10, 2022

Show notes

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132: "Sometimes securing that next income source isn't the most important thing in post-military life." Becoming an entrepreneur with Jason Madden

Jason Madden went from serving for 15 years to transitioning to a military spouse, Franchise Entrepreneur, Career Ownership Coach, and Co-Host of the Doin’ The Thing Podcast. He shares how becoming medically discharged and his desire to be with his wife were the catalysts for him to reinvent himself as a veteran. Today, Jason educates veterans on the various ways to be an entrepreneur, describes intrapreneurship for people working within a company, how to use your own funds (i.e. the Thrift Savings Plan) to invest in your own business, and much more.

Connect with Jason:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-madden/
jmadden@esourcecoach.com
https://jmadden.esourcecoach.com/

RETURNING FALL 2023

Stay connected and get the latest updates from our Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth community by subscribing to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT Questions? Email jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

In August 2022, Jen Amos' work on the podcast was recognized by Disney Institute and she was hand-selected as the only non-Disney employee to moderate the first Military Spouse Employment panel for the Veterans Institute Summit. March 2022, Jenny Lynne has voted the 2022 Naval Station Norfolk Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. November 2020, Jen Amos was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! The show continued to collect award nominations in the following years. In September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

131: "Feeding you all with our stories, in turn, feeds us as well." Season 6 Introduction with Jen Amos and Jenny Lynne Stroup May 03, 2022

Show notes

BONUS: "Every military spouse deserves an award." Vote Jenny Lynne Stroup for the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year! Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

This bonus episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9rPqEELTuII

BONUS: "Every military spouse deserves an award." Vote Jenny Lynne Stroup for the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year!

Congratulations to our co-host Jenny Lynne Stroup for becoming a nominee for the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year! Jenny Lynne shares what this nomination means for her and how you can vote!

Voting is now open from February 7th to February 11th!

Register to vote at https://msoy.afi.org/users/sign_up
Then vote for Jenny Lynne at https://msoy.afi.org/profiles/2022-jenny-lynne-stroup

Congrats and best of luck to all of the candidates!

Get notified when we return for season six! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Guest Applications are now open for season six! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynne@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

Looking for something new to listen to in the off season? Check out our sister podcast show, The Spouse Benefit Plan, at http://thespousebenefitplan.com/

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

This show is sponsored by US VetWealth: Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/

September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! We've also been featured in multiple media outlets including Legacy Magazine, U.S. Veterans Magazine, The American MilSpouse, VeteranCrowd Network, It's a Military Life, VirtForce,
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

130: "Holding Down the Fort has been a really great opportunity and invitation to show up for each other." Season 5 Finale with Jen Amos and Jenny Lynne Stroup Dec 13, 2021

Show notes

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130: "Holding Down the Fort has been a really great opportunity and invitation to show up for each other." Season 5 Finale with Jen Amos and Jenny Lynne Stroup

Jen and Jenny Lynne close up season five just in time for the holidays! Together, they reflect on and share what season six has meant for them, they stress the importance of showing up for our community, what the phrase 'holding down the fort' means for them, saying 'thank you' rather than 'I'm sorry,' and much more.

We look forward to chatting with you all again in 2022 for season six! Until then, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Read our final newsletter for 2021: https://mailchi.mp/d55fb4fae55b/holdingdownthefort

Get notified when we return for season six! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Guest Applications are now open for season six! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynne@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

Looking for something new to listen to in the off season? Check out our sister podcast show, The Spouse Benefit Plan, at http://thespousebenefitplan.com/

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! We've also been featured in multiple media outlets including Legacy Magazine, U.S. Veterans Magazine, The American MilSpouse, VeteranCrowd Network, It's a Military Life,
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

129: "At the time, I didn't think I could love anyone enough to self sacrifice." Studying the career-oriented military spouse pursuing education for career advancement with Melody Agbisit Dec 08, 2021

Show notes

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129: "At the time, I didn't think I could love anyone enough to self sacrifice." Studying the career-oriented military spouse pursuing education for career advancement with Melody Agbisit

Melody Agbisit never wanted to be a military spouse, despite doing a dissertation on the lived experience of the career-oriented military spouse pursuing education for career advancement. Despite having grown up in a military household to eventually becoming a therapist supporting the military spouse in research and practice, she didn't expect to meet her husband while preparing to defend her dissertation. She reflects on her mother's strength and resiliency as a career-oriented military spouse, the immigrant family's perspective on joining the military, the common theme of 'self-sacrifice,' her love to build up others, and much more.

Connect with Melody at https://www.instagram.com/melomahalo/

Listen to Melody's last interview with Jen Amos on The Filipino American Woman Project Ep. 119: "It's important to hear that you matter." Cultural alignment, making mental health accessible, & bringing Fil-Ams back to the Philippines with Melody Agbisit https://www.tfawproject.com/episode/119

For our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/1271e485f1f0/holdingdownthefort

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynne@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

This show is sponsored by US VetWealth

Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/
Or listen to Holding Down the Fort's sister show, The Spouse Benefit Plan, at http://thespousebenefitplan.com/

September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

128: "I move a lot and that's okay." Being a third culture kid and creating stories for military-connected families with Shermaine Perry-Knights Dec 06, 2021

Show notes

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128: "I move a lot and that's okay." Being a third culture kid and creating stories for military-connected families with Shermaine Perry-Knights

Shermaine Perry-Knights is an award-winning facilitator, project manager, speaker, author, and a proud military kid. Being raised as a third culture kid, she shares how she cringes whenever she's asked, "Where are you from?" Shermaine shares how she continues to strive for a mindset of growing and evolving, how she teaches others about resiliency, how her mother taught her the meaning of home, how her books can be used as a conversation tool amongst military families, and much more.

For a short video clip of the episode, visit https://youtu.be/FbDSMX5irDc

Connect with Shermaine

Website: http://booksformilitaryfamilies.com
Purchase I Move A Lot and That's Okay and her other books at https://www.amazon.com/author/shermaineperry
https://www.facebook.com/amazinglyshermaine
https://www.instagram.com/amazinglyshermaine

For our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/1271e485f1f0/holdingdownthefort

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynne@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

This show is sponsored by US VetWealth

Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/
Or listen to Holding Down the Fort's sister show, The Spouse Benefit Plan, at http://thespousebenefitplan.com/

September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

127: "You are perfect even while in progress." Self care and life lessons of a military spouse with Mariavictoria Caldona Bennett Dec 01, 2021

Show notes

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127: "You are perfect even while in progress." Self care and life lessons of a military spouse with Mariavictoria Caldona Bennett

Mariavictoria Caldona Bennett reflects on her journey as a military spouse as her husband is nearing a decade of service. She shares the importance of mental health, pursuing your passions, professional networking, future plans to open up a nonprofit with her husband, and much more.

Connect with Mariavictoria Caldona Bennett

For our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/1271e485f1f0/holdingdownthefort

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynne@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

This show is sponsored by US VetWealth

Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/
Or listen to Holding Down the Fort's sister show, The Spouse Benefit Plan, at http://thespousebenefitplan.com/

126: "Asking for support does not mean that you are failing to support your own community." The deployment journey and being a late career spouse with Jayla Rae Ardelean Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

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126: "Asking for support does not mean that you are failing to support your own community." The deployment journey and being a late career spouse with Jayla Rae Ardelean

MilSpouse Mentor, Speaker and writer Jayla Rae Ardelean candidly joins us while in "the pit" of her husband's deployment. She shares how she chronicles her entire deployment journey on the Heart of a MilSpouse podcast, how she's been able to revive her love for writing, what it means to be a "Late Career Spouse," what really attracted her to her husband, and much more.

Connect with Jayla Rae

Website: https://www.jaylarae.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mil.spouse/
Email: hello@jaylarae.com
Podcast: https://www.jaylarae.com/podcast

Has your spouse deployed? And you find yourself unfocused and emotionally reeling? Get Jayla Rae's Free Guide titled, "Deployment Tool Kit," at https://www.jaylarae.com/deploymentkit

For our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/1271e485f1f0/holdingdownthefort

Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynne@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/

This show is sponsored by US VetWealth

Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/
Or listen to Holding Down the Fort's sister show, The Spouse Benefit Plan, at http://thespousebenefitplan.com/

September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

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