Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth

Latest Episodes:

108: “When you're really grateful for the blessings in your life, you give.” Talking in stories and combat heroes books with Jerry Barnes Sep 20, 2021

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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108: “When you're really grateful for the blessings in your life, you give.” Talking in stories and combat heroes books with Jerry Barnes

Veteran, long-time Virginian resident, and author Jerry Barnes returns to update us on his latest manuscript, share a snapshot of his satisfying life, and a teaser on some upcoming stories.

Listen to our last conversation from Ep. 70: https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/070

Find all of Jerry’s available and upcoming books at http://combatsurvivorheroes.com/

For a clip of Jerry's recognition at the Cincinnati Reds New York Mets game: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lpipZGOFz90mwJZb3qsh6YEAsPHY9KPj/view?usp=sharing

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

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

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth - Protect and Leverage Your Wealth with The War Chest Strategy™. Schedule your FREE consultation call today at https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-strategy/

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, Military Veteran Dad Podcast, and much more.

Enjoy our show? Kindly leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
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

107: “With no understanding of what being a military spouse was going to be like, I had to learn to reach out, network and be self sufficient.” MilSpouseFest with Julie P. Shepard Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

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107: “With no understanding of what being a military spouse was going to be like, I had to learn to reach out, network and be self sufficient.” MilSpouseFest with Julie P. Shepard

Navy spouse of 25 years, mom of two, and the new director of MilSpouseFest Julie P. Shepard is all about building community for our military families. She shares her involvement with MilSpouseFest before becoming the new director, the self sufficiency she quickly learned when she was a new spouse, her children education advocacy work, and much more.

Join Jen, Jenny Lynne and Julie at the MilSpouseFest Make Dreams Reality Hampton Roads on Thursday, September 16th, 2021! For more details and for upcoming MilSpouseFest events, visit https://milspousefest.com/events/upcoming-events/

For our latest news: https://mailchi.mp/7c78d1e59676/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

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

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth - Protect and Leverage Your Wealth with The War Chest Strategy™. Schedule your FREE consultation call today at https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-strategy/

BONUS: "There are memories that you can't get from anywhere else. So it's understandable when veterans feel very lost." Remembering 9/11 with Jen, Jenny Lynne and Scott Sep 11, 2021

Show notes

BONUS: "There are memories that you can't get from anywhere else. So it's understandable when veterans feel very lost." Remembering 9/11 with Jen, Jenny Lynne and Scott

Today, we honor these last 20 years and all of the sacrifices that have been made. Jen Amos, Jenny Lynne Stroup, and Scott R. Tucker have a candid conversation to observe and remember 9/11. They recall what they were doing when 9/11 happened, when they stopped watching the news, how the past influences the work they do today, how we can heal from a 20-year conflict, and much more.

We look forward to seeing you at MilSpouseFest Make Dreams Reality Hampton Roads on Thursday, September 16th, 2021 @ 9 AM or 5 PM (EDT)! Read more and register today at https://mailchi.mp/7c78d1e59676/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

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

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth - Protect and Leverage Your Wealth with The War Chest Strategy™. Schedule your FREE consultation call today at https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-strategy/

Enjoy our show? Kindly leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/30SJ7NW, Podchaser https://bit.ly/3dnCacY, or write a LinkedIn Recommendation for Jen https://bit.ly/3jNobzB

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

106: "Financial planning needs to be a conversation, not death by PowerPoint or information by firehose." A candid discussion on long-term financial planning with Jenny Lynne Stroup and Scott R. Tucker Sep 06, 2021

Show notes

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Jenny Lynne Stroup joins US VetWealth's husband-and-wife team Jen Amos and Scott R. Tucker to have an open discussion on long-term financial planning amongst military couples. They discuss why long-term financial planning is rarely part of a military family's day-to-day conversation, prioritizing the service member's pay raise, how money is spent when you have more resources, and much more.

Connect with Scott R. Tucker https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrtucker/

For a replay on Jen & Scott's most recent webinar, Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment: https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/

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

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

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth - Protect and Leverage Your Wealth with The War Chest Strategy™. Schedule your FREE consultation call today at https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-strategy/

Enjoy our show? Kindly
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

105: "I live and breath by my calendar. Doing this is my self care." Blue Star Families of Dayton & Southwestern Ohio and caregiving in military families with Dr. Geri Lynn Maples Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

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105: "I live and breath by my calendar. Doing this is my self care." Blue Star Families of Dayton & Southwestern Ohio and caregiving in military families with Dr. Geri Lynn Maples

Dr. Geri Lynn Maples from Ep. 56, returns to the show! Geri & Jen reflect on Blue Star Families of Dayton's Empowering Milkids Resources Fair from last April. Geri shares the latest updates and events with the (now named) Blue Star Families of Dayton & Southwestern Ohio, her continuous advocacy work for Caregiving in Military Families, how she incorporates self care into her busy schedule, and much more.

Resources:

Replay of the Blue Star Families of Dayton's Empowering Milkids Resources Fair April 2021: https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/bonus-military-appreciation-month-jen-amos
Geri's first interview with us (Ep. 56): https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/056
Order a copy of Geri's recently released book, Finding Creativity in your Caregiver Journey: Creativity Along the Unseen Heroes Journey, at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-creativity-in-your-caregiver-journey-dr-geri-lynn-maples/1138900665
SPECIAL REPORT - Caregiving In Military Families - June 2021 - https://bluestarfam.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BSF_RCI_Caregiving_Report_2021.pdf

Read our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/c9bd25188243/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

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

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth - Protect and Leverage Your Wealth with The War Chest Strategy™. Schedule your FREE consultation call today at https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-strategy/

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...
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

BONUS: "Seeing Afghanistan in the condition that it's in now just brings up more questions than answers and a lot of feelings." Thoughts on current events with Jenny Lynne Stroup and Jenn Whitmer Aug 27, 2021

Show notes

BONUS: "Seeing Afghanistan in the condition that it's in now just brings up more questions than answers and a lot of feelings." Thoughts on current events with Jenny Lynne Stroup and Jenn Whitmer

Jen Amos, Jenny Lynne Stroup and upcoming guest Jenn Whitmer share their thoughts, raw reactions, and action steps on the current situation in Afghanistan.

To continue the conversation, connect with Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com, Jenny Lynne Stroup jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com or Jenn Whitmer https://jennwhitmer.com/ Stay tuned for Jenn's upcoming conversation with us!

Listen to our previous, relevant conversation: "It's another human being on the other side of this." Same team and mutual risk with Ahmad Shah Sa’ed and Matthew Stroup https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/bonus-military-appreciation-month-saed-stroup

Read all about our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/c9bd25188243/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

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

Sponsored by US VetWealth - Protect and Leverage Your Wealth with The War Chest Strategy™. Schedule your FREE consultation call today at https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-strategy/

Enjoy our show? Kindly leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/30SJ7NW, Podchaser https://bit.ly/3dnCacY, or write a LinkedIn Recommendation for Jen https://bit.ly/3jNobzB

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

104: "Acknowledge the loss that may have propelled you to seek out something new to begin with." Vets2Industry MilSpouse Mixer Keynote Speech by Jen Amos Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

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104: "Acknowledge the loss that may have propelled you to seek out something new to begin with." Vets2Industry MilSpouse Mixer Keynote Speech by Jen Amos

Listen to the replay of Jen's Keynote Speech, "A New Normal. A New You," from the Vets2Industry's Military Spouse Mixer on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 2 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT). Jen gives a snapshot of her personal and work life, as well as her take on new beginnings for military families.

For the video version of the keynote speech: https://youtu.be/WK0wQcflNHI

For the full replay of the Vets2Industry's MilSpouse Mixer: https://youtu.be/0XzFSrkjFBg

Learn more about Vets2Industry's upcoming events: https://vets2industry.org/events-page/

For our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/74d56c8599ef/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

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

Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com

Sponsored by US VetWealth - Protect and Leverage Your Wealth with The War Chest Strategy™. Schedule your FREE consultation call today at https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-strategy/

103: "We all are seasoned in various ways. Every spouse has something important and valuable to share." Letters of Encouragement for Military Spouses with Lizann Lightfoot Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

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103: "We all are seasoned in various ways. Every spouse has something important and valuable to share." Letters of Encouragement for Military Spouses with Lizann Lightfoot

She's known as “The Seasoned Spouse," a professional writer, mother of five, and she's a returning guest: Lizann Lightfoot! We catch up with Lizann and her incredible journey in writing her book, Open When: Letters of Encouragement for Military Spouses. With seasonedspouse.com, Lizann has become an inspiration to young military spouses, and she aspires to give them motivation and encouragement as they're moving through the early stages of their military lives.

Episode Highlights:

Lizann's journey on writing her book, Open When: Letters of Encouragement for Military Spouses
A blog dedicated to young spouses
The power of sharing your story
The importance of community support to both seasoned and young spouses
Two things that people are looking for in challenging situations
We're not alone, we don't have to do life alone, and you shouldn't do life alone.
Would Lizann have chosen a different life?

Key Points:

Be open about your journey because sharing your journey may help other people that might be in a similar situation
Seasoned spouses need just as much support as young military spouses
There are two things that people are looking for in challenging situations: empathy and connection.

Connect with Lizann:

Open When: Letters of Encouragement for Military Spouses https://tinyurl.com/OpenWhenAmazon
Ep. 17 Interview: https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/lizann-lightfoot
https://seasonedspouse.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SeasonedSpouseBlog/
https://twitter.com/seasonedspouse
https://www.instagram.com/theseasonedspouse/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizann-lightfoot/

Our latest updates (including Jen's Vets2Industy Keynote Speech): https://mailchi.mp/74d56c8599ef/holdingdownthefort

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

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

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

102: "Strength is the common thread that we develop in this military life over and over again." Education, resources and community with Wendi Iacobello Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

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102: "Strength is the common thread that we develop in this military life over and over again." Education, resources and community with Wendi Iacobello

Wendi Iacobello is a military spouse, mom to a toddler boy, blogger, freelance writer, published author, and curriculum consultant. She spent almost 10 years in the public education sector before becoming a military spouse. These days, you can usually find her chasing around her active toddler and exploring all the local finds at her duty station. She's passionate about her advocacies in helping the military community, especially the spouses, to find and connect with available resources through her articles.

Connect with Wendi:

Episode Highlights:

Wendi's 10-year journey in public education
Wendi's freelance writing career for military community
The evolution of the Strength for spouses website
The new Parent Support Program and some recommended resources for military spouses - https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/fort-sill/military-and-family-support-center/new-parent-support-program
The importance of being outside for mental health and physical health
An advocate for military couples who have lost a baby or undergoing infertility treatment

Key Points:

Go out and connect with your community because, in those communities, you're able to find those relevant resources that are trustworthy.
Find ways that work for you to exercise and go outside because it is important for your mental health and physical health.
Explore your community outside and think of different ways to develop your inner strength in this life, and let your passions guide you to your purpose.

Military spouses are not just looking for a job—they are looking for a calling. Join us for this webinar so you can learn how to start a business, become self-employed, and maximize your military financial benefits. All attendees will get a free toolkit. Scott Tucker and Jen Amos from US VetWealth will present a new and useful toolkit for military spouses who are seeking agile and purposeful employment on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 12:00 PM (EDT). Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment-tickets-164542684599

Check out our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/74d56c8599ef/holdingdownthefort

Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter
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

101: "My first piece of advice is to not rely on social media to be your main form of news consumption." Media literacy with Kara Handley Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

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101: "My first piece of advice is to not rely on social media to be your main form of news consumption." Media literacy with Kara Handley

AD Navy Public Affairs Officer, Navy Spouse, and San Diego State University Graduate Student Kara Handley shares her knowledge and experiences with media literacy, and why education in this space is so important for children, service members, and their families especially with the social dilemma that most of us are experiencing.

Connect with Kara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-handley-apr-m-35974788/

Episode Highlights:

What is media literacy education and its importance
Resources available to parents to get media literacy education
Why did it take so long for us to finally start with media literacy education?
The immediate call to actions for our military families
Common mistakes that people do without a critical understanding of media literacy

Key Points:

Media literacy is the ability to access and analyze media messages to drill down and know what the intent is.
The biggest suggestion to tackle the social dilemma that we are facing is to educate children and adults with media literacy.
Do not rely on your social media feed to be your main form of news consumption. Fact-check the information from verified news sources and make sure to get different opinions.

Media Literacy Resources

International Research and Exchanges Board Resources - The International Research & Exchanges Board is an international, nonprofit organization that specializes in global education and development. https://www.irex.org/
National Association for Media Literacy Education - the leading nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing media literacy education in the United States. https://namle.net/
News Literacy Project - The News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan national education nonprofit, provides programs and resources for educators and the public to teach, learn and share the abilities needed to be smart, active consumers of news and information and equal and engaged participants in a democracy. https://newslit.org/
Checkology -- free online learning platform for news literacy. https://get.checkology.org/
Get Smart Newsletter -- provides and debunks current examples of misinformation https://newslit.org/get-smart-newsletters/
Informable - free media literacy skills-based gaming app https://informable.newslit.org/
Is That a Fact? Podcast -- News Literacy Project’s podcast https://newslit.org/podcast/
Media Literacy Now - Media Literacy Now is leading the grassroots movement to create a public education system that ensures all students learn the 21st-century literacy skills they need for health,...
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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