Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth

Latest Episodes:

164: "I've realized that, after I retire, there's a whole new world out there to explore and redefine myself." After the JAG Corps with Tom Welsh - Part 2 of 2 Nov 02, 2023

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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164: "I've realized that, after I retire, there's a whole new world out there to explore and redefine myself." After the JAG Corps with Tom Welsh - Part 2 of 2

Jen Amos invites her guest co-host, Scott R. Tucker, for a two-part interview with After the JAG Corps podcast host, Tom Welsh. For this final interview, Tom shares how his views on post-military life are changing. He now sees opportunities to explore and redefine himself.

Tom explains how working with US VetWealth allows him to take ownership of financial planning earlier and explains why earning additional income is crucial. He shares how he discussed privatizing his pension with his wife, his thoughts on saving for retirement, and his own retirement plans.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b3dp8BV_1P0

Connect with Tom Welsh and Subscribe to his podcast

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Do you want to do more than “follow orders,” think outside of the box, and manifest your dreams? Then you’ve come to the right show! The award-winning podcast, Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth, is returning for Season 7 to highlight motivational stories of personal growth, financial awareness, and autonomy in our military community. The show is hosted by Jen Amos, a Gold Star daughter, Veteran Spouse, and Entrepreneur.

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

Our main sponsor US VetWealth is proud to offer a FREE Retiree Appraisal to help military retirees make a confident and informed decision on the Survivor Benefit Plan and Thrift Savings Plan. Get a comprehensive understanding and financial valuation of your time in service today by visiting: https://usvetwealth.com/usvw-appraisal/

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. 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...
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

163: "You're probably in the best place of your life once you find out that people will pay you for something you enjoy doing." Scaling Jacob Mousseau's hobby into a business Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

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163: "You're probably in the best place of your life once you find out that people will pay you for something you enjoy doing." Scaling Jacob Mousseau's hobby into a business

Have you ever thought about scaling a long-time hobby into a full-time business? Founder and CEO of Wounded Woodworkers Jacob Mousseau definitely has.

Jen Amos listens to Jacob Mousseau share his journey of starting a woodworking hobby club 8 years ago after leaving the military earlier than expected. He found woodworking to be therapeutic for himself and other veterans. However, the club had to stop meeting in person when safety and liability concerns arose. This prompted Jacob to shift his focus to creating personalized gifts with laser engraving.

After graduating from The Rosie Network's 2023 Service2CEO program, he started to consider how growing his hobby into a business can increase his impact and donations to nonprofits supporting veterans. At the same time, he finds himself at a crossroads as he works a full-time job and values prioritizing his family responsibilities. Listen in while Jacob shares his hopes to generate enough revenue to hire help and continue donating to nonprofits while sustaining a work-life balance.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wS31iTqVTK0

Connect with Jacob Mousseau and Wounded Woodworkers

Email: wounded.woodworkers@gmail.com
Website: https://woundedwoodworkers.org
https://www.linkedin.com/company/woundedwoodworkers
https://www.facebook.com/wounded.woodworkers
https://www.youtube.com/@woundedwoodworkers
https://www.instagram.com/wounded_woodworkers/

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing 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

162: "Opportunities are not just going to present themselves to you like some kind of Hallmark movie." After the JAG Corps with Tom Welsh - Part 1 of 2 Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

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162: "Opportunities are not just going to present themselves to you like some kind of Hallmark movie." After the JAG Corps with Tom Welsh - Part 1 of 2

Jen Amos invites her guest co-host, Scott R. Tucker, for a two-part interview with After the JAG Corps podcast host, Tom Welsh. Tom opens by sharing his motivation to share success stories of judge advocates separating or retiring from the military. He credits Scott for his advice early on to "start talking because no one is listening." In ending part one of his interview, Tom hints at the importance of networking as part of your career progression strategy.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u7XWcOrsnak

Connect with Tom Welsh and Subscribe to his podcast

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. 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...
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

161: "You only get one life to live. Whatever brings you life and energy, do it." Dr. Kenneth Gay's complementary careers in the military and education Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

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161: "You only get one life to live. Whatever brings you life and energy, do it." Dr. Kenneth Gay's complementary careers in the military and education

Have you ever found unexpected inspiration from a movie that led you to make a significant career choice? For Dr. Kenneth Gay, it was the 1989 film "Lean On Me" starring Morgan Freeman.

Jen Amos speaks with the Founder and CEO of Kenneth Gay Education, LLC. Dr. Kenneth Gay to learn about how he works in education while being a newly promoted Colonel in the United States Army Reserves. Ken is also a 2022 Service2CEO Alumni and the Alumni Program Lead at The Rosie Network.

Ken shares how he started his military career to help pay for college. Inspired by Morgan Freeman's role in the film "Lean On Me," he worked his way up from teacher to principal and central office positions. Then, with the help of The Rosie Network, he learned to apply his experience from his education and military career to creating his company, which provides social-emotional learning training to the most challenging schools in the country. In addition to his work with The Rosie Network, Ken is also the Board President of 3KRG Investment Group.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VSeABM6N1m8

Connect with Dr. Kenneth Gay

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox 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

160: "I did what anybody else would have done. I said, 'Okay, I am going to fix this.'" Transition Support Beyond the Legacy Programs with Mike Wallace - Part 2 of 2 Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

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160: "I did what anybody else would have done. I said, 'Okay, I am going to fix this.'" Transition Support Beyond the Legacy Programs with Mike Wallace - Part 2 of 2

Jen Amos invites her guest co-host, Scott R. Tucker, to interview US VetWealth's favorite military retiree advocate, Mike Wallace from Bluewater Advisors, for a two-part interview. For this final part of the interview, Scott commends Mike for setting his members up for success by teaching them the basics of networking. They also discuss resources on how military retirees can create their own customized career paths for post-military life.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Apfk97bplEE

Connect with Mike Wallace and Bluewater Advisors

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. 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...
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

159: "Care like I care." How Cyle Adair Builds An Amazing Company Culture Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

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159: "Care like I care." How Cyle Adair Builds An Amazing Company Culture

How much do you think one's background, like growing up in a military family and living in multiple countries, influences their approach to entrepreneurship and leadership? We find out with the Founder and CEO of Transcend Translation and The Rosie Network Alumni Cyle Adair.

Jen Amos speaks with Cyle to hear about his experiences living in various places around the world due to his military background. When he served in the Army and was deployed to Iraq, he helped manage interpreters and developed skills to communicate cross-culturally - not realizing how this short-term assignment would lead to something greater later on. After leaving the military, he worked for various companies before getting into the language translation industry. He was a co-owner of a translation company. Then, he eventually leaves to start Transcend Translation. Reflecting the fast growth of his two-year-old company, Cyle emphasizes building a strong company culture where employees feel that they contribute and care about the work.

This interview is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/urOL2gXubOw

Connect with Cyle Adair

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. In August 2022, Jen Amos' work on...
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

158: "The single thing that's worse than having no intel is bad intel." Transition Support Beyond the Legacy Programs with Mike Wallace - Part 1 of 2 Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

157: "I perceive failures as valuable chances for growth and as vital steps on the path to achieving success." The Meditative Epiphany of LaToya Westbrook Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

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157: "I perceive failures as valuable chances for growth and as vital steps on the path to achieving success." The Meditative Epiphany of LaToya Westbrook

Have you ever had a spiritual or transformational experience that significantly altered the course of your life?

Jen Amos speaks with U.S. Army Combat Veteran and Founder of SoHi Healing, LaToya Westbrook's remarkable journey, from her decision to join the military to escape a challenging childhood to her battle with PTSD and substance abuse following her deployment in Afghanistan. Learn how a spiritual awakening guided her toward becoming a certified sound practitioner and mindfulness coach. She also discusses her role within The Rosie Network, where she serves as a 2021 Service2CEO Graduate, Alumni, and Southeast Region Chapter Lead. Listen to the transformative power of LaToya's meditation, yoga, and sound healing practices, and find inspiration to embark on a similar journey of self-improvement.

This interview is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vg9mt_ZKs_Q

Contact SoHi Healing

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. In August 2022, Jen...
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

156: "Ask for help. Veterans love helping other veterans. Veterans love helping future veterans." Trevor Maxwell Reinvents Himself After 20 Years of Service - Part 2 of 2 Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

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156: "Ask for help. Veterans love helping other veterans. Veterans love helping future veterans." Trevor Maxwell Reinvents Himself After 20 Years of Service - Part 2 of 2

Jen Amos welcomes her US VetWealth colleague and Creator of Military Money Mistakes, Trevor Maxwell, into a two-part interview. In this final part, Trevor provides details about his program, Military Money Mistakes. He explains that it stems from realizing how much money he potentially wasted earlier in his career by not being smart with finances. He wants to help prevent other veterans from making the same mistakes.

They also discuss the importance of including and educating military spouses. Trevor explains strategies for communicating information to spouses and overcoming skepticism. Jen and Trevor agree it's an ongoing challenge to make information accessible to spouses. Trevor ends by encouraging veterans to ask for help during their transition and to utilize available resources.

This conversation is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DYzi4Xvm93U

Connect with Trevor Maxwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorcmaxwell/

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. 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...
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

155: "Every single story in history has a human story behind it." Dawn Bryant's story of becoming an accidental entrepreneur and tour guide Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

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155: "Every single story in history has a human story behind it." Dawn Bryant's story of becoming an accidental entrepreneur and tour guide

Have you ever relocated to a new place, and yearned for someone to help you uncover the hidden gems of your new community? If you're new in D.C., the Founder and Owner of Dawn The Tour Guide, Dawn Bryant, is at your service!

Jen Amos speaks with Dawn Bryant to hear about her experiences as an Active Duty Military Spouse, Certified Professional Tour Guide, and 2020 Service2CEO Graduate of The Rosie Network.

Dawn started her tour guide business during the 2020 global pandemic. After her original tour guide job was canceled, she saw an opportunity to offer tours to military families who were new to the area and unable to explore due to the lockdown. She believes that her life experiences such as homeschooling her son and traveling due to the military, had prepared her for a career in tour guiding. As a Certified Professional Tour Guide, she emphasizes the importance of interpreting history for her tour guests and putting the human element back into stories. She encourages listeners to think outside the box for career opportunities and shares the benefits of the tour guide industry for military spouses.

This conversation is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xiEy869Jjpw

Connect with Dawn The Tour Guide

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

Our main sponsor US VetWealth is proud to offer a FREE Retiree Appraisal to help military retirees make a confident and informed decision on the Survivor Benefit Plan and Thrift Savings Plan. Get a comprehensive...
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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