The Rosie Network’s Founder and CEO, Stephanie Brown, shares her experience with the Survivor Benefit Plan after the passing of her late husband, Tom, who served over 30 years of active duty in the Navy as an officer, retiring as a Rear Admiral.

Check out Stephanie’s last interview, Ep. 200:

About The Rosie Network:

The Rosie Network is a non-profit organization founded by military spouse Stephanie Brown after spending hours searching online for a contractor to do repair work on her home. Preferring to hire a veteran, a vision was born to promote military family-owned businesses to the American public. Shortly after, Rosie’s List was launched, the first-of-its-kind search tool featuring verified veteran- and military-spouse-owned businesses. Understanding the complex needs of small businesses, the Service2CEO Program was developed to educate and empower the next generation of military-connected entrepreneurs!

Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniebrown/

Jen shares candid updates and reflections since late summer about online networking events, what’s next for the podcast, progress on her upcoming book, and more!

For military-connected online networking events, you can check out Episode 216.

As of now, Jen’s objective for this podcast season is to offer education, resources, and perspectives from the private and nonprofit sectors to encourage our seasoned spouses and retirees to expand their choices and options beyond the military for their next chapter as civilians.

If you’re interested in networking with Jen because this message resonates with you, please reach out! Connect with Jen on LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/jenamos or send an email. (It’s highly encouraged that you read the preview of my upcoming book before reaching out!)

The first chapter of The Military Spouse Benefit Plan is available now!

If you’ve already downloaded the Introduction, you’ll be emailed the first chapter soon. If you haven’t downloaded the Introduction yet, then what are you waiting for? It’s free (and I won’t take it personally if you unsubscribe from future emails—yes, I do that, too, lol)! Download now by visiting: https://jenusvetwealth.gumroad.com/l/msbp/SUBSTACK

Jen shares a snippet from Scott R. Tucker’s book, Don’t Forget Your War Chest, for military retirees seeking an alternative solution to the Survivor Benefit Plan.

Jen’s upcoming book, The Military Spouse Benefit Plan, addresses the same topic for military spouses seeking a confident and informed decision about the Survivor Benefit Plan.

The Introduction of The Military Spouse Benefit Plan and a free PDF of Don’t Forget Your Chest (for ranks E9, O5, and O6) is now available at: https://jenusvetwealth.gumroad.com/l/msbp/SUBSTACK

Free Download to the Introduction to Jen’s upcoming book, The Military Spouse Benefit Plan — https://jenusvetwealth.gumroad.com/l/msbp/SUBSTACK

Whether you're a long-time or first-time listener, this episode brings you up to date on Jen’s journey from a Gold Star daughter to veteran spouse, podcaster, and soon-to-be author of a book about military spouses making a confident and informed decision about the Survivor Benefit Plan.

Resources Mentioned

* National Military Podcast Day (OCT 05) — https://nationaltoday.com/national-military-podcast-day/

* Veteran Podcast Awards — https://veteranpodcastawards.com/

* Important Update on Veteran Podcast Awards — https://www.linkedin.com/posts/parade-deck_activity-7379983896769167361-neDy/

* Subscribe to Scott R. Tucker’s live show, Military Retirement Blueprint by US VetWealth, with co-host and CEO of Blue Water Advisors Mike Wallace — https://www.youtube.com/@USVWTV/streams

* Blue Water Advisors — https://bluewater-advisors.com/

Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth is back, and we answer the big question, “Jen, where have you been???”

This upcoming fall season is dedicated to seasoned spouses preparing for military transition.

Together, we’ll explore what happens when we stop following orders and start choosing what comes next. Because you, too, are retiring — and now, it’s your turn to own what’s next.

The Introduction to Jen’s upcoming book, The Military Spouse Benefit Plan, is now available — along with a free copy of Scott R. Tucker’s book, Don’t Forget Your War Chest. Simply visit: https://jenusvetwealth.gumroad.com/l/msbp/SUBSTACK

Shoutouts & Resources Mentioned:

Internet Marketing Training Center — IMTC is an approved participating provider of My Military (Spouse) Career Advancement Account (MyCAA), which is a component of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program (SECO). Learn more at https://imtcva.org/military-page/

Vets2Industry’s Monthly Networking Circuit — V2I is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting service members, veterans, and their families by connecting them with free educational resources, mentors, and career tools. Born from lived experience, our mission is to ensure no veteran ever feels alone during or after their transition. https://vets2industry.org/monthly-networking-circuit/

Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University — IVMF at Syracuse University is committed to supporting veterans and their families as they navigate their entrepreneurial journey. Arm yourself for entrepreneurship success with the IVMF’s arsenal of programs. https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/getting-started/

VETSOCIAL25 - This virtual conference is for you whether you are a still-serving military service member, veteran, military spouse, or a veteran. https://veteransocialsummit.com

Post-Veterati - Post-Veterati is the digital Military-Community mentorship platform that empowers transitioning service members, military spouses, and U.S. Veterans to choose unlimited mentors to talk about employment, education, entrepreneurship, and beyond. https://www.post-veterati.org

Welcome to Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth

I’m your host, Jen Amos, a Gold Star daughter, veteran spouse, and upcoming author.

This season is dedicated to our seasoned spouses preparing for military transition.

Together, we’ll explore what happens when we stop following orders and start choosing what comes next.

Because you, too, are retiring.

And now… It’s your turn.

Let’s get started.

214: Jen Amos wraps up Season 9 with gratitude

Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qeXZu6FrNys

And that's a wrap for Season 9 of Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth! As Jen focuses on other business endeavors, she expresses how she found this short season very gratifying. She reflects on why she started the show in the summer of 2019 and how her motivations have evolved throughout the seasons. She addresses a commonly asked question about her personal story and association with the military. She expresses gratitude and invites the listener to stay in touch with "Inside the Fort by US VetWealth" at https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

SEASON 10 AIRS FALL 2025! Until then, take care and happy holidays, all!

MENTIONED RESOURCES

• 027: Gold Star Daughter Jen Amos Returns to the Military Community 20+ Years Later After Losing Her Father https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/027
• 047: Season 3 Trailer of Holding Down the Fort Podcast with Gold Star Daughter, Veteran Spouse and Host Jen Amos https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/047
• BONUS: "The families of our fallen deserve to have their loved one's story told and preserved for future generations." Gold Star Family's Day with Dennis Schroader https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/bonus-2021-09-26
• 109: "You can support someone, but ultimately, they have to want to get that help themselves." Gold Star Families and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with Leslie McCaddon https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/109
• Silent Soul: The MM1 Alfonso Apdal Amos Story (The Price of Freedom Chronicles - Cold War Era) https://priceoffreedomfoundation.org/alfonso-apdal-amos
• Public presentation MM1 Alfonso Apdal Amos' book https://www.facebook.com/share/p/e7S55XLYUt9Nw4js/

As of Fall 2025, we have revamped our site! So if any episodes or links seem to be missing, don't hesitate to contact Jen at jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

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Our main sponsor, US VetWealth, proudly offers Life Insurance and Annuity Strategies for The High-Income Military Retiree. Let's help you capitalize on your above-average health and substantial income-earning potential for post-military life. Free military retirement calculator is available at https://usvetwealth.com/

SHOW'S HISTORY FROM SEP 2023 to NOV 2024:

For Season 8 and 9, we showcased our partnership with Blue Water Advisors who brings needed change to our Veteran Senior Leaders, One Career Progression at a Time. Learn more at https://www.bluewater-advisors.com/

For Seasons 7, 8, and 9 (from episodes 152 to 214), the show partnered with The Rosie Network to showcase Service2CEO Graduates. Read more at

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

213: Resilience, Growth, and Community Building with Keyani Washington & Kenneth Gay

Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/byx1FJGPh0c

Jen Amos checks in with past guests from The Rosie Network, Keyani Washington and Kenneth Gay. Together, they share their experiences, challenges, and rewarding moments in helping military-connected entrepreneurs through the Service2CEO program. They share updates on their business endeavors, and they highlight the benefits of leveraging opportunities like podcasts for marketing purposes.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• 153: "Put on your freaking shoes and walk." Keyani Washington's Journey From Hairstylist to Skin & Hair Wellness https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/153
• 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 https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/161

As of Fall 2025, we have revamped our site! So if any episodes or links seem to be missing, don't hesitate to contact Jen at jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

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Our main sponsor, US VetWealth, proudly offers Life Insurance and Annuity Strategies for The High-Income Military Retiree. Let's help you capitalize on your above-average health and substantial income-earning potential for post-military life. Free military retirement calculator is available at https://usvetwealth.com/

SHOW'S HISTORY FROM SEP 2023 to NOV 2024:

For Season 8 and 9, we showcased our partnership with Blue Water Advisors who brings needed change to our Veteran Senior Leaders, One Career Progression at a Time. Learn more at https://www.bluewater-advisors.com/

For Seasons 7, 8, and 9 (from episodes 152 to 214), the show partnered with The Rosie Network to showcase Service2CEO Graduates. Read more at https://www.flipsnack.com/5C757FD6AED/military-entrepreneur-magazine-spring-2025/full-view.html?p=39

RECOGNITION:

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, former co-host 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 & Organizations category. In November 2021, the show was an Award Finalist for the 5th Annual National Veteran & Military Spouse Entrepreneur Awards. December 2021, the show was a Golden Crane Podcast Awards Nominee. September 2022, the show was a Finalist for the 13th Annual Plutus Awards presented by Capital Group for “Best Military Personal Finance...

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