Happy September 🍂
Lots of things are going on this month — so let’s just get right into it!
General Updates
VETSOCIAL 26
It’s already Day 2 of the 2026 Veteran Social, and wow! I’m learning so much! I’ll be highlighting some of my favorite talks on my LinkedIn profile. I plan to re-share more relevant content from amazing people in and for our community. And if you’re already having FOMO with VETSOCIAL, replays are available here.
I’m Currently Unavailable
I’m hard to get a hold of. It’s true. I have a lot going on behind the scenes that requires my undivided attention. My priority is my book and my work, and if either is useful to you, you can always schedule a Discovery Call (i.e., strategy call) with my company today. I'll address all other messages at my earliest convenience. Thank you in advance for your understanding!
As I said, there’s a lot going on for our military community this month! Here are a few things I want to highlight.
Holidays and Events to Highlight this Month of September
September 11 — Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance
I’ll always remember where I was when 9/11 happened... Today, I honor it more deeply as the spouse and business partner of a post-9/11 veteran. Also, being part of the CrossFit community, where I tend to work out with a lot of first responders. Locally, the Norfolk Fire-Rescue is continuing its annual 9/11 Memorial Star Climb, climbing 110 stories to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11. Hosted by the Norfolk Fire Foundation at Norfolk Scope Arena.
September 18 — U.S. Air Force Birthday
Commemorating the creation of the United States Air Force as an independent military branch on September 18, 1947. Although I have no affiliation with this branch, many of our clients have served in the Air Force. Shout-out to our partners at Blue Water Advisors and CEO Mike Wallace, a retired Naval Aviator after 29 years of service, for the incredible work they’re doing with our retirees and their career progression. Learn more about their upcoming cohort taking place in Annapolis with the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation!
September 27 — Gold Star Mothers and Families Day
Of course, being a Gold Star daughter myself, I always want to bring light to our Gold Star Families, I want to recognize the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Organization, which will be hosting it’s 4th Annual TAPS Gold Star Families Advocacy Week and Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C. Surviving spouses and families who want to advocate to end the remarriage penalty, increase the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), allow surviving young adults to remain on their parent’s healthcare policy up to age 26, and treat suicide as a presumptive service-connected death can participate from September 21 - 24, 2026.
Additionally, I want to give a shout out to The Price of Freedom Foundation’s Founder, Dennis E. Schroader Sr., for his recent interview with the HomeFront Sitrep Podcast about preserving the complete life stories of America's Fallen.
Accepting Scholarship Applications until Oct. 1st
The Champions of Valor Scholarship Program continues to accept applications this month! Check out our most recent interview to learn more:
National Suicide Prevention Month
Unfortunately, it’s no secret how common this issue is in our military community. Fortunately, there are countless resources to seek out help, such as the Veteran Crisis Line, Veterans Affairs, Cohen Veterans Network, and so, so much more. We’ve had plenty of guests throughout the years (just search the keyword “suicide” or “mental health” in the search bar of our website) speak out about this. The point is, there is help, and you’re allowed to receive it. Amazing people out there are eager and willing to help you.
Life Insurance Awareness Month
Shifting gears, I’m excited to start highlighting Life Insurance Awareness Month in my September topics! As I continue to roll out my book, Your Pension Too: A Military Spouse’s Guide to Making the Survivor Benefit Plan a Choice, Not a Default, I want to educate on how life insurance is one of many alternatives to the Survivor Benefit Plan, and is what our company specializes in. It’s also my personal mission to “put life back into life insurance. Like the SBP, life insurance is often stigmatized as a morbid topic, and I’m here to share a more hopeful, life-giving perspective. The PDF copy is available today to my subscribers, and our company offers a free library to learn more.
That’s all the public updates! The rest of this post is for our Insiders. Enjoy!
— Jen
222: Rhetorical Questions and Reflections on “Being Disadvantaged”
Note: Exclusive to our Insiders. (Upgrade Now)
In today’s Insider private podcast episode, Jen reflects on the general goodwill toward the military community, including the goodwill toward her as a Gold Star family member, especially from individuals and organizations who perceive her as disadvantaged. She hopes her perspective may shed light on why those who ‘should be helped’ may not be receptive to it, let alone seek it out.
