Deployment Pillars

 Feeling like your deployment routine needs a spark of excitement? Join Sarahanne Alexander, Park Ranger and adventure enthusiast, to plan your ultimate National Park adventure!

Sarahanne believes that every deployment is a chance to explore and embrace new experiences. She’ll share expert tips on how to plan unforgettable trips to national parks, helping you make the most of your time while your servicemember is away.

From hidden gems to breathtaking views, learn how to turn your outdoor adventures into memorable escapes. Let’s transform your deployment season into a series of amazing adventures!

Ready to start your next adventure? Don’t miss this session—your perfect park getaway awaits!

It’s no secret that Team PILLAR loves United Through Reading! We love sharing their amazing resources and organization with attendees.

Join Penney Letrud-Samons from United Through Reading to learn how you can take part in their campaign to give the #TheNextMillion military family members access to the program.

Meet Pete LuPiba, our expert on navigating the educational challenges that military kids often face. With his background as the State of Ohio’s Commissioner for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact and a U.S. Navy veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Pete knows firsthand the unique needs of military families.

 In this session, Pete will dive into the benefits of Purple Star Schools—what they are, how they help military kids thrive, and how you can advocate for your child's education.

Get ready to learn how these special schools provide stability and support, helping military children succeed academically and socially, no matter where their parents are stationed. Whether you're new to military life or a seasoned pro, you'll walk away with actionable tips to set your military kid up for success!

Join us for this insightful session and get the tools you need to ensure your child has a supportive and successful school experience!

Murphy's Law strikes again! Join Nicki Hart, Maura Bonham, and Taylor Whitson from Mil Mom Collective as they tackle the curveballs that deployment throws our way.

 In this practical session, you'll learn how to:

Prep for Murphy's inevitable surprises.

Accept that no plan is perfect and handle the bumps with grace.

Embrace the chaos and find your way through it.

Ready to laugh, learn, and turn Murphy into your deployment buddy? This workshop is your go-to for turning challenges into opportunities!

 Looking for ways to nourish your spirit during deployment? Join Lauren Hope, the creative force behind Hope Design Ltd., for a session that blends inspiration with practical tips!

Lauren, a passionate advocate for military spouses and veterans, will share how to “feed your soul” with positive and empowering thoughts as you navigate the deployment countdown. From her experiences as a public speaker and nonprofit advocate, Lauren will provide valuable insights and strategies to uplift and support you during this time.

Ready to add a little extra flavor to your deployment journey? Don’t miss out on this session filled with heart and soul!

Your story matters!

Discover new and exciting ways to capture (and even share) your story during this deployment countdown. Adrienne Engstrom from Blue Star Families shares simple, creative and incredibly fun strategies for recording and sharing your story of growth and resilience as you count down to homecoming. From artwork to podcasts, the possibilities are endless!

WELCOME TO THE  DEPLOYMENT PILLARS PODCAST!
Your hosts Joanna & Becky are the creators of PILLAR- the digital retreat for deployment countdowns.   We share the best deployment advice for military spouses from people who have been there, done that and got the homecoming kiss.

You'll hear us reference the "digital guide" during some of our episodes!  To get your very own deployment countdown workbook and digital guide (plus so much more) join us at the next PILLAR retreat!

Grab your completely free ticket for the next PILLAR- the digital retreat for deployment countdowns at pillardeploymentretreat.com

IN THIS EPISODE
What if you were happier, healthier, and less stressed after deployment was over?

What would that mean for life after homecoming?

This episode, we're joined by Kimberly Bacso- Content Director and Co-Founder of InDependent - for some real, inspiring talk about the importance of holistic health during the season of deployment.

MEET OUR SPONSOR
Military life can feel overwhelming- especially during deployment seasons.  At Team PILLAR, we believe that a little peace of mind can go a long way.   That's why we're proud that this episode of Deployment Pillars  is sponsored by USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

USAA Life facilitates members' financial security through a range of products and services including Life Insurance policies with several benefits specialized for military families at no additional cost.  Because wondering about your family's financial future doesn't need to be on your deployment to-do list.  You can learn more about USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York at usaa.com/pillar

MEET OUR SPONSOR
Military life can feel overwhelming- especially during deployment seasons.  At Team PILLAR, we believe that a little peace of mind can go a long way.   That's why we're proud that this episode of Deployment Pillars  is sponsored by USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

USAA Life facilitates members' financial security through a range of products and services including Life Insurance policies with several benefits specialized for military families at no additional cost.  Because wondering about your family's financial future doesn't need to be on your deployment to-do list.  You can learn more about USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York at usaa.com/pillar.

WELCOME TO THE  DEPLOYMENT PILLARS PODCAST!
Your hosts Joanna & Becky are the creators of PILLAR- the digital retreat for deployment countdowns.   We share the best deployment advice for military spouses from people who have been there, done that and got the homecoming kiss.

You'll hear us reference the "digital guide" during some of our episodes!  To get your very own deployment countdown workbook and digital guide (plus so much more) join us at the next PILLAR retreat!

Grab your completely free ticket for the next PILLAR- the digital retreat for deployment countdowns at pillardeploymentretreat.com

IN THIS EPISODE
Raise your hand if you've ever felt like you don't quite fit-- either in the military community or civilian community where your service member is activated.

Connection is a key to thriving during deployment, but it can be tough, especially for National Guard and Reserve families who might find themselves far away from military support systems.

In this episode you'll meet Army National Guard Spouse Angela Caban--writer, author and creator of the Homefront United Network. Angela's providing strategies for making friends and staying connected in the military AND civilian communities.

MEET OUR SPONSOR
Military life can feel overwhelming- especially during deployment seasons.  At Team PILLAR, we believe that a little peace of mind can go a long way.   That's why we're proud that this episode of Deployment Pillars  is sponsored by USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

USAA Life facilitates members' financial security through a range of products and services including Life Insurance policies with several benefits specialized for military families at no additional cost.  Because wondering about your family's financial future doesn't need to be on your deployment to-do list.  You can learn more about USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York at usaa.com/pillar

MEET OUR SPONSOR
Military life can feel overwhelming- especially during deployment seasons.  At Team PILLAR, we believe that a little peace of mind can go a long way.   That's why we're proud that this episode of Deployment Pillars  is sponsored by USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

USAA Life facilitates members' financial security through a range of products and services including Life Insurance policies with several benefits specialized for military families at no additional cost.  Because wondering about your family's financial future doesn't need to be on your deployment to-do list.  You can learn more about USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York at usaa.com/pillar.

MEET OUR SPONSOR
Military life can feel overwhelming- especially during deployment seasons.  At Team PILLAR, we believe that a little peace of mind can go a long way.   That's why we're proud that this episode of Deployment Pillars  is sponsored by USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

USAA Life facilitates members' financial security through a range of products and services including Life Insurance policies with several benefits specialized for military families at no additional cost.  Because wondering about your family's financial future doesn't need to be on your deployment to-do list.  You can learn more about USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York at usaa.com/pillar.

WELCOME TO THE  DEPLOYMENT PILLARS PODCAST!
Your hosts Joanna & Becky are the creators of PILLAR- the digital retreat for deployment countdowns.   We share the best deployment advice for military spouses from people who have been there, done that and got the homecoming kiss.

You'll hear us reference the "digital guide" during some of our episodes!  To get your very own deployment countdown workbook and digital guide (plus so much more) join us at the next PILLAR retreat!

Grab your completely free ticket for the next PILLAR- the digital retreat for deployment countdowns at pillardeploymentretreat.com

IN THIS EPISODE
"I know EXACTLY how you feel ..." 

Raise your hand if a friend or family member who has never experienced deployment has ever said this to you. What did you say? How did it make you feel?

As a licensed professional counselor in private practice, E.J. Smith, LPC specializes in trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and military family stressors.

In this episode, E.J. is going to teach us how we can connect with others, accept support, and construct responses that set appropriate boundaries while honoring those relationships.

MEET OUR SPONSOR
Military life can feel overwhelming- especially during deployment seasons.  At Team PILLAR, we believe that a little peace of mind can go a long way.   That's why we're proud that this episode of Deployment Pillars  is sponsored by USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

USAA Life facilitates members' financial security through a range of products and services including Life Insurance policies with several benefits specialized for military families at no additional cost.  Because wondering about your family's financial future doesn't need to be on your deployment to-do list.  You can learn more about USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York at usaa.com/pillar

MEET OUR SPONSOR
Military life can feel overwhelming- especially during deployment seasons.  At Team PILLAR, we believe that a little peace of mind can go a long way.   That's why we're proud that this episode of Deployment Pillars  is sponsored by USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

USAA Life facilitates members' financial security through a range of products and services including Life Insurance policies with several benefits specialized for military families at no additional cost.  Because wondering about your family's financial future doesn't need to be on your deployment to-do list.  You can learn more about USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York at usaa.com/pillar.