Amy Botelho’s Post

I had several interviews in my past: “I see you lived in Va Beach are you a military spouse?” “We are a family here and know how hard it is for someone transitioning from federal law enforcement (which is a question 9 out of 10 times—and no as an agent it’s not 20 years and retirement) can you bring your husband? Is he service?” I could go on and on. It was the hardest, scariest thing I did leaving a job I felt I could do in my sleep (sometimes on very little or no sleep). When you’re comfortable it’s hard to go elsewhere. There are a ton of USSS annuitants that tap back into working at the USSS. I needed for myself to break free. To try something completely different. What was it — at the time I did not know. Being a military spouse was one of those reasons. I once had a supervisor say, “you’re an agent first and a person second.” When you let something define you it defines everything. So I don’t define myself strictly as a military spouse. I didn’t define myself as “just a special agent.” Neither should any of my friends out there. Do not downplay your breaks in your career, volunteerism, etc. truth be told those have been some of my hardest moments. Because I finally had time to think. I mean deep, down, THINK. What would another 13 years in the USSS earn me? Would I be as nimble to make the move or frightened to change? Hearing a USSS protectee on stage hit the hardest talking about what they were doing for military spouse employment when meanwhile my agency was making us sign waivers for a “pilot program” for spouses. I was a spouse, and certainly it was not easy. Then came the pressure regardless of my spouses career assignment. A lot of us in the pilot program learned it was the opposite. That is a main reason why I was ashamed of saying I was a military spouse. It was a barrier to career progression. When I joined the USSS it was in combination with 9-11 and wanting a career in forensics (utilize my Bio degree). Come to find out I didn’t see the forensics and I did have some amazing cases which was always my favorite part of being an agent. Standing in a stairwell taught me politics. Time is limited and remember who you spend it with, how you spend it, and where you spend it are all as equally important. I’m a lot of things—to some it might be resilient, failure, lucky, smart, etc etc but don’t ever view yourself as “just a military spouse.” Your time also comes with a cost. If you do volunteer go with organizations which will lift you up and not put you down. 😎 #thursdaythoughts

An incredibly thorough and perceptive exploration of the challenges faced by military spouses. Recent remarks, particularly those from Rep. Scott Perry, underscore the relevance of this continued discussion and make it worth a read!

Getting out of the military? Here's what you need to know.

🌟 Give More Than You Take 🌟 "Do more for the world than it does for you." At Defenders of Resilience LLC, we believe in the transformative power of selflessness and service, especially within the military community and among those navigating mental health challenges. 💪 For service members, military spouses, veterans, and all individuals striving to make a positive impact, let these words inspire a commitment to giving back and paying it forward. Instead of focusing solely on what the world can offer you, shift your perspective to what you can contribute to the world. 🌟 By giving more than you take, you not only enrich the lives of others but also find fulfillment and purpose in your own journey. Whether through acts of kindness, volunteerism, or advocacy, your efforts have the potential to create ripple effects of positive change. 🌱 Today, let's challenge ourselves to do more for the world than it does for us. Together, we'll leave a legacy of compassion, generosity, and resilience that will continue to inspire future generations. 💖 #DefendersOfResilience #MentalHealth #MilitaryStrong

Life can be difficult sometimes. Challenges and traumas are not something the military community has a monopoly on, but still, many in our community face challenges and traumas that can leave a person feeling shattered and low on hope, which can start a cycle of poor decision-making, including financial mistakes. In this episode, Jeremy Stalnecker covers the common ways PTSD manifests, the challenges of military and post-military life, coping with isolating and hopeless situations, and advice for overcoming trauma. Jeremy also addresses how PTSD can impact decision-making, how spouses can navigate supporting a partner with PTSD, and what he wishes more people understood about this invisible wound. Jeremy, Co-Founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, aids America’s military and families battling combat-related wounds like PTSD. A Marine Corps veteran, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, acquiring leadership skills. As a USMC Infantry Officer, Jeremy received a Veteran Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for Combat Valor. Transitioning to ministry after the military, he counseled at Coastline Baptist, then served as Senior Pastor at Bay Area Baptist Church. Feeling the calling, Jeremy merged his ministry and military background, leading Mighty Oaks Foundation full-time where today he focuses on veterans and helping them adjust back to civilian life and deal with PTSD from a biblical perspective. Additionally, Jeremy is often a speaker on the topic of leadership and discipleship. https://lnkd.in/encfRneR #milmoshow #milmo #militarymoney #ptsdsupport

It's not just about the charming quirks of military housing—like the occasional indoor rain from leaks through electrical wiring, the surprise cold showers that last for weeks or months, the 'vintage' heating systems that decide to retire early, the cracks in walls that compete with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge or the rats that don’t understand we can’t sub-let. Most military families normalise and accept these challenges. It builds resilience and character doesn’t it? It’s all part of the adventure. If you don’t like it leave. Put your big boy/girl panties on and deal with it. But the Kerslake Commission's latest report, "Homes Unfit for Heroes," turns a serious spotlight on the issues that go far beyond a faulty boiler: 🔵 The hit to the physical and mental health of our troops and their families 🔵 The lack of tenant rights 🔵 The career juggling act for partners 🔵 Recruiting personnel 🔵 Retaining top-notch talent from marching out of the door 🔵 Making sure military families can live together 🔵 Facilitating visitation for separated families 🔵 Empowering and supporting Service Personnel to have their voices on accommodation heard. Read the report in full: https://lnkd.in/gKAF4NgR #MilitaryAccomodation #KerslakeCommission #MilitaryHousing Cerise Upham Heledd Kendrick Chloe Mackay Alistair Halliday Caroline Woodward James Murphy Leigh Tingey MSc FInstRE Johnny Mercer Rupert Anderson Wendy Faux MBE Rupert Frere Army Families Federation (AFF) James Banks Tim Unwin Vanessa Plumley MBE Brendan Sarsfield Terrie Alafat Darren Rodwell

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and while it is important to talk about suicide all year long, it is also important to highlight the challenges servicemembers, Veterans and military spouses can face related to suicide. If you’re wondering what you can do to help, Amanda Huffman shares some ideas: https://hubs.ly/Q02NgCqK0 #SuicidePrevention #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth

Over the past few days, I had the privilege of undergoing back-to-back Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB) at the The Stellate Institute in Annapolis, Maryland, expertly administered by James Lynch, MD. This decision stemmed from years of carrying the weight of post-traumatic stress—a burden born from witnessing the profound adversities and darkest facets of humanity during my time in the Marine Corps and FBI. The SGB technique, initially pioneered to assist elite military operators, is proving its universal applicability, offering a beacon of hope to anyone grappling with trauma or deep-seated anxiety. My experiences underscore a powerful message: seeking help is a testament to strength, not a sign of weakness. Acknowledging our struggles is the first step towards healing. I am now turning this personal milestone into a call to action. I am committed to helping establish a foundation aimed at expanding access to this lifesaving care. The goal is to enable Dr. Lynch to train more physicians in the SGB technique and to provide access to treatment for all who seek it, enhancing our collective capacity to aid those in need. If you are moved by the potential of such an initiative and feel called to join me in this endeavor, please reach out. Together, we can extend this vital support to countless individuals who stand to benefit from it. Let’s transform our scars into stars, and lead the way to a healthier, more resilient tomorrow. #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaRecovery #HealthcareInnovation #VeteranSupport #StellateGanglionBlock #PTSD #Anxiety #Military 

For military families, that number is even higher due to physical separation, injuries, and more. If you're a part of the 13%+ of families dealing with infertility, you are not alone. We have been through the heartbreaking process of struggling to grow our families ourselves, and it's why we're so passionate about helping others find the support, resources, and community they need to experience parenthood. Explore our catalog of resources and organizations to help make family building possible for our military members and their families. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/esyn42Ei #militaryfamilybuildingcoalition #infertilitysupport #militaryfamily #militaryspouse #militaryfamilylife #militaryfamilysupport #familybuilding #familyplanningjourney #militaryinfertility

📚 Edited by Tom Frame, Moral Injury: Unseen Wounds in an Age of Barbarism, is a profound exploration of the psychological ethical wounds faced by some in military and civilian life. 💔 It delves deep into the concept of moral injury, offering powerful insights and real-life accounts that are both heart-wrenching and eye-opening. 🌟 The contributors provide a nuanced understanding of how moral injury affects individuals and communities, and the urgent need for healing and support. Sadly, moral injury is evident in veteran suicides and I’m sure will be featured in the upcoming release of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide final report to be released tomorrow. 🔍 Moral Injury is a must-read for anyone interested in the human cost of conflict and the path to recovery. #MentalHealth #Veterans #Healing