On this episode Hannah is joined by Victoria Kelly, a seasoned author and veteran spouse who masterfully intertwines her personal military life experiences with the art of storytelling . Victoria's journey from a Navy fighter pilot's spouse to a remarried Veteran spouse and mother of five, encapsulates the myriad of emotions and challenges faced by military families. Her latest work, "Home Front," a compelling collection of short stories, offers a poignant reflection of her decade-long immersion in the military community.
Victoria's conversation sheds light on the themes of loneliness, identity, and the quest for connection that many military spouses encounter. One standout story, "The Strangers of Dubai," encapsulates a moment of profound realization about the complex nature of human relationships, set against the backdrop of a deployment port call in Dubai. Victoria's experiences underscore the importance of creativity as a means of expression and healing, a sentiment echoed in her support of the Armed Services Arts Partnership.
Listeners will understanding in Victoria's narrative, and may even be inspired to explore their own creative outlets. A portion of the royalties from "Home Front" will be donated to the Armed Services Arts Partnership, making each purchase an act of support for this incredible organization.
Whether you're a military spouse, service member, veteran, or simply a lover of evocative stories, "Home Front" promises to resonate deeply. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and directly through the University of Nevada Press with a special discount for podcast listeners using the code MCS2024.
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Veteran Spouse Network
Life behind the uniform isn’t always easy, and military and veteran families know this better than anyone. The Veteran Spouse Network Podcast brings real, honest conversations to the forefront, covering the challenges, stories, and victories unique to military and veteran families.
Each episode features spouses, partners, family members, experts, and providers sharing insights on everything from deployment stress and mental health struggles to navigating resources and relationship dynamics.
Whether you’re a military spouse, veteran family member, or just want to understand the true experience, this podcast offers a supportive space to connect, learn, and know you’re not alone.
Tune in and join the community that stands with you through every step of the journey.
Hannah O’Brien is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work Masters program. A native of Austin, Texas, she knew she needed to spread her wings in college, traveling all the way to the east coast to attend American University in Washington, D.C. where she received her Bachelors in Law and Society. After earning her undergraduate degree, she held several positions that included working with children in schools, supporting offenders during reentry after incarceration, offering employment guidance for low-income adults, and helping support adult literacy. Hannah then began her Masters of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas, where she completed the Administration and Policy Practice concentration, planning for a career in non-profit management.
While pursuing her degree, she fell in love with, and ultimately married a Marine Corps veteran and began immersing herself in the unique culture of the military. It wasn’t long before she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the service of veteran spouses and families. Hannah has served as the Program Manager for the Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) since 2017, helping create, implement, and evaluate peer support programs for veteran spouses and families to ensure they receive the support they deserve. In addition to her role within the VSN, Hannah has had the opportunity to coordinate marriage enrichment and PTSD treatment groups for veteran couples, as well as assist in a multitude of different research projects aimed at supporting military and veteran families.