THREE DAYS OF ONLINE DEPLOYMENT ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE AND GIVEAWAYS FOR MILITARY SPOUSES & SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
FREE FOR MILITARY SPOUSES!
The Digital Retreat for Deployment Countdowns
October 10-12. 2025
The Digital Retreat for Deployment Countdowns
OCT 10-12 | 2025
DEPLOYMENT IS TOUGH
But you don't have to do it alone
maybe you want to...
Create a foundation to grow your love even over the distance
Shore up your self care to reduce burnout and deployment "down days"
Find real support from a community of military spouses who actually get it
You can use your deployment countdown as a season to learn, grow, and THRIVE!
PILLAR is all about simplifying and bringing joy to your
military countdown.
That's why we're bringing together 30 experienced military spouses and lifestyle experts together to share strategies that can help you make every moment count while you're counting down deployment!
It's time to make a plan that transforms your deployment countdown experience.
During this FREE online retreat you'll learn how to:
Save more and spend less with deployment-specific financial advice
Create gorgeous, thoughtful care packages for your partner
Stop counting days so your time feels like it's moving
Find the best blogs, podcasts, and free resources for your countdown
PLUS! Get first-hand insight from experienced military spouses on topics like...
Navigating deployment with children
Eliminating overwhelm & getting organized
Nurturing your relationship from a distance
Planning for a successful homecoming & reintegration
You'll get three days of online community, inspiring speakers,and non-stop giveaways to set you up for deployment countdown success!
More PILLAR love from our community!
GET YOUR FREE TICKET TO JOIN US OCTOBER 10-12!
Meet Your Hosts
Joanna Guldin-Noll is the writer behind one of the largest military spouse lifestyle blogs online, Jo, My Gosh! Her writing has been featured in regional, national, and international digital and print publications. She is currently the social media manager at Military.com. Joanna lives in Central PA with her Navy veteran husband John, her puppy Albus.
Becky Hoy is a U.S. Army Military Spouse of 13 years and the Founder of Brave Crate- the deployment countdown box for military spouses. Since launching in 2018 more than 3,000 months of deployment have been counted down using Brave Crates. Becky is passionate about encouraging military spouses to embrace the unique opportunities that deployments present for personal growth and development.
All The Deets
When
Join us October 10-12 for 3 days with a variety of presentations to choose from each day.
Where
It's 100% online! There's no need to do your hair or leave the house--we'll be hosting speakers, giveaways, and discussions all day from our interactive Facebook group.
What to expect
PILLAR partners with seasoned military spouses & lifestyle experts to bring you short, actionable advice about everything from long-distance relationships to managing the stress of a deployment. Each presentation is 5-15 minutes and can be watched any time you're available!
Party it up!
It's not just about learning--this weekend is a true retreat including opportunities for connection, actionable growth, and relaxation. We'll have everything from panel discussions to yoga and vision-boarding sessions. Fill up a cup of your favorite beverage and join the party!
It's not a party without SWAG!
Look forward to a full 3 days of giveaways from our favorite brands that make deployment FLY by!
Explore This Year's WORKSHOPS!
Meet the PILLAR 2025 Keynote Speakers!
CEO & Founder of WOMAN+WARRIOR®, Ashlee Sullivan, joins PILLAR Retreat with Shining Through the Chaos: Finding Your Light During Deployment, offering humor, heartfelt stories, and practical strategies to help military families face deployment with resilience and confidence.
USAA Military Affairs Financial Advice Director and CFP® JJ Montanaro shares 4 Ideas for Deployment Success, distilling decades of experience working with service members into four timeless truths to prepare for, navigate, and thrive during deployment.
USA Today bestselling author and veteran US Army nurse Tif Marcelo presents Clarity and Stillness, guiding military families to embrace moments of quiet reflection that strengthen self, family, and community throughout the military journey.
PLUS! 20 Military Spouse & Lifestyle Experts to help you create your very own Deployment Action Plan:
Navigating Deployments as a Child-Free Military Spouse
Lunchtime Live: Counting Down with Kiddos
Become a Glow-Getter: Taking the Awkwardness Out of Making New Friends IRL
Illuminating Your Countdown Strengths
Emotions are Not the Enemy
Rise & Shine! Yoga & Meditations for Countdown Calm
Supporting Military Youth During Deployments
Shine Through Every Stage (Pre-Deployment, Deployment & Reintegration)
Journaling Prompts and Resources to Help You Glow
Stronger Together: Building Your Military Spouse Support Circle
Lunchtime Live: Counting Down with Kiddos
Lunchtime Live: Current Events with SFI
Lunchtime Live: Current Events with SFI
Lunchtime Live: Servicemembers Sound Off
Saturday Night Happy Hour LIVE!
Shine Without Burnout: How to Share Your Light Without Losing Your Spark
Storytime on Demand: Counting Down with United Through Reading
Glow Home: Bringing Hygge & Comfort to Deployment
Saturday Night Happy Hour LIVE!
Sparking Comfort: Creating a Countdown Self Care Plan
Counting Down with Toddlers!
Friday Night Happy Hour LIVE!
Navigating Life Insurance with Confidence
- Find the perfect blogs, podcasts, products, and online communities that can guide you during your countdown
- Create a clear plan for living each day with purpose during this deployment season
- Connect with a community of like-minded military spouses who want to make the most of every moment until homecoming
It all happens at PILLAR: The Digital Retreat for Deployment Countdowns
Deployment countdown success made possible by our Presenting Sponsor:
USAA Life Insurance Company & USAA Life Insurance Company of New York
Thank you to our Article Sponsors:
Thank you to our Guide & Corporate Sponsors:
FAQ
GET YOUR FREE TICKET!
PILLAR attendees will receive email updates about the event and deployment resources from our Presenting Sponsor USAA !
GET YOUR FREE TICKET!
PILLAR attendees will receive email updates about the event and deployment resources from our Presenting Sponsor USAA !