Jenny Phillips is based in New Braunfels, Texas, and is a proud veteran spouse of a retired Naval combat veteran who served during the Post-9/11 era, including deployment to Iraq. Jenny and her spouse built a life together during his years of active-duty service and experienced the full arc of military family life—from deployment cycles to so many moves and, ultimately, the transition out of uniform. Like many spouses, she found that leaving military service behind brought its own unexpected challenges, shaping her understanding of how deeply military life influences identity, relationships, and family well beyond active duty.
Jenny is a Peer Leader with the Veteran Spouse Network. She was drawn to VSN during a period of major transition when she was seeking community, understanding, and connection that was difficult to find locally. Through VSN, she found a space grounded in shared experience and mutual respect, and she now supports others navigating stress, identity shifts, and life changes connected to military service. Her lived experience includes navigating stressful seasons, military transition, and complex health challenges many families face.
Jenny’s “why” for being part of VSN is rooted in her belief that no one should have to navigate difficult seasons alone. She hopes participants feel understood rather than judged, supported rather than rushed, and confident in their ability to move forward in ways that feel right for them. Outside of VSN, Jenny is a mother of three, an avid rugby fan, a breast cancer survivor, and a Jeep enthusiast who enjoys time outdoors with her family.
Professionally, Jenny brings a background in public health and military health-focused support work, including experience related to operational stress control, deployment health research, behavioral health, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and suicide prevention across Navy and Army contexts. She also holds a certification in Mental Health First Aid. At VSN, however, her role is first and foremost as a peer—centering connection, shared understanding, and lived experience over credentials.