The Blog - Meet a Milspouse - Our Chat With Amy Schweizer

When you’ve worked in the military spouse entrepreneur space for a while, it’s only a matter of time before you connect with others who’ve also been in the space for a while. I first connected with Amy Schweizer a few years ago, but the stars never aligned for us to work together - until I ran into her last November at the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) while we were standing outside the door to the room where we were both pitching our businesses in the Second Service Foundation’s Pitch Competition. Amy is a veteran Marine Corps spouse, Mom to three boys, and the Founder and Director of Tiny Troops Soccer - a preschool program for military kids that teaches soccer skills and encourages active and healthy lifestyles while employing over 500 military spouses and dependents.

After running into Amy at MIC, the time was right to reach out to her again. I am honored to shine a light on Amy’s story, her Marine Corps’ family, and her mission to improve the lives of our next generations through Tiny Troops Soccer. Say hello to my friend, Amy Schweizer!

GIVE US A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK AT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY – HOW DID YOU BECOME A MILITARY SPOUSE (MILSPOUSE)? WHAT DO YOU DO IN ADDITION TO BEING A MILSPOUSE? AND A FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR MILITARY FAMILY?

While at a job fair, my booth as the Program Director of the Boys & Girls Club was next to his recruiting booth. And to top it off, he was in his dress blues. The rest, as they say, is history!

I am the mom of three boys, as well as the Founder and Director of Tiny Troops Soccer (a preschool program to foster confidence, gross motor & listening skills, and an introduction to sports for little ones) and Tiny Tot Sports (a set of 8 activity stations for soccer associations to use to build their program).

Fun fact about our family - my husband is now the State Representative for the 104th district in Illinois.

IN WHICH MILITARY BRANCH DOES YOUR SPOUSE SERVE AND FOR HOW MANY YEARS?

My husband retired this year after 21 years in the Marine Corps.

WHERE HAS THE MILITARY MOVED YOUR FAMILY OVER THE YEARS? WHICH WAS YOUR FAVORITE DUTY STATION AND WHY?

Camp Pendleton (Oceanside, CA); Okinawa, Japan; MCBH (Kailua, HI); Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville, NC). Just call me Moana because Hawaii has my heart! The stunning landscape, laid-back vibes, and gorgeous weather can't be beat.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MILITARY SPOUSE? TELL US SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OR HAS MADE YOU STRONGER BECAUSE YOU ARE A MILSPOUSE?

My favorite thing about being a milspouse is the opportunity to travel around the world. It was never on my agenda to travel abroad, but it was a welcomed experience none-the-less. Being a milspouse has forced me to operate outside of my comfort zone which is a skill I have employed in numerous situations.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

My mom and mother-in-law. They are examples of grace under pressure; sucking it up and getting it done; always lending a helping hand; and a soft place to land.

WHICH CHARLIEMADISON EVERYDAY REMINDER DO YOU WEAR ON YOUR WRIST AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR BRACELET?

In addition to the Faith Over Fear Bracelet, I have an oil-infused bracelet which helps me to stay calm and grounded on those busy days.

Shop Amy's Bracelet

WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS MOST, DESPITE THE UNCERTAINTY, FREQUENT MOVES, AND DEPLOYMENTS THAT GO ALONG WITH BEING A MILITARY FAMILY?

I always make a point to find a church to be involved in as well as the local adult soccer league. I've found that those are two things that help me feel grounded and connected, so search them out wherever we go.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FELLOW MILITARY SPOUSE WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH MILITARY LIFE OR DEPLOYMENT?

Is it fair? No. Is it the life you imagined? Probably not. Are you having to do things that you never thought you would, or do them alone? Yup. Can you choose to let those things hold you back and make you miserable, or take a deep breath and go introduce yourself to the neighbor? Most definitely.

WE HAPPEN TO BE QUOTE LOVERS AROUND HERE – CAN YOU SHARE A FAVORITE QUOTE THAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?

"What if I fall? Oh, my dear, but what if you fly?"