About the Veteran’s Spouse Project
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Our Story
We Focus on the
Military Spouse Experience
In July 2015, Amy Uptgraft wrote and workshopped the theatre production, I Will Wait. The play impacted the military and civilian community and began a conversation about military spouse’s lives, their individual stories and journeys, and the support that was needed.
In 2017, Amy connected with two other military spouses, Lea Johnson and Wendy Caldwell. Together, they took Amy’s inspiration and desire to serve military spouses to the next level. A year later, in March 2018, the Veteran’s Spouse Project was formed as a 501C3 organization.
Now, the Veteran’s Spouse Project is dedicated to sharing the stories of generations of military spouses, uniting the military and civilian communities in friendship and understanding, and building a community built on our values.
Our Values
- Diversity
- Authenticity
- Compassion
- Excellence
- Integrity
Our Mission
Strengthen, Nurture, and Support All Military Spouses
The Veteran’s Spouse Project focuses on the military spouse experience to strengthen, nurture, and support active, Veteran, and retired military families.
Through theatre and expressive art workshops, storytelling, and the inspiring play, I Will Wait, we bring to life the happiness and hardships experienced by generations of military spouses and offer healing and support for the mental and emotional toll of unending uncertainties, struggles, and separations. Together we find the joy, hope, and strength that comes with military life.
VSP opens doors for non-military support by creating avenues to learn and grow together. We start conversations, build friendships, create connections, and offer actionable opportunities for families, friends, and communities to support military spouses.
The Veteran’s Spouse Project is especially proud of the play, “I Will Wait,” and how it “pulls back the curtain” to share what military families experience with their non-military family, friends and community.
Our Team
Military Spouses Serving Military Spouses

Amy Uptgraft
Founder and Artistic Director

Lea Johnson
Managing and Developmental Director

Wendy Caldwell, LPC
Expressive Arts Director

Kristie Rigdon
Finance Director

Audra Edwards
Administration and Communication

Lydia Magallanes
Public and Media Relations
Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are a valued asset and make a huge impact on the success of our programs and events. We’re grateful for all they do and the kindness, generosity, and love they offer each and every military spouse by supporting the VSP mission.
Making an Impact
Meet Our Patrons
We are grateful to our Patrons Circle Members. We recognize their generosity and appreciate their dedication and support of the Veteran’s Spouse Project.
5-Star Patrons
$5,000 +
Neil & Janet Springer
Yvonne Botsis
4-Star Patrons
-$2500+
Fairway Independent Mortgage
American Warrior Initiative
Frank and Barbe Tarantino
(In honor of Gordon Wolfe, WWII Veteran)
Jim and Pat Johnson
(In honor of WWII Veteran Spouses Ruth Jones and Ruth Johnson)
3-Star Patrons
$1000+
Mr. John Hargrove
Michael and Tammy Dryden
COL (R) Ralph and Jean Puckett
2-Star Patrons
$500+
Lina Mosholtz
1-Star Patrons
$250+
LTC Erik and Chelsea Iliff
LTC (R) Chip and Elizabeth Cook
National Securities
Drs. Myla and Scott Aronson
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