Stronghold Q2 2026: Showing Up for Military Families

The second quarter of 2026 was filled with growth, connection, and meaningful opportunities to stand alongside military families. From Pop-Up Pantries across the country to conversations reaching all the way to the Pentagon.

Here are a few highlights from the quarter.

Bringing support directly to military communities

Stronghold hosted three Pop-Up Pantries at Fort Riley, Kansas; Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina; and JEB Little Creek–Fort Story, Virginia. These three Pop-Up Pantries served a total of 695 military-connected individuals from 163 families and distributed 24,646 pounds of groceries.

Behind those numbers were families navigating real challenges. At Joint Base Charleston, one father shared that he had not known what he would feed his children the following week. Another parent told us that having groceries covered gave her enough breathing room to purchase a birthday cake and a small gift for her son.

Stronghold also hosted a baby shower for military moms-to-be, including both service members and military spouses. Families received essential baby items, learned about available resources, and connected with others in their community. Every attendee reported feeling supported, and 88% said the experience exceeded their expectations.

Supporting families through change

PCS season brings its own financial and logistical challenges for military families, making accessible, confidential support especially important.

This quarter, Stronghold also partnered with Krista Simpson Anderson of The Unquiet Professional to host a Planning for the Unexpected class, helping families gain practical tools and resources to prepare for life’s uncertain moments.

Both efforts reflect our belief that supporting military families means meeting immediate needs while also helping families feel prepared for what comes next.

A quarter of recognition and investment

Several members of the Stronghold community were recognized this quarter. Founder and CEO Monica Bassett was named a 2026 Influential Woman, while Stronghold Ambassador Shelby Bateman was named the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year.

Stronghold was also recognized by Fort Leavenworth leadership and the Kansas National Guard for its work alongside military families.

Our mission also received an additional $3,000 in local grant funding this quarter. The Fort Leavenworth Thrift Store awarded $2,000 to support Hunger Buster Packs, while the Fort Leavenworth Spouses’ Club awarded $1,000 to restock youth feminine hygiene kits and period starter kits and help launch Stronghold’s new Baby Wellness Closet.

Carrying military family experiences forward

One of the quarter’s most meaningful opportunities took Stronghold to the Pentagon for a conversation with Stephen Simmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Military Community and Family Policy.

We shared broader insights drawn from our data and thousands of interactions with military families — helping bring the challenges and experiences entrusted to us into conversations surrounding programs, policies and support.

Every part of this quarter was made possible by military families who trust us and by the volunteers, Ambassadors, donors, partners and supporters who continue to stand alongside them.

Want to see more from Q2? Read the full Stronghold Q2 newsletter here.