In this episode, we sit down with Army veteran and survivor advocate Jaimie Ames, co-founder and CEO of Operation Host, to explore the often-unspoken realities of military sexual trauma (MST) and PTSD among veterans. Jaimie shares her personal journey, her time in the Army, and the lived experiences that shaped her mission to create survivor-led, peer-to-peer support systems that actually meet veterans where they are.

The conversation dives into why trauma is never “one-size-fits-all,” how survivor-led peer support creates a sense of trust and understanding, and the powerful impact of alternative healing tools like equine therapy and guided self-reflection. Jaimie also introduces Operation Host’s upcoming PTSD healing workbook and explains how learning to recognize personal triggers can be a life-changing step toward healing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How Jaimie’s Army service and lived experience shaped Operation Host
• Why trauma and healing look different for every veteran
• The power of survivor-led, peer-to-peer support
• The purpose behind Operation Host’s upcoming PTSD healing workbook
• Learning to identify personal triggers before symptoms escalate

0:00 – Getting to know Jaimie

1:59 – Operation Host’s mission

6:41 – The PTSD healing workbook and identifying triggers

11:05 – Getting involved with Operation Host

12:59 – Encouragement for veterans hesitant to seek help

Jaimie Ames

Jaimie Ames is a U.S. Army veteran who served six years and is the co-founder and CEO of Operation HOST (Healing Our Sexual Trauma), a peer-led nonprofit supporting veterans (both male and female) living with the trauma of sexual assault and PTSD. She holds a degree in business and accounting and brings decades of experience in community service, organizational leadership, and survivor advocacy. Jaimie has recently partnered with international bestselling author Richard Paul Evans to further develop Operation HOST and to co-create a comprehensive PTSD healing workbook, slated for release in early 2026. As an MST and PTSD survivor herself, she combines lived experience with trauma-informed leadership to build safe, compassionate spaces where veterans can reclaim connection, hope, and healing.

Episode Links

Operation Host:

https://operationhost.org/

Volunteer with Operation Host:

https://operationhost.org/join-our-cause/

Donate to Operation Host:

https://operationhost.org/giving-back/

EPISODE RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q