Emily Compagno is no stranger to the power of
service and sacrifice. As the daughter of a Navy veteran, a longtime advocate for the military community, and the author of FOX News Books’ NY Times bestseller Under His Wings, she has spent her life honoring those who serve. Whether on national television as a co-host of FOX News Channel’s Outnumbered or through her work amplifying military stories, Emily’s passion for the armed forces runs deep.
In this episode of the Hope For The Warriors podcast, we dive into Emily’s rich military heritage, her journey from law to broadcasting, and how she continues to uplift service members and their families. From stories of wartime letters to her own experiences supporting the troops, Emily’s insights are a testament to the enduring spirit of those who wear the uniform. Emily’s family has a long history of military service, spanning generations and including multiple branches of the armed forces. “We don’t have enough time in this podcast to talk about it all,” Emily says. “My family story is one of ordinarily extraordinary. Every person who has served this country has a special and extraordinary history and contribution.”
From her great-great aunt who served as a nurse anesthetist in World War II to her great-great grandmother who was part of the Gold Star Mothers Pilgrimage in 1930, Emily’s roots in military service run deep. “The letters my great-great aunt wrote home during her deployment provide such a beautiful color on the wartime experience,” Emily shares. “They give insight into the everyday moments—requesting items from the commissary, sharing holiday experiences abroad, and even the sobering realities of wartime nursing.”
Her great-great grandmother’s journey as a Gold Star Mother is another powerful piece of history that shaped Emily’s understanding of sacrifice. “In 1930, through an apportionment of Congress, Calvin Coolidge organized a pilgrimage for Gold Star Mothers and widows to visit the final resting places of their loved ones in Europe,” she explains. “My great-great grandmother was featured in Liberty Magazine in July of that year, and her experience underscores how cumbersome communication was back then. She once believed she was a widow for 30 days due to a miscommunication; imagine the emotional toll that took.”
Emily’s personal journey includes an early desire to serve in the Air Force. She was awarded the Air Force ROTC Cadet of the Quarter during her time at the University of Washington and initially aspired to become a fighter pilot. “I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy and then be a fighter pilot and test pilot for NASA,” she recalls. “I even interned at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory when I was 15. But I was too short to meet the requirements at the time.”
Despite not taking the military path, Emily found ways to support the armed forces, including through a USO tour as an NFL cheerleader. “When I stepped off the C-130 in Baghdad and met a female pilot who was even shorter than me, it was a sliding-doors moment,” she says. “It crystallized for me just how much things had changed and how honored I was to stand on that tarmac in support of our troops.”
Beyond her military connections, Emily is also the host of the FOX True Crime Podcast, where she brings attention to compelling cases by sharing firsthand accounts from those closest to them. “We pick the person, not the crime,” she explains. “Our guests include survivors, detectives, prosecutors, and sometimes even the criminals themselves. What makes this podcast unique is the depth and breadth of the stories we tell.”
Emily acknowledges the growing interest in true crime, noting its impact beyond entertainment. “There’s a groundswell of public support for solving cold cases, ensuring resources are allocated, and keeping attention on missing persons,” she says. “Sometimes, just having the right platform can lead to answers and closure for families.”
Emily’s latest book, Under His Wings, is a deeply personal work that intertwines stories of faith, resilience, and military service. “I hope readers take away that they are never alone, Jesus is always with them,” she says. “And for those in the military community, that includes everyone; spouses, families, veterans, we are all here for each other.”
Through the stories in her book, Emily highlights that the effects of war aren’t always contained to the battlefield. “The battlefield can be the home front,” she says. “Spouses, Gold Star families, and those catastrophically wounded all carry their own battles.”
through her military family’s history, her own professional path, or her work amplifying others’ voices, she remains committed to honoring those who serve. “History isn’t just in textbooks,” she says. “Every military family has a story worth telling.”
Emily’s role as emcee of the Got Heart Give Hope Awards Ceremony is a testament to her dedication to the military community. Through the Hope For The Warriors event, she helped shine a light on the resilience and perseverance of service members and their families, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten.
“This event isn’t just about giving out awards; it’s about telling the stories of true heroes; stories of courage, determination, and hope,” Emily shares. “It’s an honor to stand on that stage and help bring their voices to the forefront.”
Her presence at the ceremony went beyond simply hosting, it was about fostering a space where the military community felt seen and supported. “The strength of our service members and their families is incredible, and they deserve our unwavering support,” Emily emphasizes. “We need to continue advocating for resources, mental health care, and opportunities that help them thrive beyond their service.”
Emily’s passion for honoring the military extends far beyond emceeing one event. She remains committed to using her platform to raise awareness and encourage others to give back. “Supporting our military is not just a duty, it’s a privilege. Whether through volunteering,
donations, or simply listening to their stories, everyone can play a role in making a difference.” Through her work with Hope For The Warriors and other military support initiatives, Emily continues to be a powerful advocate for those who serve. Her commitment serves as an inspiration for others to act and support the heroes who have given so much for our country.
