Show Notes

Holidays in the Navy don’t always look like the ones we grew up with. Instead of gathering around familiar tables, many military families find themselves creating new traditions thousands of miles from “home.”

In this episode, Teal Yost and guest co-host Kathryn Butler dive into what makes OCONUS holiday seasons both challenging and deeply meaningful. From KFC Christmas dinners in Japan, to Le Befana visiting children in Italy, to 12 grapes at midnight in Spain, to fireworks across Hawaii — they explore how Navy families adapt, connect, and rediscover the heart of the holidays wherever they’re stationed.

Whether you’re preparing for your first holiday overseas or reminiscing on duty stations past, this episode is a warm reminder that home is wherever our people are.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Getting to know Kathryn Hear Kathryn’s Navy journey, her OCONUS duty stations, and how living abroad shaped her family’s holiday traditions.

• What to expect during your first OCONUS holiday season Is it harder? More meaningful? A bit of both? Teal and Kathryn share their honest, lived experience.

• Japan’s unique Christmas celebrations – Christmas Eve as a couple’s holiday – Stunning seasonal illuminations – The iconic KFC Christmas dinner (yes, really!) – The New Year’s Emperor Greeting

• Italian holiday traditions – La Befana on January 5 – St. Nicholas Day on December 6

• Spanish celebrations – Twelve grapes at midnight for good luck – New Year’s red underwear tradition – Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes)

• Holidays in Hawaii Fireworks, celebrations, and island traditions that make the season unforgettable.

• Advice for families spending their first holiday overseas Teal and Kathryn share heartfelt guidance for navigating emotions, expectations, and new memories.

Whether you’re a new Navy spouse, a seasoned partner, or a supporter of the Navy community, this episode offers inspiration, history, and a reminder that you’re never navigating this life alone.

Stay Connected With Us: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram
  

As Veterans Day approaches, many of us see the familiar wave of “thank yous” in the form of discounts and freebies. But what if that appreciation didn’t stop on November 11th?

In this episode, host Teal Yost sits down with Navy veteran and active-duty Navy spouse Grant Vermeer to talk about Valor, a new app making military discounts automatic — no ID, no awkward ask, and no forgetting to mention your service at checkout.

Grant shares how Valor is transforming everyday shopping for service members, veterans, and military families by connecting them directly with local businesses that want to give back. He also opens up about his own journey from Naval Academy grad to veteran, to military spouse — and what Veterans Day means to him now from both sides of service.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Grant’s Navy journey and transition from active duty to military spouse
  

• Behind the scenes of The Academy Insider podcast
  

• How Valor makes military discounts automatic — no cards or conversations required
  

• Why the app launched in Coronado, CA and what’s next for nationwide expansion
  

• How Valor is helping small businesses give back to the military community year-round

Featured GuestGrant Vermeer is a Navy veteran, Naval Academy graduate, and active-duty Navy spouse. He’s part of the founding team behind Valor, a free app that automates military discounts and cashback for verified service members, veterans, and spouses. He also hosts The Academy Insider podcast, supporting midshipmen and their families through life at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Whether you’re a new Navy spouse, a seasoned partner, or a supporter of the Navy community, this episode offers inspiration, history, and a reminder that you’re never navigating this life alone.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Valor: www.joinvalor.com

• Download the Valor App: Available on the App Store & Google Play

• Listen to The Academy Insider podcast

Stay Connected With Us: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

This fall marks two incredible milestones: the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday and Naval Services Familyline’s 60th anniversary. For six decades, Familyline has been a trusted source of education, mentorship, and resources for Navy spouses and families navigating the challenges of military life.

In this episode of Our Navy Life, Navy spouse and host Teal Yost sits down with Nancy Ruttenberg, the newly appointed Chairman of Naval Services Familyline. Together, they celebrate these milestone anniversaries and look ahead at the future of support for Navy families.

Nancy shares:

• Her journey as a Navy spouse and the experiences that shaped her role in the community.
  

• A brief history of Naval Services Familyline and how it has grown over the past 60 years.
  

• Programs and resources available for Navy families today, including Compass, Core, and upcoming webinars like Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts.
  

• Her vision for Familyline’s future and the next 60 years of serving the Navy community.

This special milestone episode also highlights crowdsourced reflections from Navy spouses across the globe, who share:

• The greatest gifts Navy life has added to their journeys—from lifelong friendships to personal growth, career pivots, and unforgettable adventures abroad.
  

• How the Navy community has provided connection, resilience, and inspiration, even during challenging seasons.

Whether you’re a new Navy spouse, a seasoned partner, or a supporter of the Navy community, this episode offers inspiration, history, and a reminder that you’re never navigating this life alone.

Resources & Links:

• Naval Services FamilyLine

• NSFL COMPASS

• NSFL CORE

• Volunteer With NSFL!

Stay Connected With Us: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

Creating Community Everywhere: Blue Star Families’ Kathy Roth-Douquet on Welcome Week, the Blue Star Neighborhood & Military Life

Show Notes

Moving to a new duty station can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

In this episode of Our Navy Life, host Teal Yost, a Navy spouse of 10 years, chats with Kathy Roth-Douquet, Marine veteran spouse and Co-Founder & CEO of Blue Star Families (BSF)—the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to supporting military and veteran families where they live.

Kathy shares:

• The story behind BSF—why she founded it and the mission that drives it today.
  

• Impact at scale: Over 16 years, BSF has delivered $336M+ in benefits, reaching 1.5M people annually through its chapters and outposts.
  

• Blue Star Welcome Week: how this annual event helps military families feel at home in their new communities.
  

• Blue Star Neighborhood: a year-round digital hub where families connect, share resources, and find ongoing support long after PCS season.
  

• Coffee & Connects: casual Starbucks meetups that bring military families together to build friendships and swap local resources over a cup of coffee.
  

• How you can get involved: from volunteering to partnering with BSF to support military families year-round.
  

Whether you’re in the middle of a PCS, eager to meet fellow military families, or looking for ways to give back, this conversation offers encouragement and practical ways to create community—wherever Navy life takes you.

Resources & Links:

• Blue Star Families

• Blue Star Welcome Week

• Blue Star Neighborhood 

Stay Connected With Us: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

Supporting Our Sea Services and Families: A Conversation with Former MCPON and Current Navy League CEO Mike Stevens

 In this episode, we sit down with Mike Stevens—former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) and current CEO of the Navy League of the United States.

Mike shares insights from his time as the Navy’s senior enlisted leader and reflects on his transition into leading the Navy League, an organization dedicated to supporting America’s sea services and their families through advocacy, education, and community programs.

From scholarships for military children to the Navy League’s global network of councils, we explore how this 120+ year-old organization continues to serve those who serve at sea.

• Founded in 1902: The Navy League has supported Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Merchant Mariners, and their families for over a century.
  

• Advocacy in Action: The League educates Congress and the public about the importance of a strong maritime force.
  

• Global Reach: With 176 councils worldwide, the Navy League brings local communities and service members together.
  

• Programs that Give Back:
  

• Unit Adoption Program – Connecting Navy League councils with active-duty units.
  

• Scholarship Foundation – Offering annual scholarships to children of sea service members.
  

• STEM Institute – Promoting innovation and STEM education among military families.
  

• Celebrating Navy 250: This fall, councils across the country will honor the Navy’s 250th anniversary with events and balls, including the National Capital Region’s Navy Ball, where new CNO, Admiral Daryl Caudle will keynote.
  

• Why It Matters: Our maritime domain is critical to America’s security and commerce—and the Navy League ensures those who serve are never forgotten.
  

• Partnerships: Navy League proudly supports Naval Services FamilyLine, strengthening resources for military families.

Resources & Links:

• Navy League of the United States

• Navy League Scholarships

• Join the Navy League 

Stay Connected With Us: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

Key Takeaways

Show Notes: In this episode Corie Weathers, licensed counselor, author, and military spouse, discusses the unique dynamics of military marriages. Drawing from her experience working with service members and their families, Corie offers insight into the emotional landscape of deployment, reintegration, and maintaining connection across long distances and high-stress environments. She also discusses the importance of building community and support networks during difficult seasons of military life. 

Show Links:

• Corie Weathers

• Day One Journal

• USO 

Show Takeaways: 

• Military marriages face unique pressures — from frequent moves to extended separations — that require intentional communication and resilience.

• Deployment and reintegration are emotional transitions for both partners. Each phase demands patience, empathy, and time to reestablish rhythm and trust.

• Thriving, not just surviving, is possible. With the right tools and support, military marriages can become even stronger through the challenges.

• Every military couple will have different communication needs. Establishing clear communication boundaries, managing expectations, and utilizing a shared journal are just a few techniques to build and maintain a healthy relationship while facing the challenges of military life. 

• Building strong, authentic relationships with other military spouses creates a sense of community, combats isolation, and provides emotional and logistical support.

Let’s Connect: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

S6 E5:

Preparing for Your PCS: Everything You Need to Know

PCS Season is upon us - and with it, the stress and anxiety that accompanies moving. 

In this episode, Dannielle Niewald joins us to break down the key differences between the legacy DPS system and the new Global Household Goods Contract (GHC). We’re talking rates, timelines, communication gaps, and the real-world impacts of these changes on service members. We also discuss the Secretary of Defense’s recent memo to address the issues service members and their families are experiencing this PCS season. 

Whether you're about to move or supporting someone who is, this conversation is designed to give you clarity as well as practical tips, tricks, and resources to help you to manage your move.

Show Links:

• MyNavyHR PCS Guide

• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

• Financial Counseling for the Military | Military OneSource

• Fleet and Family Support Program's Relocation Assistance

• Virtual Work and Family Life 1:1 Consultation Booking Page

• COMPASS – NS Family Line

Show Takeaways: 

• The GHC system aimed to streamline PCS moves by centralizing responsibility under a single contractor — but implementation has been rocky.

• Servicemembers have experienced communication issues, delayed deliveries, damaged goods, and financial uncertainty around executing Personally Procured Moves (PPM).

• During OCONUS moves, household goods are generally shipped under various modes of transportation, and are currently still operating under the legacy DPS system. 

• The Secretary of Defense recently released a memo directing TRANSCOM to take several actions - including adjusting reimbursement rates of PPMs to reflect market rates at 130% of current GHC rates.

• There are several ways to help make your move go smoothly: start planning early, document everything, get assistance from a financial educator, and even - hand carry your parts box!

• FFSC, NMCRS, Military OneSource, and more are available as resources to help you plan financially for your move.

• Always check with your command and local personal property office for the most up-to-date-guidance.

Let’s Connect: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

This episode features Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), discussing the organization’s mission to support veterans and families of the fallen. Ryan shares the story of her brother, 1st Lt. Travis Manion, and how his legacy inspired TMF’s commitment to character, leadership, and service.

Topics include TMF’s programs like The Honor Project and Character Does Matter, among others, all designed to help communities heal, grow, and lead with purpose.

Listeners will hear how TMF empowers individuals to live by the motto: "If Not Me, Then Who..."

Show Links:

• Travis Manion Foundation

• The Honor Project 

Show Takeaways: 

• Named for 1st Lt Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of his patrol in 2007, the Travis Manion Foundation empowers and inspires veterans and Gold Star families to make an impact through service. 

• One of the Travis Manion Foundation’s core projects is The Honor Project, in which volunteers across the country honor fallen heroes on or around Memorial Day. 

• The Travis Manion Foundation offers a variety of programs and events to support veterans and families of the fallen - find them at travismanion.org 

Let’s Connect: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

Celebrating Our Military Spouses: Featuring AFI’s Military Spouse of the Year Navy Branch Winners Angela Litteral and Jennifer Barnhill

Armed Forces Insurance recognizes the work of military spouses from all service branches, with nominations held in December each year. From January through March, these amazing men and women are recognized for their dedication to helping military families thrive. In this episode, we talk with Navy branch winners Angela Litteral (2024) and Jennifer Barnhill (2025) to discuss the program and their platforms, as well the importance of military spouses everywhere creating change in their communities.

Show Links:

• Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year®

• Unsung Heroes: The League of Wives and the Power of the Military Spouse Changemakers

• Navy Marine Corps Relief Society 

• My Navy Family

• We Serve Too 

• Strength in Service

• Mission: Milspouse

Show Takeaways: 

• Military Spouses deserve to be recognized for their strength, selflessness, and sacrifice.

• The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year Program honors military spouses from all service branches. Angela Litteral was the 2024 Navy Branch Winner, and Jennifer Barnhill is the 2025 Navy Branch Winner. 

• Military spouses are a diverse, talented group who use their wide range of talents to support and strengthen their various military communities: From volunteering with NMCRS to elevating spouse stories, or mentoring entrepreneurs to providing mental health services, Angela and Jennifer highlight multiple changemaking spouses and the phenomenal work they’re doing. 

Let’s Connect: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

Strengthening Connections: How United Through Reading Helps Military Families Thrive

United Through Reading (UTR) is a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening military families’ emotional bonds, literacy, and general well-being through the power of reading. Penney Letrud-Samons, United Through Reading’s Director of Special Programs, discusses how the organization’s free storytime video recordings help deployed servicemembers stay connected to the military children in their lives. But the program isn’t only for deployments - UTR helps encourage reading anytime, anywhere. Penney tells us all about the many literary resources that UTR offers and all the incredible developmental benefits reading offers to our military kids. Penney also announces the 2025 Book for the Military Child!

Show Links:

• United Through Reading

• United Through Reading App

• United Through Reading Resources

• United Through Reading Upcoming Events 

Show Takeaways: 

• Every year more than 100,000 military parents deploy leaving nearly 250,000 military children at home. UTR gives military families a way to connect despite the distance they may face through deployment.

• UTR also benefits servicemembers by allowing them to maintain close emotional bonds with their families at home. 

• UTR’s storytime recordings videos can be viewed on-demand and have many developmental benefits for the military child. For every storytime recording a servicemember makes, they receive a free copy of that book. Servicemembers can make unlimited recordings that are reliable, repeatable, and accessible anytime for the military children in their lives. 

• UTR’s other resources include reading trackers, literacy guides for all ages, read aloud tips, and a podcast. 

Let’s Connect: 

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram