Our Navy Life

What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking with NYT Bestselling Author & Navy Veteran Spouse Caroline ChambersIf you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge after a long Navy day thinking, “I cannot make one more decision,” this episode is for you.In this episode of Our Navy Life, host Teal Yost sits down with Caroline Chambers — New York Times bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, Substack creator, mom of four, and former Navy spouse — to talk about realistic cooking for real military life.Caroline knows the Navy spouse season firsthand. After moving from New York to Coronado to be with her husband, a Navy SEAL, she launched a “fake-it-til-you-make-it” catering company built with other SEAL spouses — a pivot that eventually led to her bestselling cookbook, What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking.Together, Teal and Caroline unpack how food, community, and flexibility help military families survive deployments, solo-parenting seasons, PCS chaos, and everyday burnout.In this episode, you'll hear about:From Coronado to Cookbook: How Caroline’s Navy spouse life sparked her career in food media.Letting go of perfection: Why “just get everyone fed” beats gourmet every time — especially with kids.Time-honest cooking: How organizing recipes by real-world minutes builds confidence and removes intimidation from cooking.Busy-life hacks: Smart swaps, fewer ingredients, and grocery-store-friendly cooking for unpredictable schedules.Solo-parent survival strategy: Caroline’s realistic meal-prep system for deployment seasons and long workdays.Food as community: How dropping off meals, salad swaps, and potluck wins help spouses connect at new duty stations.Potluck MVP: Why showing up with a great salad (hello, the Dilly Chop) makes you unforgettable.Rapid-fire favorites: Clean-out-the-fridge meals, pantry must-haves, and comfort food when depleted.The truth about kids and dinner: Even a NYT bestselling author has nights where only one kid eats the meal.Caroline’s message is simple and freeing: Dinner doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be doable.Whether you’re in a deployment season, PCS transition, or just plain tired of cereal nights, this episode will leave you feeling supported, capable, and hungry in the best way.Book: What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like CookingNewsletter / Substack: https://whattocook.substack.comInstagram: @carochambersNavy SEAL Foundation: https://www.navysealfoundation.orgIf this episode helped you, share it with a spouse friend in the thick of Navy life — especially the one juggling deployments, kids, and the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question.From our Navy family to yours — stay strong, stay connected, and stay mission ready.Stay Connected With Us: NSFL WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL 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 EpisodeGrant’s Navy journey and transition from active duty to military spouseBehind the scenes of The Academy Insider podcastHow Valor makes military discounts automatic — no cards or conversations requiredWhy the app launched in Coronado, CA and what’s next for nationwide expansionHow Valor is helping small businesses give back to the military community year-roundFeatured 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.comDownload the Valor App: Available on the App Store & Google PlayListen to The Academy Insider podcastStay Connected With Us: NSFL WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL 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 FamilyLineNSFL COMPASSNSFL COREVolunteer With NSFL!Stay Connected With Us: NSFL WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL 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 StatesNavy League ScholarshipsJoin the Navy League Stay Connected With Us: NSFL WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL InstagramKey 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 WeathersDay One JournalUSO 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 WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL Instagram

S6 E5: Preparing for Your PCS: Everything You Need to KnowPCS 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 GuideNavy-Marine Corps Relief SocietyFinancial Counseling for the Military | Military OneSourceFleet and Family Support Program's Relocation AssistanceVirtual Work and Family Life 1:1 Consultation Booking PageCOMPASS – NS Family LineShow 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 WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL 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 FoundationThe 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 WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL Instagram

Celebrating Our Military Spouses: Featuring AFI’s Military Spouse of the Year Navy Branch Winners Angela Litteral and Jennifer BarnhillArmed 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 ChangemakersNavy Marine Corps Relief Society My Navy FamilyWe Serve Too Strength in ServiceMission: MilspouseShow 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 WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL Instagram

Strengthening Connections: How United Through Reading Helps Military Families ThriveUnited 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 ReadingUnited Through Reading AppUnited Through Reading ResourcesUnited 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 WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL Instagram

Your Health, Your Benefits: Exploring the New HCFSA InitiativeShow Notes: Show Notes: Ron Garner, Assistant Director of Military Compensation Policy, explains the DOD’s new Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCSFA) initiative. March 3rd - 31st is the first opportunity for eligible members of the uniformed services to enroll in an HCFSA during this special enrollment period. Show Links:Office of Financial Readiness - Understanding the HCFSAKnowing your Benefits Healthcare FSA Applying for FSA Eligible Expense Guide Show Takeaways: The new FSA initiative is a way to save untaxed income for eligible medical, dental, and vision care costs..Eligible expenses include OTC medicine, acupuncture, braces, contact lenses and so much more! A special enrollment begins March 2nd and ends March 31st.Members of the uniformed services in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and U.S. Public Health Service are eligible to sign up for an HCFSA during the Special Enrollment Period. Members of the regular (active) component. Members of the reserve components of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force performing Active Guard Reserve (AGR) duty. Members of the National Guard performing Active Guard Reserve (AGR) duty.Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, including Reserve Component Managers, performing active duty for more than 180 days. Contributions come straight from the service member’s paycheck and can be $100-$3,300 per year.If you choose to re-enroll during Federal Benefits Open Season, (typically mid-November through mid-December), you may carry over up to $660 in unused HCFSA funds to the next plan year.Let’s Connect: NSFL WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL Instagram

A New Era for EFMP: What’s Changing for Military Families Michelle Norman, the Executive Director and Founder of Partners in PROMISE, a non-profit organization focused on educating, advising and advocating for exceptional military families and their education, discusses the changes to EFMP. She discusses what recently changed and what's coming down the pipeline, focusing on the elimination of EFMP categories and change in respite care. Show Links: Dissolution of Navy EFMP Program dissolution-of-navy-efmp-program.pdf EFM Respite Care Changes EFMP Respite Care Changes Partners in Promise Partners in PROMISE Podcasts Show Takeaways:  The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a program that supports military families with special needs members with their medical and educational needs throughout a service member’s career. Partners in PROMISE is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to protecting the rights of military children in special education and disability communities.  DOD mandated changes to EFMP will likely impact all EFMP families. Changes include the dissolution of categories and standardizing eligibility for respite care. The dissolution of categories will allow for a more holistic and flexible approach to assignments for service members enrolled in EFMP.  Make sure you’re aware of the changes and keep your EFMP enrollment forms up to date.  Let’s Connect:  NSFL Website NSFL Facebook NSFL Instagram

Show Notes: Former VA Benefit Advisor, Kathy Gonzales, shares what to expect during, and how best to prepare for, the transition-retirement process. She discusses everything from disability and education benefits, to financial planning, to TAP classes, and covers all the best resources to utilize to make the transition to civilian life as smooth as possible.  Show Links: Online TAP Courses and Military Life Cycle Courses Office of Financial Readiness (retirement calculator, find a personal financial counselor, financial courses and tools):  Department of Veterans Affairs Find a Veteran Service Officer Team Red, White, Blue Team Rubicon  National Resource Directory Resources State Veterans Affairs Offices DoD TAP  DFAS for Retirees  DFAS for Retirees new to Retired Pay  Department of Labor for Veterans  Navy Transition - Retirement Resource Guide Show Takeaways:  Transitioning out of or retiring from active duty can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of resources available to assist you and your family in the process. Transition Assistance Program classes cover finances, VA benefits, disability benefits, education benefits, employer panels, and more. This information can be accessed anytime online.  Begin preparing for this transition early - Longevity retirees especially should begin preparing medical documentation early.  Veteran Service Officers, VFW, American Legion and more are available to assist with filing your claims. Let’s Connect:  NSFL Website NSFL Facebook NSFL Instagram

 Mental Toughness: Navigating the mental health crisis in the Navy (Lt Dale Hirsch) Mental Toughness DISCLAIMER: The next three episodes are part of a series on Mental Toughness and the discussions will share very vulnerable stories and resources about suicide. If hearing about and discussing suicide is triggering, we encourage you to come back and listen at a time that is right for you. Talking about suicide doesn’t lead to suicide, but we know that people are scared to talk about it.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Our Navy Life is digging in to talk about suicide, suicide prevention, and how we can support our service members, spouses, and children as we navigate the challenges of Navy life. Today’s episode is a discussion with Lt Dale Hirsch, a Research Psychologist of the Navy Leadership and Ethics Center to discuss more about the mental health crisis in the Navy and how we can work towards developing mentally tough sailors and families. As a disclaimer, the thoughts, opinions and ideas discussed in this episode are solely from the purview of Lt Hirsch and not of the Department of Defense.  Show Links: Mental Health Playbook -- February 2023 Expanded Operational Stress Control (E-OSC) Program Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Clinical Counseling Find Your Local FFSC Here! DoD Safe HelpLine OCONUS Veterans Crisis Line Tear-Off Poster CONUS Veterans Crisis Line Tear-Off Poster  OPNAV INSTRUCTION 1720.4B -- Suicide Prevention Program Show Takeaways: One of the most protective factors in suicide prevention is connectedness.  Mental health is almost too de-stigmatized. Toughness is what the Navy is working towards to create resilient Sailors and families.  Many people seek specialty care when they are really in need of a friend, mentor, or non-medical counseling.   Support can be found in leadership, Fleet and Family Support Center, MWR, Chaplain, and medical. Ask, Care, Treat: This has been taught to Sailors for the past 5 years.  It’s simple, ASK the person if they’re thinking of suicide.  Listen and CARE. You don’t have to be a professional, just care.  And lastly, TREAT, take them to a professional or chaplain who can continue helping.    Let’s Connect: NSFL Website NSFL Facebook NSFL Instagram

Season 4 Episode #2: Get to Know Your S-L-O: A Conversation with Naval School Liaison, Mindy Hayes Moving schools can be hard on both military children and their parents. In this episode, Naval Base Coronado School Liaison Mindy Hayes, discusses all the ways you can support your child academically and emotionally through PCSing, deployments, and more. From making sure your child adjusts to a new school, to navigating IEPs, to transferring school credits and preparing for post-secondary education, the School Liaison is an invaluable resource for Navy families. Listen to learn how your Naval School Liaison can help you connect to your school, community, and command.    Show Links: School Liaison Worldwide Directory Tutor.com Military OneSource Anchored4Life Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission School Liaison weblinks for Navy Region Southwest Show Takeaways: Naval School Liaisons are available at every installation to help families transition to new schools and advocate for their children. Naval School Liaisons will help you navigate your child’s education at any age or grade, with issues regarding everything from IEPs and the EMFP program to graduation requirements in different states. The Interstate Compact for Military Children is a set of policies that exists to help military kids transition to a new school, join extracurriculars, and meet graduation requirements so they do not get left behind.  Even if your School Liaison doesn’t have the exact answer you need, they can connect you with the right resources.  Let’s Connect: NSFL Website NSFL Facebook NSFL Instagram

Creating Community Everywhere: Blue Star Families’ Kathy Roth-Douquet on Welcome Week, the Blue Star Neighborhood & Military LifeShow NotesMoving 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 FamiliesBlue Star Welcome WeekBlue Star Neighborhood Stay Connected With Us: NSFL WebsiteNSFL FacebookNSFL Instagram

Honoring Pride Month: Live Your Navy Life Authentically and With Pride! In honor of Pride Month, today’s episode chats with Ashley and Julie Harper. Julie and Ashley are a same-sex couple married for 6 years, both from Jacksonville, FL. Julie serves on Active Duty in the Navy and Ashley works full time at the Naval Academy. They welcomed their first child, Avery, in April this year. Ashley and Julie’s journey as a gay Navy family is not unlike that of other Navy families. In this interview, we talk about how to be more inclusive of our LGBTQ+ Navy families, demonstrate allyship, and how we can encourage others to live their Navy life authentically. Show Links: Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Pride Month PRIDE in All Who Serve: Statement by Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro NAVIFOR Pride Month Celebration DoD Pride: The DoD Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Employees and Allies  US Navy Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Show Takeaways: The Navy spouse community is rich with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and likes/dislikes.  We can all work to uplift, encourage, and highlight that diversity. Navy spouses can be their authentic selves while also supporting the Navy family community. The use of language, such as “spouse” instead of “wife or husband,” demonstrates inclusivity of all Navy families. Save judgment and assumptions until you have the opportunity to get to know someone beyond an initial introduction. Let’s Connect: NSFL Website NSFL Facebook NSFL Instagram

Navigating the Exceptional Family Member Program: A Spouse’s Journey to Advocate for Her Daughter and Other Navy Families The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) can often be overwhelming and challenging to navigate. Join us for today’s episode as we chat with Michelle Norman, mother of a 19-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy and 21 other disabilities.  After years of successfully advocating and winning multiple legal cases to ensure her daughter receives the minimum education required by law, she was contacted by military families across the country dealing with similar problems in public schools. Out of her passion for advocating, she launched Partners in PROMISE to ensure no other military family had to experience what they did so that their family could receive the support it needed. Show Links: www.thepromiseact.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/partners-in-promise/ https://www.facebook.com/PartnersinPROMISE https://www.instagram.com/partnersinpromise/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleNormanMSOY/ https://twitter.com/PartnersinPROM1 Show Takeaways: There is no bigger advocate for your family than you. The Exceptional Family Member Program can be a challenging system that many Navy families struggle to understand. Partners in PROMISE can help you navigate the system and advocate for the best resources for you and your family. Supporting EFMP families can simply be showing up with a listening ear, a non judgemental attitude and a willingness to help where needed.  Let’s Connect: NSFL Website NSFL Facebook NSFL Instagram

One of our missions with “Our Navy Life” is to share the incredible stories of what Navy spouses are doing in their communities and how they’re choosing to live this Navy life. In honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Month, today’s episode is a conversation with Katie Kortman, Navy spouse and mother of four kids. Katie is a fashion and textile designer, painter, teacher, and dancing queen. In 2021, Katie was a designer on season 19 of Bravo’s Project Runway. Today, she lives with her husband, a Navy obstetrician and gynecologist, and their four children and they are stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. Show Links: https://katiekortman.com/  @katiekortmanart  @katiekortmanclothing  Show Takeaways: Spouses have dreams and goals too and flexing to accomplish those while living the Navy life often looks different. Building community is a vital element to Navy life and can help us achieve the things we set out to do. Sometimes you need to pour into the Navy spouse community in order to have the community pour into you. Let’s Connect: NSFL Website NSFL Facebook NSFL Instagram

Mental Toughness DISCLAIMER: The next three episodes are part of a series on Mental Toughness and the discussions will share very vulnerable stories and resources about suicide. If hearing about and discussing suicide is triggering, we encourage you to come back and listen at a time that is right for you. Talking about suicide doesn’t lead to suicide, but we know that people are scared to talk about it.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Our Navy Life is digging in to talk about suicide, suicide prevention, and how we can support our service members, spouses, and children as we navigate the challenges of Navy life. Today’s episode is a discussion with Heidi Dindial, whose family’s story is the epitome of how the stress and challenges of Navy life can impact our service members and their families. There are some issues with the audio quality in this episode, but we promise that if you stick with us through the end, you’ll be grateful for Heidi’s vulnerability and sharing her story.  Show Links: Mental Health Playbook -- February 2023 Expanded Operational Stress Control (E-OSC) Program Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Clinical Counseling Find Your Local FFSC Here! DoD Safe HelpLine OCONUS Veterans Crisis Line Tear-Off Poster CONUS Veterans Crisis Line Tear-Off Poster  OPNAV INSTRUCTION 1720.4B -- Suicide Prevention Program Show Takeaways: When your Sailor can’t advocate for him/herself, YOU (the spouse) are your his/her biggest advocate.  Navy life is HARD! Be sure to check in with your Sailor during those stressful times. Compartmentalizing the stress and challenges takes its toll. Support can be found in leadership, Fleet and Family Support Center, MWR, Chaplain, and medical. Ask, Care, Treat: This has been taught to Sailors for the past 5 years.  It’s simple, ASK the person if they’re thinking of suicide.  Listen and CARE. You don’t have to be a professional, just care.  And lastly, TREAT, take them to a professional or chaplain who can continue helping.    Let’s Connect: NSFL Website NSFL Facebook NSFL Instagram

Season 2 Episode 5 Mental Toughness: When there are no warning signs DISCLAIMER: The next three episodes are part of a series on Mental Toughness and the discussions will share very vulnerable stories and resources about suicide. If hearing about and discussing suicide is triggering, we encourage you to come back and listen at a time that is right for you. Talking about suicide doesn’t lead to suicide, but we know that people are scared to talk about it.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Our Navy Life is digging in to talk about suicide, suicide prevention, and how we can support our service members, spouses, and children as we navigate the challenges of Navy life. Our first episode in this series chats with Shelly Bohner, Navy spouse of 29 years and a mother surviving the loss of her only son to suicide. Her story is vulnerable and compelling and we are honored to share it so that others may find solace in it and learn from it. Show Links: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/7-things-to-know-about-suicide/ https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/08/health/suicide-no-signs-grief/index.html https://www.usmedicine.com/clinical-topics/suicide/identified-genes-associated-with-risk-of-suicidal-thoughts-in-veterans/ Show Takeaways: Suicide can sometimes occur without indicating any warning signs.  Friends and family close to someone who commits suicide increase their chances of committing suicide. The Navy family and community provides an incredible network of those who showed up to be with the Bohners during the darkest time in their family’s life. Support for dealing with suicide can be found Fleet and Family Support Center, MWR, Chaplain, and medical. If you are impacted by someone close you committing suicide, please seek help. Let’s Connect: NSFL Website NSFL Facebook NSFL Instagram