Our Navy Life: Recent Episodes
Navy Services FamilyLine
Your journey as a Navy family can be exciting and fulfilling. It can also be confusing and stressful. For all your challenges and triumphs — from how to thrive during deployments to navigating Tricare — Naval Services FamilyLine has been your go-to resource since 1965. If you're living the Navy Life, this podcast is for you. Join us as we discuss ways to navigate this Navy life together and define what it means to be a modern Navy family.
S5 E1: Celebrating our CPO Selectees!
Show Notes: Mike Stevens, CEO of the Navy League of the United States and Evelyn Honea, wife of MCPON James Honea discuss why selecting as a CPO is such a major career milestone, and talk about how family members can support their selectees and what to expect during Chief season.
Show Links:
- Navy League of the United States
Show Takeaways:
- Being selected as a CPO is a major career milestone
- Spouses and family members are provided with opportunities to be involved in season events
- CPO season is based in naval history and connects the past, present, and future to create chiefs who know the value of their role and the meaning it holds
- Chief Season can be a challenging time for selectees and their families, but also a time of celebration
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Ask an Ombudsman: How Your Command Ombudsman Serves to Support You
Show Notes:
Ombudsmen are Navy spouse volunteers who serve as a crucial communication link between a command and command families, and are trained in information and resources to support Navy families. In this episode we speak with one of the Navy’s two Ombudsmen-At-Large, Junifer Thomas, about the roles and responsibilities of an ombudsman, and how vital they are to mission readiness. We also speak with two current ombudsmen, Jessica Pugh and Sharon Kozak, who shed light on the ins and outs of their job and answer questions from listeners.
Show Links:
- Find Your Ombudsman Here
- USS Abraham Lincoln Ombudsman Facebook Page
- NTAG Heartland Ombudsman Facebook Group
- Military One Source
- Fleet and Family Support Program
- American Red Cross
- Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
- Courage to Call
Show Takeaways:
- Ombudsmen are volunteers who serve as the primary liaison between a command and their families.
- Ombudsmen are trained in numerous resources to ensure families receive the support and information they need to meet the challenges of military life.
- Families and Sailors must understand that for an ombudsman to communicate with a sailor’s family member, the sailor must first give permission.
- Ombudsmen work tirelessly to ensure the needs of their command families are met - but there are also ways to support and thank them for their dedication.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Better Together: Naval Services FamilyLine and Blue Star Families Join Forces
Blue Star Families is an organization founded in 2009 to empower military families as they serve by connecting them with their neighbors to create supportive communities. Their platform, The Neighborhood, is a virtual community designed to help military families thrive by providing them with local resources, events, and gatherings. In an exciting partnership, Blue Star Families and Naval Services FamilyLine are joining together to launch the first ever service-specific Neighborhood, ensuring they’ll reach and support even more Navy families. On this episode, Blue Star Families’ CEO, Kathy Roth-Douquet and Executive Vice President, Ryan Callahan join Naval Services FamilyLine’s Chairperson, Tirzah Aiken to discuss this new venture.
Show Links:
- Blue Star Families
- The Neighborhood
Show Takeaways:
- Blue Star Families is an organization dedicated to providing military families with connections and a sense of belonging in their communities.
- The Neighborhood is Blue Star Families’ digital platform providing resources and sharing events to military families in their local areas.
https://thebsn.org/ * Blue Star Families and Naval Services FamilyLine are partnering to offer the first service-specific Neighborhood for Navy families, moderated by FamilyLine volunteers
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Hiring Our Heroes is a 501(c)(3) that provides the military-connected community with workforce development. On this episode, Jenny Lynn Stroup, Deputy Director of Military Spouse Programs and Angie Hood, Manager of the Military Spouse Programs team, discuss programs and initiatives developed specifically for military spouses.
Show Links:
- Hiring Our Heroes
- Register for Amplify
- Apply for the Military Spouse Fellowship Program
Show Takeaways:
- The Military Spouse under and unemployment rate is much higher than the national average; Hiring Our Heroes has an entire team dedicated to military spouses because military spouse employment provides stability for military families, which provides stability for the military force.
- Hiring Our Heroes offers military spouses three unique lanes of business to become involved: Workforce Development, and Events and Engagement.
- Amplify workshops are offered to military spouses in-person and virtually, focused on career preparation, professional development, and networking.
- The 4+1 Commitment is designed to encourage businesses to develop military spouse-friendly hiring practices.
- Hiring Our Heroes offers a 12-week fellowship program that provides military spouse with professional training, networking, and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Unsung Heroes: The League of Wives and the Power of Military Spouse ChangemakersThe League of Wives was a group of brave, determined military wives who raised awareness and demanded humane treatment for POWs during the Vietnam War. These remarkable women transformed the role of the military spouse, and paved the way for future generations of spouses to become changemakers and advocates. In this episode we talk to Alexia Palacios-Peters, Chairperson of the League of Wives Memorial Project, about the soon-to-be unveiled memorial dedicated to these extraordinary women, and their enduring legacy. We also talk to Sheila Casey, Executive Director of Joining Forces, who offers a contemporary perspective on the evolving challenges faced by military spouses and the pivotal role they play in shaping policies that impact military families. Join us as we explore how the collective strength and determination of military spouses continue to drive positive change.
Show Links:
- League of Wives Memorial Project
- Joining Forces
- Military OneSource
Show Takeaways:
- Military Spouses are often our own best advocates, using our own challenges as a springboard for change.
- The League of Wives forever changed the traditional role of the Military Spouse after they bravely defied their traditional expectations; Despite many obstacles, the League of Wives raised national awareness about the POWs in Vietnam and demanded their humane treatment.
- Joining Forces is the White House initiative to support military-connected families. Its Executive Director, Sheila Casey, is a retired Army spouse of over 40 years. She discusses how the role and expectations of military spouses have changed over the years, and how military spouses are at the forefront of creating positive change for military families and their communities.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Supporting our servicemembers means supporting their families. Having safe, reliable, affordable access to childcare is a critical issue that directly impacts military readiness and retention. Our guest Christin Anderson shares how her urgent need for childcare ended in a tragedy when her son suffered a traumatic brain injury at the hands of an abusive caregiver, while Kayla Corbit, founder of Operation Child Care Project, shares how OCCP is ensuring military families have the resources they need to safely meet their childcare needs.
Show Links:
- Operation Child Care Project
- OCCP Facebook
- National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations
Show Takeaways:
- Finding reputable, affordable childcare is among one of the most important needs of military families
- Lack of childcare directly impacts military spouse employment, mental health, and military retention and readiness
- There is a disconnect between traditional childcare offerings and the nature of the military lifestyle
- Operation Child Care Project offers personalized case management to assist military families in utilizing all possible resources to meet their specific childcare needs
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Military Spouses have much higher rates of under and unemployment than their civilian counterparts. Finding long-term, meaningful employment as a military spouse can be difficult, and sometimes disheartening, due to frequent relocations, difficulties with childcare, and sometimes even a lack of confidence. In this episode Leslie Coffey and Ashton Andrews of American Corporate Partners discuss their organization’s mission to assist vets and military spouses find meaningful, long-term careers through their personalized mentorship program and upcoming small business program.
Show Links
- American Corporate Partners
- Active Duty Spouse Program | American Corporate Partners
- American Corporate Partners (ACP) | LinkedIn
Show Takeaways:
- Growing great careers as a military spouse can be challenging but is possible.
- ACP’s mentorship program partners with over 100 companies with the goal of helping spouses understand, develop, and grow careers based on their passions and goals, and is completely personalized for every participant.
- Provides helpful links and information on mentorship and how to get involved.
- ACP is launching a community based small business initiative for military spouses with entrepreneurial aspirations
- ACP is a great resource not only for military spouses but also for active duty service members transitioning out of the military.
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
Naval Services FamilyLine is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to serving naval spouses around the world. Our network of experienced, trained volunteer spouses allows us to mentor, consult, and guide families in the Navy. FamilyLine’s programs include Compass, CORE, Naval Spouse Leadership Courses, and online and hardcopy publications all designed to equip Navy spouses with the resources they need to be educated, empowered, and supported throughout their Navy journey.
Show Links:
- Compass
- Core
- Navy Spouse Leadership Course
- FamilyLine Publications
- Anchors Aweigh
- MyNavy Family App
Show Takeaways:
- FamilyLine has extensive programming to meet Navy spouses at whatever point they are in their Navy journey.
- Compass and Core have virtual and in-person events for interested participants.
- Compass, CORE, and NSLC are always looking for volunteers! Check out our websites if you’re interested in mentoring.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Stories of Resilience: Maegan Jones
Maegan Jones is a proud Navy spouse of 14 years and mom to one daughter, age 8. Maegan is originally from Glenwood, Iowa, and Navy life has taken her to Hawaii, California, Tennessee, and most recently, Washington state. Maegan serves as the Secretary on the Naval Services FamilyLine Board of Directors and is also a COMPASS mentor. Additionally, Maegan is the ombudsman for her spouse's command.
Maegan earned a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration in 2014 and has worked across a variety of industries. Maegan is currently employed by a government contractor and works in personnel security.
Outside of her career and volunteer commitments, Maegan enjoys reading, cooking/baking, exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family, and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Dallas Cowboys.
Show Links:
- https://ombudsmanregistry.cnic.navy.mil/
- https://dodmwrlibraries.org/
- https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/
Show Takeaways:
- Prioritize creating community.
- Help where you can and accept help when you need it.
- The Navy is a huge part of your life, but you can be your own person outside of that and have a career if you want one.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Navigating TRICARE
Zelly Zim is a Health System Specialist in the Policy & Program Section for TRICARE Health Plan, Defense Health Agency. Her primary role is as the senior analyst for the TRICARE Select program. She serves as a subject matter expert, which involves the promulgation of federal statutes into Regulation and Policy for the Department of Defense’s 9.6 million healthcare beneficiaries.
Links from Zelly :
https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Enroll/OpenSeason
https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans
https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/QLE
https://www.tricare.mil/FAQs/General/GEN_TOL_GENESIS
https://www.tricare.mil/GettingCare
https://www.tricare.mil/subscriptions
https://www.tricare.mil/publications
https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental
https://tricare.mil/bcacdcao
Episode Take-Aways:
● Despite its challenges, TRICARE is one of the premier health benefit networks in the nation -- it is an immeasurable benefit we receive as military families.
● What are the basic TRICARE terms and dates every military family should know?
● How does care/coverage change if you receive OCONUS orders?
● If a family is experiencing sub-par care, how can they advocate for themselves?
● What are the big takeaways Navy families should know with the transition to the Genesis
system that is taking place throughout the fleet?
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Stories of Resilience: Mrs. Annie Rae Payne
Annie Rae Payne is a Navy Veteran who previously worked for the state of Washington as the Education Coordinator at a state-funded early childhood education and assistance program. She is the Life Skills and Family Advocacy Program Educator at the Fleet and Family Support Center at NAS Whidbey Island. In addition to being the NASWI Ombudsman Coordinator, she has been an Ombudsman for 13 years and is presently appointed to the World Famous Rooks of VAQ-137.
She and her husband, Eric, are about to embark on their 15th deployment together. Eric and Annie share three children, a son and daughter-in-law, two Grandchildren, and their German Shepherd Harley. Annie enjoys reading, camping, game nights, and entertaining in her free time.
Show Links:
- https://www.nsfamilyline.org/compass
- https://ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Family-Readiness/Fleet-And-Family-Support-Program/
Show Takeaways:
Ask yourself Annie's big question:
How can I help someone feel safe and seen?
- Inclusion means creating connections, building relationships, and supporting others to do the same.
- To be inclusive in this Navy life means including those outside of the Navy to support our families.
- Values of diversity and inclusion ultimately benefit everyone.
- It sometimes takes grit to ensure inclusive programs persist amidst financial, institutional, and other challenges.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Stories of Resilience: Dr. Rosie Ortiz-Torres
Dr. Rosie Ortiz-Torres obtained her Doctoral degree while also living overseas the last 10 years, raising two teenagers, navigating deployments and volunteering with the military community as well. She’ll share her personal experience in leaving active duty and leveraging resources such as the Red Cross, Fleet and Family Support Centers and the Navy Marine Corp Relief Society.
Show Links:
- https://www.nsfamilyline.org/compass
- https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html
- https://www.nmcrs.org/
- https://ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Family-Readiness/Fleet-And-Family-Support-Program/
Show Takeaways:
Ask yourself Dr. Rosie's big question--Why not?
● Spouses’ dreams and goals are important too
● Be gentle and respectful with yourself in meeting those goals and aspirations
● Use all of the Navy and military resources to your full advantage.
● Use volunteering to help clarify goals
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Stories of Resilience: Meg Graves
As a proud Navy military wife of 12 years, Meg is no stranger to the hardships of being married in the military. Their three children, two of whom are EFM, and her own EFM status as a Breast Cancer survivor have given her first-hand experience in advocating for their unique needs. Breast cancer has taught her that we all have our own version of hard. She has empowered, led, and encouraged other military families as their needs and families grow and change. Her role as a Navy ombudsman (& Air Force key spouse) at joint commands has given her insights into how EFMP differs between service branches.
Show Links:
- https://tnbcfoundation.org/
- https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
- https://thepromiseact.org/
Show Takeaways:
- Meg embodies FamilyLine’s core value of Compassion with GRIT. Specifically, Meg highlights the G of GRIT with the importance of being genuine in all circumstances.
- As an advocate for your children, being genuine is a strength that brings clarity and purpose to the daily grind.
- As an advocate for your personal health journey, living in a genuine manner emboldens you to face your own version of hard.
- As a Navy spouse, exemplifying a genuine nature helps you meet the challenges of navigating this military lifestyle.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL 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
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 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
Purple Up! Celebrating Military-Connected Youth
Ahsha Bass, 2022-2023 National Military Youth of the Year
Ahsha Bass (@elisabeth.bass03) • Instagram photos and videos
Asha.b1125@gmail.com
Look out for Chat with Asha B on Spotify– coming soon!
Show Links:
- Military Youth of the Year
- Military Teen Adventure Camps through Purdue University
- Military Community Youth Ministries
- Young Marines
- USO Military Youth Programs
- National Military Family Association: Operation Purple
- Military Child Education Coalition
- Our Military Kids
- Kids Rank
- Blue Star Families: Blue Star Kids
- 4-H Military Partnerships: Purple Up!
- Fisher House: Scholarships for Military Children
- Wings Over America: Scholarship
- Navy Marine Corps Relief Society: Education Assistance
- Operation We Are Here: 2022 Summer Camps and Activities for Military Youth and Teens
- Operation Purple Camp
- American Red Cross
- Bloom
Show Takeaways:
- Who are military kids and how many of them are there?
- Why is it important to celebrate Month of the Military Child and military children?
- What goodness do military kids bring to their schools and communities?
- What challenges do our military kids face?
- How can parents, families, friends, and the community support Navy children?
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Happy Birthday Chiefs!
Today’s discussion dives into what it means to be a Chief Petty Officer and how that impacts Navy families.
Crystal Bennet is an educator, an advocate, a survivor and a self-proclaimed thriver! For the past 25 years she has been driven by her personal experiences of trauma to elevate and amplify the voices of individuals and communities in order to promote healing and opportunities to move from surviving to thriving.
As a mother to four children and a Navy spouse she has had to exhibit great flexibility but has also learned the importance of taking control in order to create the path that allows herself and her family to thrive.
Mike Stevens is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the Navy League of the United States. He retired from the U.S. Navy in September 2016 after serving as the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
Show Links:
- Crystal Thryves
- Navy League
- CPO Spouse Selectee Confrence on NSFL YouTube
- Sea Air and Space 2023
Show Takeaways:
- Why are Chiefs an important part of Navy culture
- What does it take to be a Chief?
- How can spouses support their Chiefs?
- Navy League is a massive supporter of Navy families
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Get to Know Sergio and Kaleisha!
Sergio Rodriguez, Host of Naval Services FamilyLine “Our Navy Life”, Housing Advocate, Volunteer, 2022 Navy Spouse of The Year
Kaleisha Hatchin, Co-host of Naval Services FamilyLine “Our Navy Life” Podcast, entrepreneur and 9 year military spouse.
Show Links:
- NSFL Website
- COMPASS
- Naval Services FamilyLine Facebook
- NsfamilyLine Instagram
- Please contact Jennifer Kiser, our volunteer manager, if you are interested in volunteering with FamilyLine volunteer manager@nsfamilyline.org
Show Takeaways:
- Which community are they part of?
- What was their favorite duty station?
- Learn the hardest moments Sergio and Kaleisha have had in Our Navy Life
- Find out why they said yes to being your hosts!
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Welcome to FamilyLine! Today's guest is Beth Weber, the chairman of Naval Services FamilyLine. Beth Weber is an entrusted leader & mentor who strives to impact the personal & professional journeys of others. You can contact Beth Weber, Naval Services FamilyLine Chairman, at chairman@nsfamilyline.org
Show Links:
- NSFL Website
- Anchors Aweigh
- COMPASS
- CORE
- Naval Spouse Leadership Courses
- Publications
- Naval Services FamilyLine Facebook
- NsfamilyLine Instagram
- Mustang Spouse Symposium on Youtube
- Please contact Jennifer Kiser, our volunteer manager, if you are interested in volunteering with FamilyLine volunteermanager@nsfamily.org
- Check out the Navy's MyNavyFamilyApp Over 300,000 downloads last year. Great for spouses, parents, family members, girlfriends, and boyfriends.
Show Takeaways:
- Learn the history of Naval Services FamilyLine
- FamilyLine is here for your transitions wherever you are in the world or your sailor's career
- Volunteers are the backbone of FamilyLine (Send an email to: volunteermanager@nsfamily.org)
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Show Notes: Join host, Sergio Rodriguez, and co-host, Cherry King, as they chat with Mrs. Evelyn Honea, wife of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. In this discussion, Evelyn shares her experiences as an entrepreneur and Navy spouse, while maintaining her own identity as an involved spouse and parent.
Show Links:
- MySECO
- Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide
- Naval Services FamilyLine Compass
- Naval Services FamilyLine CORE
Show Takeaways:
- Get plugged into your community to feel settled in new duty stations.
- Lean into service opportunities that align with your passions.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Welcome back to the show! Today we are talking about a very important topic for all military families: Housing. Host Sergio Rodriguez and co-host Abigail McCracken, the 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Coast Guard Spouse of the Year, are joined by our guest Kate Needham, who co-founded the nonprofit, Armed Forces Housing Advocates in 2021. Kate has been on the front lines fighting for military families to have clean and safe homes.
Show Links:
- Armed Forces Housing Advocates
Show Takeaways:
- Listen in to hear some ways to advocate for yourself and your family when it comes to Military Housing
- Hear Kate’s tips for protecting yourself when looking for housing
- Understand your rights as a military family
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
It’s not uncommon for a Navy family to go through the holiday season with a deployed Service member. Join host, Sergio Rodriguez, and co-host Kaleshia Hatchin, as they chat with Brenda Spencer. Brenda is a volunteer navy spouse, a mother, and also a veteran. Hear Brenda’s tips to get through the holidays by creating traditions and doing what works best for you and your family.
Show Links:
- NS FamilyLine CORE
- NS FamilyLine Compass
Show Takeaways:
- Recognize when it’s important to you to celebrate a holiday and how you will celebrate it.
- How to take advantage of resources that your community offers.
- Lean into your community to develop new holiday traditions and memories.
- Connect with your Navy family community through Naval Services FamilyLine: Compass and CORE.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Welcome back to Our Navy Life, today’s episode is a very special episode because we are honoring the stories of our Navy spouses who are also veterans. In this episode, we have several wonderful guests to chat with us about their time serving. We are better together, and the rich experiences that Veterans bring to our community only make us that much better and stronger as a Navy family community.
Show Links:
- Military Crisis Line
- Naval Services FamilyLine Compass
- Naval Services FamilyLine CORE
Show Takeaways:
Listen in as we hear from several veterans and current military spouses as they share:
- Why they joined the military
- Their decision to get out and how they made that decision
- Their transition from active duty to supporting their spouse still on active duty
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Join host, Sergio Rodriguez, and co-host, Kaleshia Hatchin, as they chat with Samantha Hatch, Navy Reserve chaplain and Navy spouse about the emotional cycle of deployment. As Navy families, we endure deployments as a regular part of our lifestyle. But just because we experience them frequently doesn’t mean we are deployment experts. As Sam explains, each deployment is different and knowing where you are in the cycle is important to better understand and support yourselves and your family.
Show Takeaways:
- Communication is key before, during, and after deployment.
- Lean on the resources in your community (FRG, ombudsman, spouse groups) in times of need.
- Find your local Naval Services FamilyLine chapter and register for the next Compass session.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Join host, Sergio Rodriguez, and co-host, Ali Maruca, as they chat with the spouse of the Chief of Naval Operations, Mrs. Linda Gilday. From military spouse employment to managing dual careers to how to lean on your village, Mrs. Gilday talks about her experience as a Navy spouse and how integral the Navy family community is in supporting one another.
Show Takeaways:
- Managing a career as a military spouse
- Surviving and thriving in a dual-career military household
- Supporting fellow Navy spouses and families
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
With rising costs of living across the nation and around the world, the challenges of military spouse employment and childcare, and the unanticipated challenges of military life, it’s no surprise that food insecurity is on the rise among Navy families. Join host Sergio Rodriguez, and co-host Ali Maruca, as they chat with Delia Johnson, program director of the Combat Hunger initiative with the Military Family Advisory Network. You’ll also hear from guest Cat Gehry, Navy Veteran and spouse, and mother of four, and her experience to struggle to put food on the table for her family.
Show Links:
- White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
- MILITARY LEADERS ECONOMIC SECURITY TOOLKIT
- Strengthening Food Security in the Force: Strategy and Roadmap
- Combat Military Hunger
- MFAN 2021 Report: Military Family Support Programming Survey Results
- MFAN Food Assistance
Show Takeaways:
- Food insecurity is a growing concern among Navy families
- Asking for help/support does not negatively impact a service member’s career
- If you think you are experiencing food insecurity, contact your local Fleet and Family Support Center to inquire about assistance programs in your area
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh is a military spouse and psychologist who serves military families as a Military Marriage Coach. With her podcast, Married to the Military, and her unique coaching platform, she works with spouses and service members to improve communication techniques and takes into account the unique challenges of the military lifestyle. This episode with host Sergio Rodriguez and co-host Christy Thomas dives into healthy communication techniques that can help military members and their spouses thrive.
Show Links:
- www.lindsaycavanagh.com
- www.instagram.com/marriedtomilitary
- Free call: https://marriedtomilitary.satoriapp.com/offers/236651-military-marriage-breakthrough-call
- Listen to Christy's Show: Keep Calm and Mother On!
Show Takeaways:
- Discuss the challenges in the military environment that can be a communication barrier.
- Establish communication expectations between the service member and spouse.
- Talking about communication doesn’t mean there’s a problem. It sets the military member and spouse up for future success.
Let’s Connect:
- NSFL Website
- NSFL Facebook
- NSFL Instagram
Our journey as a Navy family can be exciting and fulfilling. It can also be confusing and stressful.
For all your challenges and triumphs — from how to thrive during deployments to navigating Tricare — Naval Services FamilyLine has been your go-to resource since 1965. If you're living the Navy Life, this podcast is for you.
Join us as we discuss ways to navigate this Navy life together and define what it means to be a modern Navy family. In each episode, we’ll explore topics intended to help you on your Navy journey. Whether we dive into Navy life, great resources, or connecting with Navy spouses, there’s something here for everyone. No matter if you’re just starting out, at the halfway point, or approaching the end, we know one thing is certain: we are better together. Come along for the ride.