Our Navy Life

Show NotesHolidays 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 EpisodeGetting 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 GreetingItalian holiday traditions – La Befana on January 5 – St. Nicholas Day on December 6Spanish 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 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

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

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