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