When military families receive PCS orders, the "yes" is often just the beginning of a bureaucratic battle.

In this episode, Air Force spouse and registered nurse Marissa Muntain shares her grueling nine-month fight to overturn an EFMP denial that threatened her family's move to England. We pull back the curtain on the gaps between EFMP policy and reality, exploring how mental health stigma, inconsistent base-level implementation, and systemic hurdles impact military families.

Key Takeaways:

• EFMP Reality: Why your experience varies wildly depending on your base and coordinator.
• Know Your Rights: How to use AFI regulations to advocate for yourself during medical screenings.
• Escalation: When and how to bypass local denials and utilize the congressional appeal process.
• Practical Advocacy: Why you must document everything and how to build a winning case file.

Resources:

• Military OneSource & Chaplain services (for confidential care).
• AFI regulations and Congressional representative support.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses mental health, system barriers, and medical clearance processes.

Military and veteran spouses face unique career challenges, but meaningful career growth is possible.

In this episode, Hannah is joined by Rachelle Chapman, Senior Director of the Adecco Group US Foundation, to talk about military spouse employment, career confidence, and the power of self-discovery. Rachelle shares her own 20-year career journey through eight military moves and introduces the It’s My Turn program; a free career development program designed specifically for veteran spouses.

We discuss why traditional job-search advice often falls short, how confidence is built through community, and why it’s never too late to invest in yourself.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why military spouse unemployment and underemployment remain so high
• How career gaps and relocations impact long-term earning potential
• Rachelle’s biggest career lesson: “Ask for what you want”
• What makes the It’s My Turn veteran spouse career program different
• Why self-discovery is the foundation of sustainable career growth

🎧 Whether you’re job searching, considering a career pivot, or simply trying to reconnect with your professional identity, this episode is for you.

Links & Resources:

• It’s My Turn Program
• Connect with Rachelle Chapman on LinkedIn
• Additional programs: Service Scholarship (launching in March)

How can reading help military families stay connected during deployments? 📚

In this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast, host Hannah O’Brien talks with Penney Samons from United Through Reading about the power of Storytime for military and veteran families. From free books and a secure storytelling app to a mobile recording studio bringing Storytime to installations worldwide, this conversation highlights meaningful ways families can bond—anytime, anywhere.

🎧 Free for all military-connected families

📖 Ages 0–18

🌍 Active duty, veteran, reserve, and all branches welcome

Learn more at unitedthroughreading.org

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