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

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 Foundation

• The 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 Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

Celebrating Our Military Spouses: Featuring AFI’s Military Spouse of the Year Navy Branch Winners Angela Litteral and Jennifer Barnhill

Armed 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 Changemakers

• Navy Marine Corps Relief Society

• My Navy Family

• We Serve Too

• Strength in Service

• Mission: Milspouse

Show 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 Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram