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Spouse Spotlight: Brittany Stevenson

Brittany Stevenson

USMC Spouse of 16 Years

Camp Lejeune, NC

Meet Brittany Stevenson, a Marine Corps spouse at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune whose life has been shaped by service from day one, born into a Marine family and returning years later as a spouse herself. She founded Molly Meetups to turn meaningful connection into consistent support, leads a monthly Deployment Support Group, and serves as VP of Advancement for the Camp Lejeune Leadership Seminar, helping spouses feel supported and empowered. Brittany believes community is built, not given, showing up tirelessly to create space, continuity, and trusted relationships across the military family network. Her leadership, heart for others, and legacy of service reflect the strength of our community every single day.

Do you have a Spouse you want to submit for a Spouse Spotlight?

Email Heather at [email protected] with the name and contact information of your spouse spotlight!

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“Well, That was Hard.” – Behind the Camouflage Season 5 | Episode 9

Hey, hey, hey listeners! This week we’re introducing a brand new segment called “Well, That Was Hard.” In this segment, we talk about the real-life challenges that come with military spouse life — the moments that test your patience, stretch your resilience, and sometimes leave you looking back and saying… well, that was hard.

In this episode, the BTC team dives into one of the most common military spouse experiences: “PCSing”. From the challenges of rebuilding careers and finding childcare at every new duty station to the emotional side of leaving friends and making new ones, we unpack some of the tougher parts of military moves. Of course, we also share a few funny PCS stories along the way — because sometimes the chaos only makes sense once you can laugh about it.If you’ve ever navigated the stress, uncertainty, and occasional absurdity of moving with the military, this conversation will definitely feel familiar.So grab your coffee and join the BTC team for another real, relatable conversation you won’t want to miss. Give it a listen!

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A Letter from the CEO

Dear Members of the Marine Corps Association and Valued Customers of The Marine Shop,

I am writing to share an important update regarding the future of The Marine Shop, the retail arm of our association, and to do so directly and with the respect you deserve.

After careful deliberation, MCA has made the decision to transition The Marine Shop’s uniform business to Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS). This transition will occur deliberately, with continuity, quality and customer service as our guiding principles. This decision was not made lightly.

The retail operating environment has changed. Ensuring a secure and reliable uniform supply—one that meets the needs of Marines today and into the future—has become increasingly complex for retailers. Manufacturing pressures and the continued decline of domestic production now require scale, infrastructure and logistics depth to manage effectively. MCCS is uniquely positioned to meet those demands.

As the Marine Corps’ enterprise retail and services organization, MCCS brings the sourcing capability, systems and retail knowledge necessary to sustain uniform availability, quality control and pricing stability over time. In my judgment, this transition is the most responsible way to ensure Marines continue to receive the uniforms they require—when and where they need them—without disruption.

The Marine Shop team has earned its reputation through professionalism, attention to detail and a deep understanding of what Marines expect. We are working closely with MCCS to ensure those standards carry forward. The experience customers associate with The Marine Shop—knowledgeable support, quality of our products, and respect for the customer—will remain central throughout and after the transition.

As we are transitioning our uniform products and services to MCCS, I am pleased to announce that we will continue to offer mission-aligned retail products that focus on preserving our heritage, professional development and Marine Corps lifestyle. In the coming month, MCA is launching The Marine Corps Association—The Book Store, as an e-commerce-only platform. Through this online store, MCA will continue to offer carefully curated non-uniform apparel, books, historical works and heritage-focused merchandise that reflect the legacy and values of the Marine Corps. You can view the website at www.thebookstore1775.com or the QR code below.

As CEO, it is my responsibility to ensure decisions remain sound not only today, but years from now. I firmly believe this transition does exactly that. Thank you for your trust and continued support of the Marine Corps Association. We will continue to communicate as this transition progresses.

Semper Fi,

Charles G. Chiarotti
Lieutenant General, USMC (Ret)
President and CEO

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#232: A Conversation with the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and for your continued support. This is an episode that we wanted to do when we first thought up the idea of hosting a podcast, but never really thought we would actually get to do it. This week, it is an honor to welcome the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen Eric Smith, and the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, SgtMaj Carlos Ruiz to the scuttlebutt. The Commandant and Sergeant Major talk to us about prioritizing the amphibious ready group and MEUs, their thoughts on what a MEU should like look and the demand signal from the combatant commanders for this capability, how important the quality of life improvement initiatives are to them, their focus on suicide prevention, and the impact seven years of force design has had on the Marine Corps’ role in the Joint Force. 

Also, a huge shout-out to Maj Nick Cline and GySgt Jordan Gilbert for their hard work in making this happen.  

Enjoy! 

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Spouse Spotlight: Melanie Brown

Melanie S. Brown

USMC Spouse of 26 Years

Meet Melanie Brown, a Marine spouse of over 26 years whose life and leadership are deeply rooted in service, resilience, and community. From battalion and regiment roles at MCRD Parris Island to leadership at Marine Corps Base Quantico NCR, Melanie has dedicated herself to supporting families through some of the most demanding seasons of Marine Corps life. As Co-Lead for the Cornerstone Spouses Workshop Committee, she helps equip spouses entering command leadership with tools, networks, and trusted support, becoming the steady presence she once needed herself. Whether through volunteer leadership or her work as a professional hairstylist, Melanie’s mission is consistent: to uplift, empower, and create spaces where others feel seen, supported, and strong. Melanie is currently living in Quantico, VA while her Marine is unaccompanied to the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.

Do you have a Spouse you want to submit for a Spouse Spotlight?

Email Heather at [email protected] with the name and contact information of your spouse spotlight!

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In The Box – Behind the Camouflage Season 5 | Episode 8

Hey, hey, hey listeners! It’s time for another In the Box episode, and this week we’re diving into some of those relatable situations that military spouses at every stage of life have probably experienced.

In this episode, the BTC team talks about navigating uncomfortable situations with senior spouses and how to handle those moments with confidence and grace. We also unpack the big feelings that can come up around wanting spouse get-togethers without children — and why that can feel more complicated than it should.

And finally, we have an honest conversation about the expectations we place on our spouses to be fully present when they’re home — and the tension that can surface when reality doesn’t quite match the hope.

If you’ve ever wrestled with boundaries, belonging, or balancing expectations in military life, this one will hit home.

So grab your coffee and join the BTC team for another real, relatable conversation you won’t want to miss. Give a listen!

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#231: What If Anger is the Answer with Mike LeBlanc

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and for your continued support. This week, we welcome Mike LeBlanc to the scuttlebutt. Mike is a veteran Marine ground intelligence officer who is now the co-founder of Foundation, a company that specializes in robotics. He is also the author of the book, What If Anger is the Answer?, due out in June of this year, that touches on the transformational aspects of anger and aggression. Mike talks to us about his journey as Marine ground intel bubba, how he navigated transitioning out of the Marine Corps, and how the lessons and attributes he learned in the Corps have helped him succeed in a world that, on its surface, has nothing to do with the Marine Corps, especially Marine operators. Mike insists that the leadership training he learned in the Marine Corps, especially the way Marines cultivate an aggressive attitude, has made him successful. Mike is all about helping Marines, so please feel free to reach out to him. His email is below.  

Enjoy! 

[email protected] 

mikejleblanc.com 

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Military Spouse Clubs – Behind the Camouflage Season 5 | Episode 7

In this week’s episode of Behind the Camouflage, we sit down with Carolyn Crissman, Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Military Spouse Clubs (CMSC), to talk about the evolving role of spouse clubs in today’s military community.

Carolyn shares her own military spouse journey and how she became involved in spouse clubs, eventually stepping into national leadership with CMSC. We discuss what the Council for Military Spouse Clubs is, the support it provides to local clubs and installation leaders, and why these organizations continue to play such an important role in building connection, leadership, and philanthropy in our communities.

We also explore how spouse clubs have evolved over the years, the benefits they bring that often go unrecognized, and the important census and survey initiative currently underway to better understand and strengthen spouse clubs around the world.

Whether you’ve been part of a spouse club for years or are just curious about what they offer, this conversation highlights the impact, evolution, and future of these cornerstone organizations. Give a listen!

https://www.councilformsc.org

https://www.facebook.com/CouncilforMSC

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#230: Thoughts on the E-8 Redesignation Board Pilot Program with MGySgt Adam Walker (Ret)

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us at the scuttlebutt. This week, we welcome retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Adam Walker back to the show. Adam is on deck to talk with us about the Marine Corps’ new E-8 Redesignation pilot program, which gives master sergeants and first sergeants a one-time option to “lat move” between the E-8 designations. Adam helps us understand the career progression for senior enlisted Marines, namely what happens when a gunnery sergeant is promoted, the differences between a first sergeant and master sergeant, how the Marine Corps views its E-8s differently from the other Services, and the significance of this policy change. Talking with Adam is always a lot of fun and super informative. This is a unique opportunity to see behind the curtain on how Marines are promoted and how this program addresses two of the primary things Marines are opposed to: how things are and change.  

You can also catch more of Adam’s wit and insight in his recurring segment, Lessons from the Smoke Pit, in Leatherneck magazine. Shameless plug, but it’s definitely worth checking out.  

Enjoy! 

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Giving Back – Neighborhood Pantry, Camp Butler

If you know anything about me, you know I love talking about Neighborhood Pantry–Camp Butler. Neighborhood Pantry–Camp Butler is a no-cost food resource serving military families across Okinawa, Japan. When my friend and I first became aware of the need on the island, we linked arms and began what turned into a long, challenging, and deeply meaningful journey to support our military community.When we opened our doors in the fall of 2023, we had no idea how far that impact would reach—across the island and throughout the Pacific. Since then, Neighborhood Pantry–Camp Butler has served more than 10,000 people and distributed over 74,000 pounds of food. What began as an idea quickly became a lifeline for so many families.

This journey has been deeply personal for me. I often say it has been the best and hardest thing I’ve done as a military spouse—and I wouldn’t change a single moment of it.

Volunteering with Neighborhood Pantry–Camp Butler taught me the power of showing up. Simple, consistent service creates real change. Families come through our pantry quietly and humbly, and every interaction is a reminder that food support isn’t about charity—it’s about community. Neighbors helping neighbors. In many ways, this is the heart of military life.

I also learned that when a need is visible, people respond. Our community stepped forward—leaders, volunteers, and donors alike—bringing food, time, and encouragement. Because of them, no family has had to face hunger alone.

On a personal level, this experience transformed me. When we started, I had no background in nonprofit work or running an organization like this. What I did have was a willingness to learn and a belief in the mission. Through this process, I discovered that passion fuels growth—and that we are capable of far more than we realize when we fully commit.

My roles at Neighborhood Pantry–Camp Butler allowed me to serve in many ways. I used my background in public relations to support administrative operations as the organization’s Secretary, helped draft foundational documents, and assisted with distributions. But my most meaningful moments came from simply being present—standing alongside families, listening to their stories, and offering support in whatever way was needed.Sometimes that meant stocking shelves. Sometimes it meant loading food into a car. And sometimes it meant simply listening. Those moments mattered. They always do. I learned that no task is too small, and that service—done with care—creates connection and dignity.

What makes Neighborhood Pantry–Camp Butler thrive is its people. The consistency of our volunteers, the strength of our teamwork, and our shared commitment to treating every guest with respect allow us to serve efficiently while leading with compassion. Small acts—kind words, patience, reassurance—create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond our doors.

For any military spouse who wants to make a difference but isn’t sure where to begin, my advice is simple: just start. Start small. Be brave enough to try—and if you’re unsure, find that friend to link arms with you. You don’t need special skills or unlimited time, just a willingness to help and a heart open to learning. Choose something you care about, because when passion leads the way, service becomes sustainable. And finally, let it change you. Volunteering gives back in ways you never expect—perspective, connection, and purpose. I have been forever changed by this experience and am deeply grateful for it. I’ve gained lifelong friendships along the way. Military communities don’t just survive because of service—they thrive when we turn compassion into action and show up for one another.

Jenn Hall is a dedicated advocate for military families on Okinawa and co-founder of the Okinawa Food Pantry. What began as a grassroots effort to address food insecurity has grown into a sustainable, island-wide resource serving hundreds of families each year, including expanded access through a hybrid distribution model and a second location at Camp Kinser.

Known for her calm leadership and servant heart, Jenn has also supported families through crisis response efforts, including typhoon preparedness initiatives. Through empathy, innovation, and collaboration, she has built lasting systems of support that continue to strengthen the military community.

Jen was recognized as the 2025 MCA Community Change Maker of the Year – Pacific Region.

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In The Box – Behind The Camouflage Season 5 | Episode 6

Hey, hey, hey listeners! It’s time for another In the Box episode, and this one dives into some of the honest questions that many military spouses think… but don’t always say out loud.

In this episode, the BTC team talks about what it feels like when your spouse’s career is automatically treated as more important than your own — and whether wanting both careers to matter puts you “in the box.” We also unpack the age-old question about duty stations: Do we really have zero choice… or is that just where the conversation stops?

And finally, we get real about post-deployment emotions — the joy of having your spouse home mixed with resentment, exhaustion, and a nervous system that hasn’t quite caught up yet.

If you’ve ever loved your spouse deeply while also wrestling with frustration, questions, or complicated feelings, this episode is for you.

So grab your coffee and join the BTC team for a candid, validating conversation you won’t want to miss. Give a listen!

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