Military Spouse's Guide to Making Friends at a New Base with Laurie Mefford

Feeling lonely after a PCS? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck. In this episode of Mastering Military Life, Lauren Taylor talks with Army spouse Laurie Mefford about a practical, no-fluff roadmap to make friends fast, build real military spouse community, and feel at home sooner; starting before you move and continuing through your first 30 days at a new duty station.

You’ll learn how to use online groups (like PCS Pay It Forward) as a bridge to in-person meetups, why balancing connections with locals and military families matters, and the small daily habits—front-yard play, evening walks with kids or pets, class-based workouts, and phone-free coffees—that turn neighbors into trusted contacts (including those crucial school emergency contacts). 

What you’ll take away

• Pre-move research that works: spouse pages, PIF, SLAM/MOPS, gyms with classes, school volunteer steps

• Be the plan-maker: post a specific invite (place + time + activity) instead of “who wants to hang?”

• Sideline & gym tactics: sit by a new parent each game; arrive early/stay late for classes and say yes to coffee

• Spouses’ Clubs & subgroups: Bunco, foodies, wine, hobbies—faster belonging with like-minded people

• Smart volunteering: classroom help, ACS, food pantry, animal shelter, stables—meet reliable, service-minded friends

• First 30 Days checklist: neighbors, classes, one hosted meetup, one volunteer shift, three solid emergency contacts

If this episode helps, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a spouse or veteran family getting ready to PCS. Your one intentional month can change your entire tour.