In this conversation, Annette Wittenberger shares her experiences as a military spouse and combat veteran, discussing the challenges of dual military life and the sacrifices made for family and career. She opens up about the struggles in her marriage and the decision to divorce, highlighting the importance of communication and seeking therapy. Annette emphasizes the need for self-reflection and finding one's voice, sharing her journey of self-discovery through her blog, podcast, and book. She encourages others to prioritize mental health and offers resources for support. Overall, Annette's story serves as an inspiration for resilience and personal growth. In this conversation, Brittinie Wick and Annette discuss various topics related to mental health and the military. They address the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of breaking it. They also talk about the wellbeing of military personnel and their families, emphasizing the need for leaders to be more involved and supportive. The conversation then shifts to the transition process and the challenges faced by veterans. They discuss the need for improved transition programs that focus not only on finding employment but also on preparing individuals for life after the military. Finally, they touch on the importance of finding oneself and embracing change.
Annette is a military spouse of 25 years, mother to a daughter, 22 yrs old; and son, 20 yrs old. She is a retired combat veteran who served in the Army for seventeen years and 4 months as a Chemical officer including a deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.
She retired in Nov 2016 and fell into being an Accidental Entrepreneur and uses her voice to share her story about real life after the Army and living with mental illness.
Since her retirement she has focused on her business, podcast, speaking, mentoring, volunteering and her first book (The Wall Between Two Lives).
Her blog A Wild Ride Called Life ®, LLC. incorporates stories from her post military life in which she shares how she lives life as being a mom and military spouse living with PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Along with writing, she has created a safe space in which she hosts a Podcast titled “The Truths We Hide”. Not only does she share her story, but she also has guests who share theirs by offering advice to others to help them know that they are not alone and to provide hope.
Annette has a heart for volunteering and does so by being a mentor for veterans on Veterati and for military spouses on Ementor and AMPLIFY and Nasdaq Mentor Circle Makers.
She has also been involved as a mentor for TAPS, Tragedy assistance Program for children survivors, Association for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs and the Women Veterans Network and Military Spouse Advocacy Network.
Annette continues her work as a mentor, consultant, international public speaker, author, podcaster and sharing resources from non profits who are like minded and like hearted when it comes to Mental Health.
She is also known as Ann Whitt, Independent Music Artist. She is a graduate from the Musicians Institute out of Hollywood, CA as an Independent Artist. She is a songwriter who has been using her mental health journey to create songs that relate to so many of us.
She just released her newest single titled “Cold Thoughts” and can be streamed on all music platforms. Annette is passionate about sharing our stories through various forms of creativity and music is the next step on her journey.
She can not wait to help you create your own song of h
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