The Military Reality: A Startling Statistic
With over millions of veterans currently receiving care through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the sacrifices of service members extend far beyond their time in uniform. The VA reports that about 9 million veterans are enrolled to receive benefits or services, which include healthcare, disability compensation, education, home loans, and more. This figure reflects veterans who have signed up for VA programs, though not all may actively use them at any given time.
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However, recent reports of as many as 80,000 job cuts at the VA raise concerns about how this will impact veterans’ access to critical services. It is against this backdrop that Annette Whittenberger, a retired U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and mental health advocate, joins Margaret Mary O’Connor on the Your Radical Truth Podcast to discuss her journey and the importance of supporting veterans beyond their service.
Bridging the Gap Between Military and Civilian Life
Annette Whittenberger is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Veteran Lifestyle Magazine, a publication designed to bridge the gap between the military and
civilian communities. Through storytelling, resources, and advocacy, the magazine aims to inspire and support veterans in their transition to post-service life.
When asked about her motivation for launching the magazine, Annette shares, “I was approached by two of my fellow veterans who had this vision, and they asked me to take on the role of editor-in-chief. At first, I was hesitant—I didn’t know how to run a magazine—but they believed in me. And I knew this was an opportunity to create a platform where we could highlight the good happening in our community, share stories, and show that we are not at war with each other. We can collaborate, support one another, and spread positivity.”
Margaret Mary agrees, emphasizing how crucial it is to have platforms like Veteran Lifestyle Magazine to uplift veterans and provide them with the support they need. “It’s about connection and making sure those who have served aren’t forgotten. That’s why these conversations matter,” she notes.
A Personal Connection to Military Service
Despite having an uncle and grandfather who served in the military, Annette did not grow up immersed in a military environment. Her own decision to enlist was a personal one. “I was the only female in my family to serve, and it took me a long time to truly be proud of myself for it,” she reflects.
She recounts her early journey, from being inspired by a high school friend who enlisted, to navigating the challenges of ROTC at Arizona State University. Initially uncertain about a long-term commitment to the military, she eventually met her husband, also in the Army, and together they built a life centered around service. Her experiences as a female officer, a mother, and a military spouse shaped her understanding of the unique struggles veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life.
Margaret Mary, whose own father served in World War II, relates to the impact military service has on families. She shares personal stories about the challenges her father and other veterans faced, highlighting how much their sacrifices are often overlooked in today’s society.
The Wall Between Two Lives: A Story of Transition
Annette’s book, The Wall Between Two Lives, is a deeply personal account of her journey through childhood trauma, military service, and post-service transition. She describes it as a reflection on the two lives veterans live: one in active duty and one after returning to civilian society.
“It wasn’t just about leaving the military—it was about coming to terms with my past, my identity, and my struggles with mental health,” she shares. “I wanted to be open about the things we don’t talk about enough: PTSD, depression, the transition struggles, and the reality of being a veteran in today’s world.”
Margaret Mary praises Annette’s courage in sharing her story, reading heartfelt reviews of the book that highlight its emotional depth and relatability. “It’s these stories that make a difference—giving others the strength to know they’re not alone,” she says.
Mental Health Advocacy and the Fight for Veteran Support
Annette’s commitment to mental health advocacy extends beyond her writing. She founded A Wild Ride Called Life, a platform dedicated to discussing mental health openly and reducing stigma. However, the current threats to VA mental health services have added urgency to her work.
“The fact that TRICARE isn’t paying mental health professionals on time is devastating,” Annette says. “It’s forcing therapists to shut down or make veterans pay out-of-pocket. We already lose too many veterans to suicide. Cutting these services is only going to make things worse.”
Margaret Mary, outraged by these developments, urges listeners to take action. “This is beyond politics—this is about basic human decency. Our veterans deserve better. We need to call our representatives and demand change,” she insists.
The Truths We Hide: Giving Veterans a Voice
Annette’s podcast, The Truths We Hide, is a space where veterans and civilians alike could share stories they had kept hidden for too long. “People often feel
alone in their struggles, but when they hear someone else’s story, they realize they’re not the only ones,” she explains.
While she has since shifted her focus to other projects, her commitment to amplifying veterans’ voices remains unwavering. Margaret Mary acknowledges the importance of these platforms, noting, “When you create a space for truth, you help others heal. That’s exactly what Annette has done.”
A Call to Action: Supporting Our Veterans
One message is clear: veterans need more support, not less. With the potential loss of critical VA services, now is the time for action.
Listeners are urged to:
- Contact their representatives and demand action to protect veterans’ healthcare.
- Support veteran-owned businesses and initiatives like Veteran Lifestyle Magazine and A Wild Ride Called Life.
- Reach out to veterans in their community, offering support and understanding.
For those struggling with mental health, Annette has one final message: “Before you give up, reach out. There is always someone who cares. Your story isn’t over yet.”
About Annette
Annette Whittenberger is a retired U.S. Army veteran turned entrepreneur, speaker, author, and mental health advocate. As the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Veteran Lifestyle Magazine, she is dedicated to bridging the gap between military and civilian communities by sharing stories, resources, and inspiration for veterans and their families. She is also the founder of A Wild Ride Called Life™, a platform where she openly discusses mental health, resilience, and life after service.
Beyond her advocacy, Annette wears many hats, including serving as the Adjutant for VFW Post 12235 in Salado, Texas. She is passionate about storytelling through multiple creative outlets, having written The Wall Between Two Lives and produced two original songs. Annette believes in lifelong learning, having pursued music school at 46 and launched her first business at 41.
Committed to breaking stigmas and empowering others, Annette uses her platform to encourage healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. Whether through writing, speaking, or mentoring, she strives to remind others that they are not alone in their journey.
Visit: www.awildridecalledlife.com
www.veteranlifestylemagazine.com
Find Annette on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/annette.whittenberger
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-whittenberger-a-wild-ride-called-life-/
https://www.instagram.com/a_wild_ride_called_life
https://www.instagram.com/veteranlifestylemagazine/
About Margaret Mary O’Connor
Margaret Mary O’Connor, as a member of the Catholic Laity, thought she knew everything about the Catholic Church, at least until she came upon a centuries-old Scandal of lies and cover-up by the Hierarchy of that Church. Frankly, she was fed up being lied to by her own Church, about its own past Church’s History on Women priests. With that realization, she truly felt in that moment, the monumental feeling of betrayal by her own Church.
Follow Margaret, as she travels down this Highway of Radical Truth where lies and outright coverup will be disclosed. Millions of Catholics are unaware of that past presence of Women Bishop’s, Women Deacons, as well as Women Priests, all there hiding in plain sight, in Early Church History.
As the complicity of this centuries-old Scandal continues, Margaret wants her fellow Catholics to learn the actual truth of this matter for themselves. She strongly
believes, at minimal, any Catholic deserves the actual truth of this matter. To say that change is needed is hardly an understatement. She doesn’t let the Church’s betrayal stop her from uncovering some very fascinating Church Skeleton’s – one which very well might help solve our current priest shortage issue today.
Margaret Mary O’Connor has been called, “The Modern Day David” on many occasions. On a mission to reveal carefully guarded secrets of the Catholic Church, she unveils the truth through her well-researched writings.
Author of Scandal in the Shadows and Journey of a Celiac’s Soul, Margaret Mary is a force to be reckoned with.
