← Back to Discover
Army

Annette Whittenberger

Veteran Owned Media Company

Annette Marie Whittenberger is a retired U.S. Army Major, author, speaker, storyteller, and mental health advocate. After nearly two decades of military service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, she turned her experiences with trauma, resilience, leadership, and starting over into a mission of helping others feel less alone. She is the founder of A Wild Ride Called Life™ and AWRCL Me

U.S. Army Veteran · Killeen, TX 76542

Military LifeTransition & CareersMilitary Spouses & FamiliesLeadershipMedia & StorytellingMusic, Art & PerformanceEntrepreneurship

Work With AnnetteDownload one-pager

Portrait of Annette Whittenberger

Featured Work

Community
Commander
Cdr, VFW Post 12235 Salado
Annette helped create VFW Post 12235 from the ground up. In her current role as the Commander, she focuses on being integrated within the community to bring…
More
Annette helped create VFW Post 12235 from the ground up. In her current role as the Commander, she focuses on being integrated within the community to bring more awareness that there is a safe space within our VFW organization.
Book
The Wall Between Two Lives
Author
The Wall Between Two Lives: A True Story of Finding Purpose
More
A retired and disabled Army veteran, mother, and military spouse, reflects back on her life’s traumas and how she found purpose amongst pain, anxiety, and depression. The Wall Between Two Lives: A True Story of Finding Purpose is filled with raw emotions and hope for women facing life’s unexpected events. Readers will walk away knowing it’s ok to not be ok, and they’re not alone in whatever challenges they may be facing. “A powerful story that portrays the strength of one woman and the courage to heal from within. Absolutely loved reading it!!”
Business
AWRCL Media
Founder
AWRCL Media , Veteran Owned Media Company
More
**AWRCL Media** is a veteran-owned media company dedicated to authentic storytelling, meaningful conversations, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. Founded as an extension of *A Wild Ride Called Life™*, AWRCL Media specializes in artist interviews, entertainment coverage, journalism, and creative content, with a unique focus on mental health advocacy. Through storytelling and media, we strive to break stigmas, inspire connection, and remind others that every story matters.
Podcast
A Wild Ride Called Life
Host/ Founder
A Wild Ride Called Life™ Podcast shares raw, authentic conversations about mental health, resilience, personal growth, and overcoming life's challenges
More
A Wild Ride Called Life™ Podcast — Real Stories. Raw Conversations. No Judgment. Life is unpredictable, messy, beautiful, and sometimes incredibly difficult. But every experience, every struggle, and every triumph becomes part of the story that shapes who we are. Founded by retired U.S. Army Major, author, and mental health advocate Annette Whittenberger, *A Wild Ride Called Life™* was created as a safe space for authentic storytelling, meaningful conversations, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. What began as one veteran's journey to share her experiences with trauma, PTSD,

Partnership Opportunities

Speaking
Brand partnerships
Sponsored content
Media interviews
Workshops
Writing
Content creation
Community partnerships
Affiliate partnerships
Consulting / advisory

Confirmed by the creator. Accepting inquiries. Inquiries route through the MIC Index.

About

Annette Whittenberger is a retired U.S. Army Major, international speaker, author, and media entrepreneur dedicated to amplifying voices through storytelling, advocacy, and authentic connection. With over 17 years of military service, she brings a depth of leadership, resilience, and real-world experience into every platform she builds.

Following her transition from military service, Annette created A Wild Ride Called Life, a platform rooted in raw storytelling, healing, and human connection. What began as a personal outlet quickly evolved into a larger mission—one that later led her to step into the media space as a journalist, podcast host, and content creator.

She went on to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of a digital online magazine for two years, where she led editorial strategy, content creation, and high-impact storytelling. During that time, she elevated diverse voices, secured media opportunities, and helped bridge conversations between military and civilian communities through compelling journalism and interviews.

Today, Annette continues to grow A Wild Ride Called Life as a dynamic media and storytelling platform, creating space for individuals to share their truth—especially those who may not yet feel ready to use their voice. Her work extends beyond the military community, reaching a broader audience navigating life transitions, personal growth, and healing.

Deeply committed to service beyond the uniform, Annette actively volunteers with non-profit organizations that focus on mental health and suicide prevention—causes that are both personal and mission-driven. She also continues to serve her local veteran community as the newly sworn-in Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12235 in Salado, where she leads efforts to build connection, support, and resources for veterans and their families.

Annette is also the author of The Wall Between Two Lives, where she shares her personal journey through trauma, identity, and transformation. She has expanded her storytelling into music, using songwriting as another avenue for healing and connection.

Her work has taken her from podcast studios to red carpets and major live events, where she conducts on-site interviews and produces media coverage that highlights authentic human experiences. Whether behind the mic, on stage, or in the field, Annette is known for her raw honesty, professionalism, and ability to create meaningful conversations.

Through every endeavor, Annette’s mission remains the same: to bridge gaps, build community, and remind people that their voice—and their story—matters.

Founder/ CEO · A Wild Ride Called Life™, LLC

Worked With

Listed by the creator. Not verified by the MIC Index team.

Something changed? Suggest an update.

More from the Index