Retirement marks a turning point in any service member’s life. For MAJ (R) Annette (Garcia) Whittenberger, that moment came in 2016 after 17 years and four months of service. Selected for the rank of lieutenant colonel, she faced a critical decision: continue serving in the National Guard or Reserves or retire. After thorough research and deep reflection, she chose retirement. The decision was not easy, and the transition proved to be one of the most challenging periods of her life.
The struggles Annette faced during this time became the foundation for A Wild Ride Called Life, a platform she created to process and share her journey. It gave her a voice to speak openly about the complexities of transitioning from military life and the emotional toll it took as both a veteran and military spouse. The experience ignited her passion for mental health advocacy. Through her platform, she shared her story of loneliness, silent suffering, and the unique challenges veterans encounter, helping others feel less alone.
The transition was difficult—so much so that it inspired her to become a passionate mental health advocate, sharing her story of suffering in silence and the challenges she faced as a veteran and military spouse. Loneliness often consumed her, but creating her website and later exploring other ventures allowed her to find purpose and connection.
Over the years, Annette has embraced a wide array of creative pursuits, including blogging, podcasting, writing, attending music school, and launching a magazine. Each endeavor became a testament to her refusal to be confined by societal expectations or doubts from others. Along the way, she encountered naysayers who said she was doing too much and needed to focus on one thing. But she has never believed in limiting herself. “Why not do it all?” she’d ask. Her response was simple: “Why not do it all?”
Life, Annette believes, is too short to limit oneself. Since retiring, she has dedicated herself to following her passions, embracing what sets her soul on fire, regardless of financial outcomes. The journey has been marked by failures, setbacks, and tears, but also by fulfillment and purpose.
Her military career profoundly shaped who she is today. When she first commissioned, Annette had no clear plan. What began as a three-year commitment turned into a 17-year career in which she embraced both challenges and sacrifices. As part of a dual-military family, Annette often prioritized her husband’s career over her own. Looking back, she wishes she had challenged that mindset. Now, after 28 years of marriage and a recent divorce, she reflects on the sacrifices she made and how they shaped her path. While bittersweet, her time in uniform strengthened her in ways she never anticipated.
Today, Annette channels her experiences into her creative ventures. Her most cherished project is Veteran Lifestyle Magazine, where she serves as Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief. The magazine provides resources, support, and inspiration for veterans and their families, covering topics like health, career advice, financial planning, and community involvement. It bridges the gap between military and civilian communities, fostering connection and understanding.
Her passion for music also plays a vital role in her life. As a songwriter and producer, she has rediscovered her love for singing and is teaching herself to play the piano. Creating music brings her joy and serves as a powerful form of healing and self-expression. Collaborating with other artists and producers fuels her creativity and reminds her of the transformative power of art.
This chapter of her life has been a journey of reinvention and growth. While challenges persist, she approaches them with resilience and determination. On difficult days, she takes time to recharge before diving back into the work that fulfills her. Whether through writing, music, or storytelling, Annette embraces each opportunity to connect with others and inspire change.
She has come to understand that life’s only certainty is its unpredictability. Everything else is a choice. She chooses to keep moving forward, to create, to share her story, and to keep doing the things that set her soul on fire. Through her unwavering dedication to her passions and her advocacy for veterans, she continues to inspire others to embrace their own wild rides.
