Life & Work with Annie Nelson of Hendersonville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Nelson

Hi Annie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of the human spirit. From my early beginnings in Minnesota to my role as the founder and President of The American Soldier Network (ASN) (www.americansoldiernetwork.org), I have dedicated my life to serving others, particularly veterans and their families.

My path has been anything but ordinary. I began studying Theatre Arts on a scholarship at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and later continued my studies at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. My career led me into sports broadcasting and special events, where I honed my passion for storytelling. Then, in 2004, after the attacks of 911, a chance pen pal friendship with three Marines led to a profound epiphany—one that changed the course of my life forever.

I have faced my own battles, including surviving a violent attack while working as a flight attendant, which left me with a fractured back. PTS, (Post Traumatic Stress) I have endured multiple concussions, two brain tumors, back surgeries and a life-threatening surgery in 2010. But I refused to let these challenges define me. Instead, they became fuel for my mission to help others. Through my work with The American Soldier Network, I have been able to raise awareness of the challenges faced by U.S. veterans of all eras. Most recently, we launched RuckUp.org, a one-of-a-kind resource in the fight against veteran and military suicide—another way for our charity to provide critical support to those who have served.

For over 15 years, my American Heroes column in U.S. Veterans Magazine has allowed me to amplify the voices of our nation’s warriors. My speaking engagements, podcast appearances and guest spots have given me the opportunity to share stories of resilience and hope. My book, RESILIENCE: Coming Back from Crisis with Faith, Passion & Purpose, with a foreword by actor Kevin Sorbo, continues to inspire thousands across the country.

I believe deeply in the power of human connection. That belief is at the core of our I Choose to Live oath, which I co-wrote with Navy Cross recipient Jeremiah Workman, USMC. My philosophy of recognizing and connecting “God dots” in life has guided me every step of the way. Years ago, after reading The Path by Laurie Beth Jones, I took on the challenge of crafting my personal mission statement. It has never wavered: ignite faith.

My journey has been one of faith, perseverance, and purpose. I am committed to serving others and inspiring hope, and I remain grateful for every opportunity to make a difference. Through it all, I thank God for this path and for everything He has placed before me along the way.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Walking through the valley of adversity is never easy. After surviving a brutal attack as a flight attendant—an experience too long to detail here but one that left me with lifelong back pain, post-traumatic stress, and the need for both physical and emotional therapy—I faced a series of freak accidents throughout my adult life, resulting in six concussions. Then came the battle with two brain tumors. The first required a grueling 10-hour-and-45-minute surgery, leaving me to relearn how to walk, talk, and balance, all while adjusting to permanent deafness in my right ear and enduring years of physical therapy. Eight years later, I faced a second brain tumor and underwent gamma knife surgery, followed by back-to-back major spinal surgeries in 2019 and 2022 during the pandemic—each requiring extensive rehabilitation.

To say my path has been difficult would be an understatement. The challenges have been plenty, and many of my wounds have been invisible, adding another layer to the healing process. But through it all, I’ve learned that resilience comes from within. It requires leaning on faith, trusting that God will carry you through, and surrounding yourself with a strong support system—because no one should have to weather life’s storms alone.

Staying grounded, pushing forward, silencing the doubts that creep into your mind, and having the courage to reach out for help are essential to overcoming hardship. Life is always worth living, but it is a choice. Everyone faces struggles—no one is exempt from challenges. It’s how we turn our trials into triumphs that defines us and makes life truly meaningful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
People often ask me, “What do you do?” My answer? Besides leading the American Soldier Network—my first love—I talk. Whether it’s public speaking, writing as a columnist, or advocating for mental health (which I prefer to call brain health), my life is centered on faith and service. I fight for our veterans and military 24/7.

Did I go to school for this? Did I always know this would be my path? Absolutely not. This is a calling—God’s calling. And when God calls you, To respond to that call, there’s only one response: Lead me, and I will follow.

As an advocate for veterans and the military in the U.S., my mission is to ensure that those who have served our country receive the recognition, support, and care they deserve. Through my work with the American Soldier Network, I fight tirelessly to raise awareness about the challenges veterans face, from mental health struggles and homelessness to the ongoing battle against veteran suicide. I use my voice through public speaking, writing, and media advocacy to shed light on these critical issues, working to change the narrative surrounding our military heroes. By creating resources like RuckUp.org and collaborating with organizations, policymakers, and communities, I strive to bridge the gap between veterans and the services they need. My advocacy is more than a passion—it’s a calling to stand beside those who have sacrificed for our freedoms, ensuring they are never forgotten and always supported.

As a public speaker, I am passionate about sharing messages of resilience, faith, and perseverance. Through my own journey—overcoming trauma, life-altering injuries, and personal battles—I have learned firsthand what it takes to rise from crisis and keep moving forward. My speaking engagements focus on the power of faith as a foundation, the importance of staying grounded in purpose, and the unwavering belief that no matter how difficult the road, quitting is never an option. I inspire audiences by sharing not just my struggles, but the mindset and faith-driven determination that allowed me to turn adversity into purpose. Whether speaking to veterans, corporations, faith-based organizations, or individuals facing their own challenges, my goal is to ignite hope, encourage resilience, and remind people that every setback is an opportunity for a comeback.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to serving others, my faith-driven resilience, and my firsthand experience overcoming immense personal challenges. I don’t just speak about perseverance—I’ve lived it. From surviving a brutal attack and enduring multiple concussions, brain tumors, and life-altering surgeries to dedicating my life to advocating for veterans and mental health, my journey is one of grit, faith, and purpose. My ability to connect deeply with people, whether through public speaking, writing, or advocacy, comes from a place of authenticity—I don’t just share stories; I share lived experiences. My faith is the foundation of everything I do, guiding me to turn pain into purpose and challenges into opportunities to uplift others. Unlike many, I see my work not as a job, but as a calling, and when God calls, I answer with full dedication, refusing to quit no matter the obstacles.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking is a deeply personal decision, and whether we realize it or not, we all take risks every day. Even something as routine as getting into a car carries an inherent risk. However, there’s a difference between everyday risks and calculated ones. Before making a truly risky decision, I always ask myself: What are the potential consequences? Will this decision affect only me, or will it impact others as well?

In business, I believe it’s essential to seek sound advice and counsel before making high-stakes decisions. Evaluating the consequences—both positive and negative—and considering who will be affected is crucial. Too often, people become so focused on their own wants and needs that they fail to recognize the ripple effect their choices may have on others, whether in business or personal life. If we take a step back and look at the bigger picture—thinking beyond ourselves—we can mitigate risk and make wiser decisions. I’m not saying don’t take risks; I’m simply saying think before you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theannienelson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theannienelson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theannienelson/
• Twitter: https://x.com/theannienelson
• Other: https://ruckup.org/