Resilience: Coming Back from Crisis with Faith, Passion and Purpose

Nelson, Annie: - A chance pen pal friendship with a wounded Marine in 2004 led Annie Nelson to an epiphany that changed her life forever. For the past 15 years, Annie has dedicated her life to raising awareness for U.S. veterans of all eras. Annie successfully combatted post-traumatic stress herself in 1995 after being beaten by passengers while in flight working as a flight attendant. That same assault resulted in a fractured back that Annie still seeks treatment for today, some 20 years later. She subsequently survived six separate concussions and a life-threatening brain tumor in 2010. She awoke from a 10-hour surgery deaf in one ear and half of her face caved in and fallen. A two-year recovery journey followed where she learned to walk, talk, and cope with her new reality. A second brain tumor in 2018 failed to stop Annie's mission. Annie relates to and inspires our heroes and others by her real-life battles. Annie has walked the walk and her inspirational talks ignite a flame of hope within all she comes in contact with. She is the founder of The American Soldier Network, a 501(c)(3) charity based in southern California with marketing efforts extending across the USA. Annie's passion and compassion have drawn movie and TV stars, political figures and sports celebrities to join her crusade. Thanks to Annie, they offer their time, talents and energy here at home for our heroes. Annie is creator of the TV series "American Heroes" and a columnist for US Veterans Magazine column "American Heroes" in every issue. In 2018 through her American Soldier Network, Annie created and launched RuckUp.org to be an indispensable and lifesaving resource for veterans, military and their families. Her "I Choose to Live" oath has been the first step in saving the lives of our heroes. A Minnesota native who grew up in Southern California, Annie received a Theatre Arts scholarship at California State University Long Beach and studied at the American Film Institute. She found a niche in sports broadcasting and special events.