After multiple deployments, Chuck Rotenberry sustained a serious combat injury and was awarded the Purple Heart. The Marine veteran now trains canines with the U.S. Secret Service while his wife and caregiver, Liz, works as the director of caregiver engagement at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

 

Liz advocates not only for herself and her family, but for all 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers nationwide. She serves as both a teacher and mentor to many of those caregivers across the country, and she and her husband are among the visionaries participating in MOAA’s TotalForce+ conference, which runs Oct. 28-29 in National Harbor, Md.

 

[REGISTER NOW: TotalForce+]

 

Liz connected with MOAA ahead of the event to discuss the critical opportunities TotalForce+ will provide to the military and veteran communities, industry, and academia. She also touched on how her family’s experiences shaped her approach to caregiving. This interview was edited for length and clarity.

 

Q. What made you want to participate in TotalForce+?

A. Having experienced firsthand the impact of military life and the transitions we endured, it is important for us to share our story with the hope to empower others facing similar challenges and raise awareness of the support and resources needed. TotalForce+ is an opportunity to strengthen not only the individual servicemember through careers and future opportunities, but also family members and loved ones throughout their journey.

 

 

Q. What message are you bringing to TotalForce+ attendees?

A. As a former military family and as a wounded warrior veteran family, we hope to bring to TotalForce+ the understanding that, while we are strong and resilient, it is important to highlight the crucial role that mental and emotional wellness plays in maintaining a supportive military family. We hope to encourage attendees to break down the stigma that is associated within our community and foster a culture that will encourage families to seek the care needed without impact on future service. Additionally, we plan to emphasize the importance of community support and connecting resources to military and veteran families throughout their transitions.

 

Q. What challenges are you eager for TotalForce+ to tackle?

A. First, we hope to see a stronger conversation about the challenges our families face during active duty and when transitioning to veteran or wounded warrior life — especially for our enlisted personnel.

 

Second, it is essential to address the stigma associated with accessing specialty mental and emotional health care that impacts our community. Our families should feel empowered to seek the support and resources they need to strengthen their family. A supported family means a supported servicemember — and ultimately higher retention and a stronger tradition of service generationally.

 

Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity that we have had as a military family, and share how that helped shape where we are today. We faced many challenges throughout Chuck’s military career and transition as a wounded veteran family, but we also achieved many successes. It is key to highlight and celebrate those wins for the greater good of supporting this community.

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Q. How can military families work together to help children impacted by physical and emotional effects of war?

A. By creating a strong and supportive community that will allow our families to thrive with the support and resources they need, especially for mental and emotional care. Seeking this kind of care should not negatively impact their future service interests or eligibility.

 

An essential part of this is increasing the education and awareness on the impacts that invisible wounds have on our servicemembers and their families. Collaboration among DoD support services, family advocacy groups, military and veterans service organizations, educators, community members, and families are needed to improve and encourage access to quality care and other resources.