Disability:IN North Carolina (DI-NC) is excited to introduce the keynote speakers for our 2025 Wellness@Work event. Kelli Bowen, and Kevin Rumley, both military veterans, have experienced mental stress during crisis will share their stories of resiliency, and recovery in honor of Mental Health Awareness month.
Kelli Bowen is a retired Major of the United States Air Force, where she dedicated two decades to the Medical Service Corps. Her recent book, Weekend War on Two Fronts, delves into the emotional complexities of the combat zone and the profound challenges faced when returning home. Kelli’s book, Weekend War on Two Fronts, provides a real and compelling story that is both heart breaking and uplifting. Currently, Kelli serves as a civil servant in policy, living in South Carolina with her husband, three children, and two dogs who rarely follow orders.
Kevin Rumley (PHD.) is a combat wounded (32 surgeries) Marine Corps veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. Kevin is also a person in long-term recovery, remaining a vocal community advocate for harm reduction modalities, including medication assisted therapy. Kevin serves as the Program Director for the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), a treatment-based alternative to incarceration for justice-involved veterans. He completed his Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in 2024. In his free time, he enjoys playing music. He released his first solo album, Kevin Rumley in April of 2024.
