On Monday I had the incredible pleasure and honour of speaking at the State Congress of the RSL.
I was there speaking about mental health and resilience and I was fortunate to share the podium with 2 ex-soldiers. One, who had been a commando for 18 years, who had seen active duty in East Timor, Somalia, 2 tours in Iraq and 2 in Afghanistan. The other younger soldier had done a tour of duty in Iraq.
Both came back to Australia with Post Traumatic Stress and what they also called ‘Societal Shock’. In front of a room of mostly ex-Korean and Vietnam vets they bravely and honestly told their story. They told how the PTSD had nearly destroyed their lives but how they’d managed to turn it all around and were now actively helping other veterans.
I was in total awe of these gents, it made me realize how incredibly sheltered the majority of us are, from major world events – especially war.
Sadly there have been more suicides of Australian, Afghan and Iraqi servicemen and women than there have been actually killed in both conflicts. They are clearly not getting the support that they need and deserve.
If you are interested in supporting them in some shape or form please go to www.defencecare.org.au it’s a wonderful not for profit organisation set up to help returned service men and women get back into society.
I don’t know anyone who is a great fan of war, but I am all for peace of mind.
