Young Veterans 4.64

Since the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam in 1975,the Australian Defence Force has been deployed to a myriad of theatres in warlike, non-warlike, peacekeeping, border protection and emergency response situations.

Across all 3 services, men and women have volunteered the best years of their lives to the needs of the nation. Many have suffered physical and psychological issues as a result of their service.

Though many Ex-Service Organisations exist, there is a disconnect between the veterans and the service providers, with many veterans disgruntled at their experiences with certain ESO’s, thus resulting in veterans not requesting services that they are entitled to.

Over 40,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen and women have been deployed to Afghanistan in the Middle East area of operations, Australia’s longest running war. With 42 soldiers killed in action, over 250 wounded in action and countless numbers returning with psychological illness, ex service organisations are overwhelmed with returned servicemen and women.

Many of these people struggle to return to a normal life when they return; some members suffer from physical injury while a growing number are being diagnosed with mental illnesses such as depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Through our outdoor recreation activities, education programs and yearly events, we intend to give veterans the opportunity to tell their story, in a safe environment with like-minded people.