Stories
Learn about inspiring stories of change , hope and resilience of our Veteran community. These stories are there reflections of our disabled Veterans some of whom are Totally, Permanently Incapacitated (TPI Veterans) and their family support,
Our Stories – The Stories of Veterans and Their Families
Join us on a journey of remembrance, recognition, service, compassion, resilience and hope. These stories are the reflections of Veterans who were sent to war on behalf of the nation and were forever changed as a result of that war or conflict. It is through their efforts and those of all serving men and women that we can enjoy the standards of living we enjoy today.
We don’t know them all, but we owe them all. Unknown author
John’s Story Vietnam 1966 – 67
Reflections on Vietnam
After returning from Vietnam, John found himself grappling with a society that misunderstood and even shunned veterans like him. The contrast between his safe, nurturing environment in regional Victoria and the harsh realities of combat left an indelible mark on his psyche. He struggled to reconcile the peaceful life he once knew with the horrors he witnessed and the loss of comrades.
The trauma of his experiences in Vietnam haunted him deeply. He felt a profound sense of survivor’s guilt, questioning why fate spared him while others perished. These feelings weighed heavily on him, casting a shadow over his ability to continue teaching with the same passion and dedication as before.
Struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress
As time passed, John’s difficulties extended beyond the classroom. The nightmares and flashbacks became more frequent, disrupting his sleep and triggering anxiety during the day. Simple things like loud noises or crowded spaces could transport him back to the battlefield, reliving moments of fear and helplessness.
He sought solace in the camaraderie of fellow veterans who understood his struggles, yet even they couldn’t completely bridge the gap between his wartime experiences and the civilian life he once led. Therapy sessions became a regular part of his routine, offering some relief but never fully alleviating the deep-seated trauma that marked his soul.
Coming to Terms with the Past
Despite the challenges, John found moments of peace in quiet reflection and in sharing his story with others who were willing to listen. Over time, he began to see that his survival carried a different kind of responsibility—not just to himself, but to honour the memory of those who didn’t make it back.
He discovered a renewed sense of purpose in advocating for veterans’ rights and raising awareness about the lasting impact of war on individuals and communities. Through these efforts, he found a way to channel his experiences into something meaningful, seeking to ensure that the sacrifices of his comrades were never forgotten.
Legacy and Looking Forward
Now, as he reflects on his life’s journey, John sees himself not as a failure, but as a survivor who navigated the tumultuous waters of war and its aftermath. His resilience and determination to find meaning in his experiences have shaped his later years, guiding him towards a path of healing and acceptance.
While the scars of war may never fully fade, John has learned to embrace his past as an integral part of who he is today. He continues to find strength in sharing his story, knowing that each telling helps to shine a light on the complexities of war and the human spirit’s capacity for endurance.
Inspiring tales of resilience, hope and honour
These are not stories about heroes, they are stories from ordinary men and women who were asked to do extraordinary things in a very challenging environment and were forever changed as a result of that experience.
Peter’s Story Vietnam 1966-67
Peter’s journey from a young recruit to a seasoned section commander was fraught with challenges and lessons learned. His early days in the Army were filled with camaraderie and adventure, but as he delved deeper into his role, he faced the struggles of questioning authority in a rigid military environment.
His insistence on understanding the logic behind orders led to conflicts and punishments, but he adapted his approach, learning to comply first and question later. This flexibility served him well as he climbed the ranks, eventually becoming an NCO responsible for the lives of his team members.
During a battalion exercise, Peter and his team found themselves lost in the Blue Mountains, struggling to navigate their way back to safety. The ordeal tested not only their map-reading skills but also their leadership and responsibility towards each other.
Peter’s later posting involved training young men for national service, a duty that weighed heavily on him as he realised he was preparing them for war. This realisation prompted him to request a transfer to a unit destined for Vietnam, where he faced the profound responsibility of ensuring the safety of his team members, as emphasised by the mother of one soldier. Though John, the son mentioned by the concerned mother, survived the war, Peter carried the weight of that responsibility long after their return. The encounter with John’s mother left an indelible mark on him, underscoring the immense burden of leadership and the human cost of conflict.
Alwyn’s Story – Vietnam 1969 -1970
The story of Pte Alwyn Craig is all too common for veterans returning from conflict zones. For decades, his family had no idea where he was or if he was even alive. Alwyn, once a vibrant young man, returned from Vietnam a changed person, tormented by the loss of his girlfriend and the trauma of war. For 30 years, he wandered the streets of Newcastle, known only as “Pete,” his life a mystery to all but a few.
In December, a breakthrough came when City Sleep Safe director helped Alwyn obtain his birth certificate, revealing he was born in Lithgow in 1948. This discovery eventually led his family to find him in Newcastle, where his brother Harold was reunited with him after decades of silence. Alwyn had been living in the streets, avoiding contact with everyone except a few locals who recognised him and offered help in their own ways.
Alwyn’s family, who had lost touch with him after he disappeared in the ’90s, was both overjoyed and heartbroken. While Harold struggles to take his brother back into a conventional life, they are focused on supporting Alwyn in whatever way he needs, respecting the survival routine he’s built over the years.
Alwyn’s time on the streets has taken its toll, and re-adjusting to a normal life seems impossible. But with his family’s support and the assistance of organisations like RSL Lifecare program, Alwyn’s future may hold hope for change, though it will be up to him to decide the path forward.
