Invisible Injuries - Podcast

Mick Polak – Camp Gregory   Relax, Relate, No pressure & Repellent

 Mick opened up his service experience by telling us he went into infantry after signing up in January 74.  For a couple of years he was in 2/4 Battalion then set off in a new direction by transferring to RA Signals.  He “got out” 21 years later in 1996.

 Comparing notes Andy and Mick realised they had both been posted to Cabarlah at different times.  

 When Australia made a commitment to PNG Bougainville the most challenging part was sending troops out there.  Coordinating ships, diplomatic clearances through the Solomon Islands into PNG waters.  Coordinating flights of servicemen to Honiara and Bougainville, logistics of every and anything required to get them through to their postings.  A highlight was becoming the Vice Commodore of a local yacht Club and the social contact with a cross section of locals when posted there.   While in the Solomon’s and planning to come home Mike sustained a bad ankle injury from his usual exercise regime.    It escalated into not being unable to work and fulfil his duties.    The DVA worked with Mick but the pressure bought on depression and anxiety for his present circumstances and his future prospects.

 Mick shares his fitness at that time was at a very active level, then his realisation of how bad this was.  How difficult mentally it was to go from high energy to medication and a walking stick.   Nine months later he got out.   His military career didn’t really suffer he said but to suddenly be in civilian life after a pretty amazing military career and dealing with physical injuries was very daunting.   

On DVA claims, it can be stressful navigating the claim process.    Anxiety builds thinking how to provide for a young family given his injuries while looking for an outside career.   There were knock backs and re-presenting of the DVA claim.    His whole process took 7 years but once the claim came through there is a sense of relief and finally you have the resources to take care of yourself, get a care plan and the opportunity for other relaxing pursuits.     

 For Mick that was wood working, restoring furniture, motorbike riding and fishing. It keeps your mind active but relaxed to meet other veterans at places like Camp Gregory he explained.  Mick’s taken his interest in wood turning to a new level by turning out pens for personal gifts on request and shares how you go about getting one. He talks about how he discovered Camp Gregory from a Cabarlah mate who now lives in Hervey Bay.    

 Contact -  Mick Polak
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/campgregoryretreat
Website: https://www.campgregoryveterans.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this post ANZAC day episode we chat with Nigel Birch (ex RA Engineer) and founder of Veteran Hunts Australia.

In this episode Nigel passionately shares his love for the outdoors, advocacy for conservation hunting, how animal control management and licensing can be used to protect animal habitats and setup a sustainable community.

Nigel explains "whilst conservation hunting isn't for everyone.....for those of our audience or veterans that are interested.......there are many transferable skills from the military which can be utilised in conservation hunting."

In addition, it's his many important messages about positive mental health through recreational pursuits, the lifestyle, outdoors and what the community can offer veterans that is very powerful.

We're not going to solve the problem without thinking about it with a better place to think about it, change your environment, change your outlook on that problem. ..and then let's have a look and see whether that actually gives you an answer to what you're doing.

VHA is a fast growing veteran community which is also inclusive of families and immediate support of veterans and is important from Nigel's perspective because it gets them working together as a unit as well as creating an environment that allows healing through slowing down, reflecting and getting amongst nature.

Rounding off our chat Nigel shares a glimpse of the Blood Origins project and how to contact VHA with admins in South Australia, Queensland and New Zealand.

Contact -  Nigel Birch
Facebook: Veteran Hunts Australia
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this weeks Craig Ball concluding episode the big fella says "PTSD is not an end state…Talk, Reach Out, Connect, Follow up"

Craig has always found himself counselling others  in one way or another and enrolled in a counselling coarse  soon after High School.  On considering “getting out” he put together his counselling experience,  speaking engagements combined with earlier teachings of rational emotive behaviour therapy.  He also ran resilience training which was taken up by a campaign for Rail safety Week.  It was a resounding success.  Returning to Mens Mental Health Craig talks about the challenges personally of mentoring a suicide prevention group and building a Facebook community.  EBT, (Emotional Behaviour Therapy) , CBT ( Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), Craig is a big advocate of bite sized chunks that anyone struggling can use straight away.

First point is to make people feel safe and ok.  Some of the existing PTSD support areas and charities are based on financial models instead of early intervention with behaviour modification therapies.  This can leave suffers feeling the care is not there.   That’s simply not true.   Move on to one of the 5000 independents out there in Australia till one resonates with you.   He is passionate about that and generous in his information development and delivery model.   His emphasis is on strength to grow through to a goal on the horizon, develop coping mechanisms, patience for bad days, flexibility in goal approach.   His new course camps on “You Are Enough” and how you feel right now is not the end game.  Reach out sooner and often to a safe place (it doesn’t have to be military), hookup to defence force groups and check out the VA.   Most of all… follow up on yourself!

Contact -  Craig Ball
Facebook - Craig Ball - Mens Mental Health Speaker
Website: www.changeseminars.com

Programs -  Change seminars
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

Fabulous Noosa is our outdoor destination to meet with Craig Ball ex-Commando and Signaler, now Mental Health Speaker and facilitator of  a Mens Health Transformation page.  
In his mid twenties and working in hospitality as a Bartender at Kings Cross, Craig is considered a late starter to a military career signing up at 26 for the reserves at first.   His sense of adventure was spiked by the hard hitting stories of his ex-Vietnam veteran bar colleagues and rubbing shoulders with retired CIA,  amongst other colourful characters.   Two colleagues in particular,  best mates in One Commando Regiment, shared their stories of crazy adventure,  hard physical endurance and  larrikinism in  their missions.   It contrasted greatly with the drunks of Craig’s normal indoor tame working environment.  We touched on  his early experience of High School bullying, and the strategies he used for freedom and peace in spite of his stressors by becoming an excellent skateboarder.

After joining the reservists at Sydney University Regiment for Officer training the challenge of hard physical military endurance combined with extreme adventure led Craig to signing up with One Commando Regiment in 2000.  Craig considers mastering the selection process difficult while dealing with personal issues but also acknowledges ”Flia” an  inspirational  high functioning Veteran that had an impact on his life.    He  was taught the  difference between set backs vs failure,  initiative and opportunity no matter how small in military context which he now uses on a personal level to uplift others.

Passing selection and waiting for his Green Beret ceremony,  one night Craig was approached by an entrepreneur to become a professional speaker.  Out of that grew his passion today helping people deal with the hardest of life experiences, workplace challenges and projects by managing their psychology .   But more of that subject-in Part2.

 Back to selection.    After 18 months at “School of signals” he went straight to the unit in 2008 then onto Alpha Company 2009 to train up for deployment to Afghanistan the following year.   An introduction to some scary things he found it a crazy build up and soon found himself in a CQB (close quarter battle), an acutely difficult event, the first exposure tending  to be raw panic.  

In part 2 we explore Craig’s deployment in 2009 in more detail including the re-emergence of bullying in a war zone, the loss of Mason Edwards in a training incident and his experience of that difficult space of holding on  day by day in a war zone, despite the mental toll.  

Contact -  Craig Ball
Email - [email protected]
Website: www.changeseminars.com

Programs -  Change seminars
Who is it for? Veterans & First Responders & their families
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

We’re excited to announce the eagerly awaited Season 2 of the Invisible Injuries Podcast. 

In the opening episode host we speak with guest Tony Quincee, and Afghanistan veteran Engineer come frontman for his band aptly named; Tony Q Band.

"It doesn't matter if you're a foot soldier or cavalry or you're a tradie, every single person, every person's job makes a difference to someone else."  Tony Q

Headlining the Beat the Retreat 2020 event at Veterans Retreat, Andy had the opportunity to speak with Tony for an awesome special weekend podcast where he shared a glimpse of his Military experience spanning 14 years including his Trade selection for Electronics Technician, subsequent Australian postings and how his deployment to Afghanistan in 2012 with 2/14th Lighthorse came about.   

We discussed hitting the ground running in Tarin Kowt and personal reflections on how that went for him,  an overview of  improvised electronic devices (IED) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) commonly referred to as bubble or haze that overpowers the IED detonation signal.   

Tony's personal turning point was the incident involving three fellow comrades, Brothers-in-Arms, about 4 months into the tour while Tony was under secondment to a task away at another Forward Operating Base (FOB).   The personal impact of returning to his base to learn that an Afghan soldier being trained by his Australian comrades having unloaded a magazine on his mates.  He shares the processing of that incident, the subsequent Post Traumatic Stress and career implications that followed. 

His positive journey out has been by way of music and shares the opportunity for healing this pathway offers with others. 

Guest Speaker - Tony Quincee
Corps - Royal Australian Engineers
Website: https://www.thetonyqband.com/

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

Strap on your seatbelt because we're ending Season One with a bang. 

Premiering part 2 of Ari "Boss" Koutsoubos' story the big fella share's his views, lets rip on his experiences, thoughts and messaging to our audience in a no BS and blokified way.

Ari's partner has a deep love for horses, he met her at a low and vulnerable point in his life. What did he know about horses? Nothing....but recognising that riding horses was her passion Ari decided that he too wanted to be part of what she loved so that they could do things together. This is when he met Roman, an 8 year old ex-racehorse thoroughbred who was just as messed up with horsie PTSD symptoms as he was. Allowing Ari to mount him for a ride they formed a bond that allowed them both to work on their mental-health recovery together, it was then Ari also decided that it was his renewed purpose to provide Roman with the best horsie life.

"When you love someone you make dreams together" a change of vocation and environment was also on the cards for Ari and his family to pursue their dreams and after a series of knockbacks due to the economic climate (& banking royal commission) they decided to relocate their life and build the dream in the cooler climate of Kelso, (Northern) Tasmania.

Ari knows who he is and unapolagetically calls "A spade a spade", having recognised he's not a run of the mill civvy NOR any longer a Special Forces Commando he's found peace in hanging out with who is in "alignment" with his personality, military background. He's candidly open about how he and those who were in positions of leadership would mask their emotions and their true mental health state so they could just get on with the task at hand and "Bang it it"

Rounding off the episode and season Ari then goes to share some key messages and take homes for our audience:

• In the military you we're part of a team, in civvy life there are many ex-services or interest groups....find what works for you and go with it.
• Its okay to ask for help, check your EGO at the door and just ask
• Admitting that "I cannot cope" at the moment is okay...you're human
• A small talisman (object) that you can use to carry around and be a grounding item when your feeling anxious, angry etc
• No one knows until you do it...and when your doing it yourself you'll realise what works for you and what doesnt.

WARNING - This episode contains explicit language!!!

Contact - Ari "Boss" Koutsoubos
Mobile - 0401 717 622
Website: Zero Hoof Print
Messenger: @zerohoofprint

Programs -  Respite | Retreats & Stays - Kelso TASMANIA
Who is it for? Veterans & First Responders & thier families

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app
Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this extended episode we chat with Ari "Boss" Koutsoubos, ex-Special Forces Commando, crypto currency entrepreneur and founder of Zero Hoof Print, an oceanside horse camping ranch / eco holiday destination & veteran respite center.

In this no-holds barred episode Ari shares his story of triumphs, challenges, highs, lows being vulnerable and key take away messages for our audience, all the while giving us a glimpse into the world of a Special Forces soldier.

With his dad serving as a national serviceman and grandad in the Greek civil war, Ari's has family tradition of military service. At 20, Ari sought to please his mums wishes of higher education by going to university...a few courses and HECS accruals later Ari's sense of adventure was piqued when a mate told him about an Army organisation called 1 Commando (Reserves). Rocking up to parade on the first day Ari asked the question of how to get to the rollcall area with a response of "if you cant find it then you don't belong here."

Each week his initiation and training consisted of many "beastings" designed to turn a civilian into a reservist Special Forces solider. Ari sets the tone for the stories and key messages by describing his experiences during the Commando selection course and share's with us the importance of toughness, resilience, leadership, trainability and the feeling of accomplishment when he finally earned his sherwood green beret.

Ari goes on to share a glimpse of his deployments to Afghanistan with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and the importance of leadership, teamwork and support which lead to some key messages for our audience in their post military life.

He also shares some key messages for current serving members about detaching emotionally from Family when on deployment, that it's okay if you cant re-attach straightaway upon return and the trials and tribulations transitioning to civilian life and finding purpose.

Stay tuned for part 2 of Ari's story where he candidly shares his low points, being vulnerable and how by being true to himself, by doing what he loves and makes him happy he founded Zero Hoof Print and managed to create a self-care plan that allows this and outlines a strategy that our audience can utilise in their own self-care plan.

Contact - Ari "Boss" Koutsoubos
Mobile - 0401 717 622
Website: Zero Hoof Print
Messenger: @zerohoofprint

Programs -  Respite | Retreats & Stays - Kelso TASMANIA
Who is it for? Veterans & First Responders & thier families

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app
Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this episode we conclude Vietnam Veteran, Bob Richards story chatting to him and daughter Hannah about Paws for Hope and understanding, their programs and his thoughts on "The veteran community hub" network of independent ex-services organisations.

On his journey learning to manage his PTSD symptoms and developing his self-care plan Bob was paired with service dog "Lara" (retired). The training and commitment involved with his service dog gave him purpose. We'd recorded our chat via Zoom and at the conclusion of part 1 I could visually see that Bob had been triggered chatting about his experiences and on-cue "Ceasar and Lara" his current and retired service dogs came in and instantly calmed him down.

Being paired with a service dog takes a commitment from the recipient a and genuine medical reason to be considered for any program including: recipient temperament test, proof of condition, specific tasks to be trained, successful matching of dog type to the recipient and their needs. Calling on his time as a recruit training instructor Bob & Hannah have developed a military-esque style to train the recipient and their service dog.. "Like this - do that!". The pair have to earn their stripes through modules of training before progressing to the next stage.

In addition to their service dog program Paws for Hope have also created a personal recovery system that works "with or without" the service dog. Bob is passionate about the old saying "if you've walked the walk OR walked in my shoes" creating trust through shared stories, experiences and approaches that may help with their own self-care plan.

Bob and Hannah are advocates for a fast growing term/model being accepted by independent ex-services organisations called "The (veterans & first responders) community hub." If a veteran or first responder doesn't associate with the larger more established organisations through stigma, bad experiences, not connecting, generational gap or mindsets etc they can still access support services, programs and activities.

Paws for Hope is located 10min southwest of Brisbane, they have a growing community hub network that spans out to the Ipswich region and welcoming of those in need out of their local area, especially for their dogs and advocacy services.

Contact - Bob Richards | 0412 747 526 | Hannah Richards | 0404 643 330
Website: Paws for Hope and Understanding
Email: [email protected]

Programs -  | Service Dog training & selection | Resolute Recovery | Advocacy
Who is it for? Veterans & First Responders

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app
Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this special "wedge" edition to our regular podcast and inaugural vidcast we've invited the team at the Thompson Institute - Mind and Neuroscience unit, University of the Sunshine Coast to present their mental health check "Navigating our wellbeing". 

2020 has been a year to be remembered for all the wrong reasons. In this time of uncertainty with COVID mental health is an important topic that is being experienced by the whole community....hence our "wedge" episode because this is for everyone!

Mental health professionals Andrew Watkins and Monique Jones deliver a powerful message to navigating our wellbeing in small bite size pieces of information that can be implemented for your own self care and those of others around you.

Overview of topics covered:

• Stress and mental health
• Reactions
• Symptoms (Emotional | Physical | Cognitive | Interpersonal
• The wheel of wellbeing
• Ways to manage worry
• Circle of concern
• Where to find help

Contact - Monique Jones - [email protected]
                 Andrew Watkins - [email protected]
Location - University of Sunshine Coast
Website - https://www.usc.edu.au/sunshine-coast-mind-neuroscience-thompson-institute

Help Lines | Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app | GP | Beyond Blue | iHelp app | Fortem
Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P

NB. We'll be back with the conclusion of Bob Richards story next episode!

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this episode Vietnam veteran Bob Richards joins us to share his story and lived experience facing his demons. He explains how his work with military service dogs led him to create "Paws for Hope and Understanding" with daughter Hannah and why "mans best friend" is so successful in aiding him and many others manage their Post Traumatic Stress.

Originally from South Australia, Bob is the 3rd generation to carry on his family's military heritage. When he realised an apprenticeship wasn't going to work out Bob asked his dad for permission to join the army who gladly agreed, escorting him to the recruit office the following week.

Enlisting in 64-65 era, 1RAR had only just deployed for Vietnam. Completing his recruit training Bob put down his preference for the Engineers, Artillery and Infantry.....he was voluntold that Infantry was his calling being posted to 7RAR D Company shortly after.
During this time the "Tracker dog" program was in its infancy with the idea that the young soldier would be paired with a service dog (Tiber), training together and ready to deploy when he turned 19.

Landing in theater, Bob describes he and the rest of 7RAR D Coy as having an "interesting orientation" translating to "Patrolling more than anyone else" and in all the commotion he and Tiber were separated. Having a Commanding Officer (CO) with WWII experience, emphasis was placed in "Multitasking". Each soldier needed to know the role above him as well as cross-trained with a specialty skill, and just like that Bob became the platoon medic.

Bob describes his tour as 24hr ops at high tension. Patrolling for weeks on end, D Coy spent more time "Outside the wire" during the TET offensive. Being asked by Andy to paint a picture of a traumatic event/s that trigger his PTSD, Bob describes "With intel provided by an SAS patrol, the company was tasked to "Directly attack" an enemy position with a covert insertion in heavy monsoon rain."

H-hour, 5pm, the company advanced to attack the enemy position, unknowingly, on a well prepared bunker system and were ambushed receiving mass casualties. Having sustained shrapnel wounds from the initial push Bob continued to provide much needed first-aid to the wounded soldiers with a soldier dying in his arms under fire...the battle lasted for several hours before the enemy broke contact and the company was able to casevac their dead and wounded.

Bob recalls "when returning home, no-one talked about what they'd been through" and the increasing public protests only making things worse for the returned servicemen. The negative sentiment getting so bad, the soldiers were ordered "dont go out in public in uniform"

Bob didn't think much of it until years later a friend questioned him "RUOK mate" he asked why? and his mate responded you jump and flinch at loud noises.....this sparked many thoughts weighing down on him, shortly after, Bob broke down and started having flashbacks.

Rounding off part one, Bob describes his multiple stints and experiences at Greenslopes Private Hospital, being pumped so full of drugs he was effectively a zombie. Finding a meaningful connection with the right GP with military experience was the spark that guided him onto a solution focused path.

In part two we conclude Bobs story with Paws for Hope and understanding, their programs and his thoughts on "The veteran community hub" network of independent ex-services organisations.

Contact - Bob Richards | 0412 747 526 | Hannah Richards | 0404 643 330
Website: Paws for Hope and Understanding
Email: [email protected]

Programs -  | Service Dog training & selection | Resolute Recovery | Advocacy
Who is it for? Veterans & First Responders

Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | 

Support the show