Invisible Injuries - Podcast

Invisible Injuries presents season 4 of their successful podcast, kicking off episode 1 with Vietnam Veteran, Tunnel Rat and poetry author Brian Hopkins.

Brians personal “well being” story navigating away from the effects of PTSD, eventuating in a more holistic direction.   Andy kicks off the guest segment with Brian’s background and the events leading  to  a 12 month search  to get Brian into the studio this day.

He signed up and entered conscription service at just 21 years old in March 1967.   Being an apprenticed plumber meant he was put straight into Engineers.  After 3 months of field training in explosives he was transferred from Field Squadron One to Penrith 55, a storage supply squadron sending supplies to Vietnam.  

By all reports  Brian was told Vietnam would be a cruise when it came to deployment and his pre embarkation training began at Canungra.

He  learned the meaning of looking after the guy in front and the importance of the guy “behind having your six.”  Brian gave his story with reference to personal space after military training and his Vietnam deployment.    The  impacts on himself, his family and his extended social activities and connections.   So significant that he wrote about it in his booklet.   

Andy asks for an expansion to the Tunnel Rats title and what that meant to be embedded into  Charlie and Delta companies outside the wire.   Especially difficult sometimes, he recounted where priorities clashed and in the face of a Lieutenant jumping up and down, he  had  to maintain that safety focus regardless of commands.   

By the nature of the Rats tasks they did get exposed to some heavy drama but it goes into a box or gets parked for later.   Brian captured these impressions in his mind by poetry and pictures.

Repatriation and reconnection with family was another issue..   Aggression, anger, immediate actions with defaults to certain types of thinking.   Thinking such as being bulletproof because I survived!      Andy asked at what point does Bryan consider “the wheels really started to fall off?”  

Join us next time for part 2 of the invisible injuries podcast where Brian covers his home life.   What it was like for his wife and children during that time and what were the keys to keeping his marriage together.  

Contact -  Brian Hopkins
Books - When therapy fails via Pickawoowoo publishing group & by contacting Invisible Injuries - [email protected]
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 part 3 of Sgt Aaron Quinonez' (Sgt Q) episode the veteran, author shares a glimpse of his suicide attempt and how the situation gave him a sign for pro-life, finding purpose through faith and God.

We also cover off on the veterans amazing work with his charity Q Mission, the Q Actual app - a peer to peer suicide and mental health support app, talking mental health on tour in the US with the "Warwagon" campervan.

The concluding episode is packed full of lived experience examples of the amazing charitable work he's doing including shared nuggets of gold from his book "Healing thru service"
Listen to the full episode

Contact -  Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q)
Website: https://sgtq.net/
Buy his book " Healing thru service": https://amzn.to/37Cnich
Q Actual (peer to peer) suicide & mental health support app: https://qactual.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

Welcome to part 2 of veteran, mental health ambassador, public speaker, and "Healing through service" author Sgt Aaron Quinonez (retd) podcast episode.  

In part 1, Sgt Q shared his story, background glimpses of his military service and a detailed recollection of his transition to civilian life, homelessness, suicide attempt and calling where he found his faith (in God) and a renewed purpose giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate.

This episode Sgt Q shares some principles and unpacks some nuggets of gold from his latest book "Healing through service", including one of the analogies where he explains repurposing military principles and applying them into a mental health and self-care context.....brilliant!

Listen to the full episode.

Tune in to part 3 where we cover off on his community charity work through his not-for-profit Q missions.

Contact -  Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q)
Website: https://sgtq.net/
Buy his book " Healing thru service": https://amzn.to/37Cnich
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 3 part episode we've special guest Sgt Q - Aaron Quinonez, former US Special forces JTAC forward observer joining us from the United States. 

In part 1, Sgt Q share's his story. A proud Marine since right out of high school, Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q) was trained to fight the enemy and was prepared for war. When he volunteered for a combat tour in Iraq, little did he know his real battle would be fought in his mind. After eight years of military service, Sgt Q suffered from depression, anger, and panic attacks and was diagnosed with PTSD. Unknowingly he nearly ended his own life in the parking lot of a church.  It was this close call with suicide and a sign where Sgt Q found Jesus and the church, which gave him life, faith and a new purpose.

Turning his life around Sgt Q is now a successful business owner, public speaker, mental health ambassador, Q Missions founder and author of his recently released book "Healing through service - A warriors guide to overcoming trauma"

Tune in to parts 2 & 3 to follow his inspirational story and ongoing mission.

Contact -  Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q)
Website: https://sgtq.net/
Buy his book " Healing thru service": https://amzn.to/37Cnich
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

It's no secret Mike Handley, founder of Red Six App, is passionate about the app and his service to the veteran and general community. In the concluding episode Mike we focus our attention to the Red Six app, its purpose, features, future developments and the positive impact that it's contributing toward lowering the suicide rate amongst veterans.

Mike also touches on the applications of the app in the First Responder/Emergency Services community and amongst current serving members. Being passionate and of service also has it's downsides....unfortunately there's haters and those so eager to attack the people who give so much back to the community. Painstakingly Mike shares his experiences at how hurtful being on the receiving end of this negative behaviour can be and how he calls upon the people and those in his immediate network looking after his "SIX" when he's in need of a familiar voice or non-judgemental chat to validate his feelings as well as being consistent with his self-care.

Contact -  Mike Handley (Red Six App)
Facebook Red Six: https://www.facebook.com/redsixapp
Facebook: Mike Handley
Website:  https://www.redsix.com.au/
Download the app: Red Six App
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 part 2 of Red Six App founder Mike Handley's story he shares highlights and traumas experienced during his two deployments, the struggle's he had re-integrating with civilian life post military including suicidal thoughts and ideologies, his road to self-improvement and the importance of immediate support (his wife Rachel, kids and close friends/colleagues) and the positive effect they can have when your in need. 

This part of Mikes story paints a vivid picture to the backstory and inception of the Red Six app and why he's so passionate about giving back and supporting the veteran and general community.

Contact -  Mike Handley (Red Six App)
Facebook Red Six: https://www.facebook.com/redsixapp
Facebook: Mike Handley
Website:  https://www.redsix.com.au/
Download the app: Red Six App
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 episode host Andy Fermo chats with Mike Handley, founder of the Red Six app which is aimed at helping lower the growing suicide rate amongst the veteran community. The app offers a virtual community that is accessible no matter where you are located, using GPS technology.

Known amongst his military colleagues and friends as "Casper", in part 1 Mike shares his story giving glimpses his daily life in the army, playing representative rugby for Army, unexpected deployment opportunities, roles and an insight into the personal life of the man behind the brand.

Contact -  Mike Handley (Red Six App)
Facebook Red Six: https://www.facebook.com/redsixapp
Facebook: Mike Handley
Website:  https://www.redsix.com.au/
Download the app: Red Six App
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 concluding episode with Dave Esler, veteran and President of "The Gap" Qld RSL sub-branch we continue his story and additional projects he's passionate about including firt repsonder focused NFP "Trek2Health."

Who we support it's police fire ambulance Like Emergency Nurses and veterans. And the, the thing that we're out to accomplish is to rebuild resilience in people who may have lost that through their service in some capacity. And, and we were discussing before we hit record, right that, but as a, as a veteran, we yours and my deployment experience was not the same the similarities, right we, we do force preparation, we kiss the family, goodbye, jump on a plane, and we're gone for six months, we're in a different country away from family and, and you're in that zone, the entire deployment.

You go, you're there to do a job, you mission focus for the entire time, and then you come home and deal with it. Right? The first responders, it's a different, it's a different life, you know that they're going to start shift, whatever time they start, she put the game based on the rap the community, serving the community, and they see whatever they see, and they do whatever they do, then they've got to take off uniform or go home with their family. And they do that every single day.

Contact -  Dave Esler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.tler
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaprsl
Website: https://www.trek2health.org.au/
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 episode we continue speaking with Dave Esler, a contemporary veteran who's taken the mantle as President of "The Gap" QLD RSL sub-branch.

Dave shares a glimpse and insight into some of the traumatic events he experienced as an attached Electronic Warfare Team Leader to Special Forces (reserve) Commando's on combat operations in Afghanistan.

Yeah, no, there was a couple of things for me that really knocked me about that. You know, I just sort of process a lot of it long, like many other people brought their support over there. And one of the one of the things, I'll share a couple of things that happened, it sort of really impacted me quite a bit there was on my third tour. We were in northern Kandahar, moving around, and we would put a blocking, we've had to clear a clear Greenbelt. And, you know, to anyone who doesn't appreciate what a Greenbelt is, it's, it's normally the low ground along the valley where a river or creek Creek would run and become high side all the way down.

Contact -  Dave Esler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.tler
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaprsl
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

Following our popular Money Marksmanship series we continue Season 3 with the first of our guests, Dave Esler, president of "The Gap" Qld RSL sub-branch.

I had the privilege of being able to serve with Dave as one of my Detachment Commanders in my early days at 7th Signals Regiment. So and now he's also one of the growing contemporary veterans that have taken up the mantle in the sub branch in the Queensland RSL sub-branch organization. So thank you so much for joining us today. Dave.

Contact -  Dave Esler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.tler
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaprsl
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