Invisible Injuries - Podcast

Invisible Injuries presents - Money Marksmanship, hosted by Duncan Buchanan. In this 8 part series ex-Army officer, veteran, financial investor and author of Amazon #1 besteller "The intelligent investing blueprint" in collaboration with Invisible Injuries in how to improve their personal and financial wealth.

In this episode Duncan uses military processes  to introduce fundamental principles for the series, starting with "The map process".

In the military navigation and map reading are essential skills where to be successful the navigator must: know their destination, know their start point and prepare a route (one of several) to get to the destination.

The advice and information in the Money Marksmanship series does not consider your personal circumstances and is general in nature.

Australian Credit Licence No. 416629
Certificate IV in Financial Services (FNS40804)

Contact -  Duncan Buchanan
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DuncanBuchanan1
Website: http://www.duncanbuchanan.com/
Download your FREE copy of Duncan's #1 Amazon best seller - Intelligent Investing

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

Invisible Injuries presents - Money Marksmanship, hosted by Duncan Buchanan.

In this 8 part series ex-Army officer, veteran, financial investor and author of Amazon #1 besteller "The intelligent investing blueprint" in collaboration with Invisible Injuries in how to improve their personal and financial wealth.

In this episode Duncan concludes his story and lived experiences as a commander, touches on leadership, trauma, being vulnerable and the management of his PTSD through a holistic mindset and how his posting to Hawaii challenged his relationship with money and journey into finance and investing.

The advice and information in the Money Marksmanship series does not consider your personal circumstances and is general in nature.

Australian Credit Licence No. 416629
Certificate IV in Financial Services (FNS40804)

Contact -  Duncan Buchanan
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DuncanBuchanan1
Website: http://www.duncanbuchanan.com/
Download FREE e-book: https://tinyurl.com/DB-Free-Ebook

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

Invisible Injuries presents - Money Marksmanship, hosted by Duncan Buchanan. In this 8 part series ex-Army officer, veteran, financial investor and author of Amazon #1 besteller "The intelligent investing blueprint" in collaboration with Invisible Injuries in how to improve their personal and financial wealth.

In this episode Andy chats with Duncan about his military service, the traumas he experienced and learned to manage along with how he started his journey into finance and investing.

Duncan's studied intensively and put into practice key strategies so he can ENJOY MORE TIME, CHOICE and FREEDOM to EXPERIENCE more of life and SERVE OTHERS, and now shares this with others to ensure everyone has the opportunity to live the life they so rightly deserve.

Duncan joined the Australian Army at just 17 and served throughout Australia and Overseas, including in three conflict environments. Throughout this time, he became aware of the importance of consciousness in himself and others. As well as his passionate belief that everyone has the right to live the life they deserve.

Duncan has extensive personal experience and maintains his own multi-million dollar property & investment portfolio. Whilst Duncan is no longer a practicing Mortgage Broker, he has owned and run a National broking business for many years. And is currently the director of three separate companies.

Duncan has presented to thousands of people as a sought-after national speaker for iconic industry events and works with selected clients showing them how to build wealth successfully and helping them create and live the life they truly wish to live.

He's committed to the importance of linking financial and investment needs to personal goals and lifestyle. To not be fearful of money, but to know how to treat it as the energy exchange it truly is.

Through his own endeavours and the support of others he has assisted in building schools in developing countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka and most recently in Kenya.

Duncan is a passionate family man and outdoor enthusiast. He has trekked through the Highlands of Papua New Guinea; lead a 10-man trekking expedition through the Western Himalayas, camped in the Amazon Rainforest and hiked the Inca Trail in South America. He loves being outside, camping and spending time with his wife, son and daughter.

The advice and information in the Money Marksmanship series does not consider your personal circumstances and is general in nature.

Australian Credit Licence No. 416629
Certificate IV in Financial Services (FNS40804)

Contact -  Duncan Buchanan
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DuncanBuchanan1
Website: http://www.duncanbuchanan.com/
Download FREE ebook: https://tinyurl.com/DB-Free-Ebook

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

This episode is part two of Andy's chat with Bruce Sloper where they discuss outside jobs to go to with structure, uniforms and discipline  They pick up the conversation about leaving the forces space and what that’s like for many ex service personnel.  Yeah,  It can be a little bit scary they agree but there is a pattern that ex military are drawn to.    

Emergency services, Police, counter-terrorism.   The reason being a lot of those organizations in civilian street will be structured. They're got a uniform,  a hierarchy, and are disciplined.   That’s what we're used to and what's missing with people getting out of the services.   They get out of a disciplined, well structured organization to nothing and that’s a shock.   Bruce shared a glimpse of what that was like in his life at that low point. 

On the subject of PTSD he said information is better now than it was then and outside of war, a road accident, a traumatic incident, or something like that there are different reasons why people get PTSD.   

You get offered a few resettlement things on the way out of the ADF and then you become a family man, which I learned is another story of many stories.  In my case a very supportive wife  who looks after the household whether I was there or long periods away.  Learning quickly if you come home, and start making home decisions, it doesn't work like that and I soon got pulled up.   So you’ve got to adjust to your family lifestyle.   Another adjustment is lack of social interaction with similar minded people when at home.  We bought a block of land and I decided to work the land for 18 months, just mend fences and get the feel of the land but missing was the social interaction as we were out in the country.  It  was a depressing time but taught me to get out and join things and have projects.  Bruce went on to talk about specific volunteer or social groups he knows are available and things that tend to be structured.    Helping others is a way of moving past your own problems he commented.

 Andy returned to the important role Bruce’s wife played by his side the whole way.   Bruce admits she is a calming influence especially when things were really grim during his darkest days.  In hind sight, since that period,  it’s been a successful  life in a lot of different ways and in many areas.    For the future, they are planning  to sell the farm and retire  but still be involved in farming.  

So returning to the questions around suicidal thoughts.    When ideally should you seek help?  I must admit I didn't but the question is why is that?   

Contact -  Bruce Sloper
Member of: Young Veterans Central Queensland
Member of: Yeppoon RSL sub-branch
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 speaks with  ex- Navy officer and Vietnam veteran Bruce Sloper.  With quick thanks and an introduction they hop straight into it. Deciding to tell their story first about how they met,  they agreed it was a “pretty bloody good” story.   

Bruce began, including the accidental counseling story of a young farmer Mum in Yeppoon.   Her life’s dream was not going very well Bruce explained and depression went with that.    He was asked by a third party would I talk with her?    As an older veteran Bruce explained he was familiar with “cashflow” problems so after getting to know the farmer Mum, Bruce went to a Veterans web page and put out the call to Young Veterans Central Queensland for help.    

“Truly I was just floored by the response”  he continued enthusiastically.  Some 20-30 left me thinking  “how am I going to manage so many offers.”   Enter Andy and family with  Invisible Injuries Charity.

Fitting  well into the volunteer process and with another friend of Andy's from Toowoomba (S02E10 & 11), the generous response was reduced to two groups.  These worker/supporters spent over a week onsite and was a success.     All part of networking Andy agreed and part of our  civic duty he added.   Community mental health is for everyone, not just veterans, first responders and their supports especially during COVID and the times we are living in.  For instance fostering  a positive mindset is a big one if your on a farm on your own.

Andy asked about Bruce’s ADF service.  He joined as an apprentice in the Navy out of West Sydney and went to sea for 4 years. There was a new system of training apprentices when he joined.   So we’re in square rig, round rig and the older folk in the Navy labeled us Mobi's.  You would associate that with Whales or something like that but not in this case.   That system of training went from 1956 to 1972.    The RAF in the army and in the Navy were closed down and they went through the TAFE system.  The Mobi acronym has hung about all these years and there is pride in the name.   At  Yeppoon RSL  you mentioned the Square Rig stuff and that you were accelerated?   It  was the petty officers and chief petty officers who could see the skills coming out in the fleet Bruce explained and in those days we repaired things on the move with tradesmen on board.   “So that was  a great career!” 

Contact -  Bruce Sloper
Member of: Young Veterans Central Queensland
Member of: Yeppoon RSL sub-branch
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 the concluding episode of his chat with the lovely Laura Bailey, Andy remarks, "I noticed the older yoga instructor on the website".   Laura comments that they needed male narrators and yoga instructors from feedback received.    

Some diversity of culture and ethnicity was also noted.     So, Trevor, Fang and Lisa joined the videotaping, in their various disciplines.   Gifting their time to meet the opportunity, Laura said they mastered it together and came up with things for our boys, even if not professionally filmed.

They went on to discuss some of the power of the VMA site which is real people with real messages.   To get content out there was the primary objective and to provide a variety of stories and situations that people can resonate with; thereby raising the possibility of change to their own internal dialogue. 

The content can be anything from personal crisis, reflections, to being able to touch your toes in your 50’s.  One of our self-imposed roadblocks is limited thinking.   Sometimes called imposter syndrome, “I can’t possibly do THAT”.   Something Andy and Laura acknowledged they each had pushed through.     Laura shared that she has a little pile of motivational cards which works for her to push back on that thinking. 

 They went on to talk about “on purpose mindfulness” and what it means for each of them to calm down “scramble brain.”   They each had their own techniques, snippets, to create a self intervention as none of us can afford a 1-10 hour “timeout” most days was the statement.    Laura shared her emergency techniques to turn the panic off and bring in the calmer, warm sense of “I’m ok.”   Anyone can pop into this for 5 or 10 minutes with practice she explains.    With PTS, early recognition, early intervention is so important.    You can’t kid yourself and say this isn't a hole because then it takes longer to climb out of a bigger hole.   Invest, be kind to yourself and learn your own techniques for 5-10 minutes of “stand down.”    Tell yourself the truth, says Laura that a 10-minute investment here, is going to improve things and stop me falling further into that hole; not this is only a little hole and I’m ok.    Of all the things that I'd like to get across today is just to thank the whole veteran mindfulness community, and all the brave Veterans, not only for their service, but for their bravery in everyday life.

Contact -  Laura Bailey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/290674902262006
Website:  https://veteranmindfulness.com.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 episode of the podcasts Andy chats with Laura Bailey from Veteran Mindfulness  Australia.  

With her bright and bubbly nature they launched into some of the great  stuff that’s been happening  with Veteran Mindfulness here in Australia.    Andy asked Laura to unpack that and to share their amazing programs first hand with our audience.

 Andy begins by wanting to know a little about Laura’s background and her experiences first.  Jumping straight in Laura outlined a lengthy nursing career, raising a family, building houses, then she moved back into nursing to finish her degree.   That led her to Mental Health working in one of Australia’s remotest locations, Broome. 

There Laura and her organization serviced the Kimberley and the Pilbara area.   Laura shared how much she enjoyed those beautiful people who put all her fears to rest about doing or saying the wrong thing.   That’s where Laura learned a lot about the value of art therapy, yoga, cooking and things like that.  The veteran mindfulness model proved to be a  good activity, connecting with people and allowing that connection without talking in any depth as to why they were in hospital.    It was a meaningful way to engage without going into the trauma experience.   

 With fresh eyes into mental health Laura soon realized her own personal mental health journey had been  the best qualification.   A lot of that therapy was actually getting out into the country and just connecting into the oneness of that.  She found Aboriginal people with intergenerational trauma to be similar to non indigenous communities with regards to drug induced psychosis and a broad range of other mental health issues.   

 So… Andy continues; can you just share with our audience, how your work became a family affair. Laura replied that her son was working for veteran causes, raising money and raising awareness.   Coming from an Allied Health sports perspective and then Tom was raising money by raffling vintage cars.  Tom was also linking up veterans with things they didn't know  they were entitled to.   

Listen out for the concluding episode where Laura details more about the  Veteran Mindfulness platform and how eligible veterans can access the programs and on-board psychologists.

Contact -  Laura Bailey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/290674902262006
Website:  https://veteranmindfulness.com.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 episode Andy is very pleased to grab some time out of the veterans padre, Gary Stones busy schedule.   

We're  invited  into Gary’s world of Veteran Care.   Gary’s Chaplaincy mission he explains is to promote health and well being to Veterans and their families.   Andy tells the audience the smile and energy belies 48 years of military experience.   Still positive and infectious to rub shoulders with, even after many deployments and distinguished service.   Deployments during that 48 years numbered  23  with some smaller ones.   Malaysia, Fiji Coup, Iran Iraq  88/89, after which Gary came away quite traumatized in his words.   Gary explained that like most vets he returned from the Iran Iraq war  traumatized but kept it hidden.

 Andy wanted to explore some of Gary’s roles prior to retraining as a Chaplain.    Gary explained he went to Duntroon, became a platoon Commander, Intelligence Officer, Company Commander, Battalion  Second Command, acting Commander for a mission to Fiji and then NASA Lieutenant Colonel on a Peace Keeping Force in the Iran Iraq War.   Gary comments that during that time span 70s - 90s  it may not seem like much militarily was happening to those at home in Australia.   A number of smaller Peace Keeping groups were sent here and there such as Namibia and Somalia. 

Gary wants listeners to know that he is aware talking to Vets over those “peacetime” years that this period holds a lot of hidden stories of military service injuries in training and bullying for instance.  If you’ve served you have a back story.     Then he says things militarily ramped up with 911, East Timor, Solomon’s, Vila, Iran, Iraq.   It went a bit crazy there he summarizes.   Peace Keeping was very dangerous and challenging Gary said outlining the specific elements in East Timor.   

In service or out, Gary maintains the  ANZAC  ethos permeates “the veteran” and with some encouragement he gets vets to  look at their opportunities with the skills they’ve attained thus far in their lives.  What  resources are available?   Organize them to help others while helping themselves to better health.   Every experience leads to something positive in the future he maintains.   Establishing Veterans Care Association in East Timor is one such example of how the recent weather catastrophe there has been met with a full blown vet volunteer regiment because of work instigated 18years ago.   A wellness plan is imperative Gary emphasized as that has to be your focus not the trauma. 

Contact -  Gary Stone
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timorawakening
Website:  https://www.timorawakening.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

We pick up the conversation for part 2  with Scott  May and Sheldon Rogers being asked the Inevitable question….”so  what do you have  for females?”   What are you looking for came the reply.   Scott mentions t’s important for females to decide what they want and step up to create their own sense of purpose and encourage others to join in.    

12 months ago nothing existed at Toowoomba.    Although they talk cars in the podcast, they do other things but it is a volunteer situation and they’re all about equality.    So girls should step up to  see whats there and what they can bring and build on.    The things they now have are a result of someone’s interest like a three D Printer to learn on and the kayaks etc. 

 An interesting issue arose of “outside” syndrome.   This is where those who have served but had limited or no deployment experience  feel they don’t have the same rights to engage in welfare programs and work side by side.   The most important medal in Scotts view is an ADM.  There is a false perception of  hierarchy post service but the truth is we are all now volunteers.   Due to the overwhelming statistics of male VRs and negative first impressions from RSLs as a general comment, an example is Carmens story, a musician, now a driver of a  music fundraising event for The Hub and RSL.   

Following on from that is the vast array of experiences and skills that make up the modern returning soldier.  Gone are the days of the Officer educated Lt Colonels commanding troopers off the land and maintaining a pecking order post service.   There is little relevance for todays level of business acumen and education required to run a volunteer community with resources.   There is a RSL culture about memorabilia which the young ones respect but can sometimes be seen to challenge the establishment as it makes room for more of a collaborative RSL.   They talk about war experience and catching up with a 99 year old veteran from the Navy who served 1941/42 during the Arctic winter and how  age had no relevance.   They were brothers.

After asking what’s ahead for the branding of The Hub, Scott shared a ramping up of the separate identity of The Hub.   A diverse range of people activities, skills in a community that is less grants dependent with diversified income streams.  They have plans for ANZAC commemoration to more truly reflect the real contribution made by peace keepers for instance.   Sheldons self professed role is one of supercharged support to push those objectives to gain  traction into the demographic they are seeking.  

Contact -  Scott May / Sheldon Rogers
Facebook - Young Veterans Toowoomba | TRSL Sub-Branch

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

Andy speaks to special guests Scott May and Sheldon Rogers from Young Veterans Toowoomba and RSL Sub Branch initiative .  

We joined the conversation with Scott and Sheldon talking about their experience as President and Vice President of the Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch.  Scott was worried about the perception of old style RSL Legacy type buildings upon the psyche of returned vets who maybe attempting to engage with the organisation.  RSL front door entries  are heavily into memorials as a general statement and we know that’s out of respect however  it’s daunting  to young vets to walk into such a heavy atmosphere seeking help and support for PTSD and anxiety.    They may be there in a fragile mindset at the time.   Thus a new concept was needed to fill the gap for a different demographic.   A place they have named The Hub.  The idea was formulated for  a non confrontational and flexible space to grow and be defined by those who would use it Sheldon adds.    

 In  an effort to make the area fresh, inviting and homely, lounges and a kitchenette were added to the concept to make room for further actives such as meetings, advocacy etc.   A great initiative towards over coming  PTSD  avoidance and potential trigger environments, with the objective to just get Young Veterans in the door.    Welcome them in, relax and link them with supports and engaging activities.   All  reasons for them to return.   Scott and Sheldon were on the same page regarding their proposed idea but they had to pitch it to the “establishment” and come out with something that wasn’t moulded by the RSO.    Young Vets want and need  hospital welfare teams, advocates and not a club that may put demands on them to help when they are not well enough to be in that space.   

“So Sheldon, how did you get involved with Young Vets and meet Scott” asks Andy.  After a night out with the boys late December at the local RSL Toowoomba, a plan was hatched to build an endurance race car.  There was talk of  flying pineapples, race car days and the garage nights after wards that have developed into a welfare initiative.   Their partners and families are seeing real  benefits as well.  As more connections come through friends and acquaintances so does financial sponsors.  So it is growing organically and can pivot as needs become evident.

 Andy rounds up the  first segment thanking Scott May and Sheldon Rogers but there is a burning question that hasn’t been asked.   Join us for Part 2 when Andy  talks about female vets and their investment in The Hub .   

Contact -  Scott May / Sheldon Rogers
Facebook - Young Veterans Toowoomba | TRSL Sub-Branch
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