Timor Awakening Podcast

7PM News report - Michael Stone and Mark Herewini on the news in the midst of their assistance mission to Timor Leste.

Private charted flight funded by a generous member of the Timor Awakening community.

Good luck guys...

Ladies and Gents, welcome to our latest podcast.

This week we hear from Chris Salter, Army veteran and second time Timor Awakening participant.

Starting as a reservist and then going full time in 3/4 Cav, he served three deployments to Timor, followed by a rocky period after med discharge in 2008.

He underwent electroconvulsive therapy which has caused sever memory loss, and has also battled with severe alcohol dependence, causing him to be in and out of hospital.

He reached a crossroads in life when the realisation came that a choice had to be made between alcohol and his family. He is immensely grateful to have a supporting and understanding partner.

Another great guest and another great listen..

Thank you for you share Chris

VCA Team

Former Australian Navy sailor Iain Swinton shares his story of self-reinvention after losing his leg in a catastrophic motor cycle accident.

After teaching himself to walk again, he was able to continue his service in the Navy for many years following, spending much time at sea during regional operations and experiencing further complications from bodily wear and tear.

He talks about how mental health can be explainable, making it easier for the individual to understand what is happening to their body and mind.

VCA Team

Darryl Ryan, a former Artillery Corps NCO and Recruit Instructor talks us through his challenges post Defence, after being medically discharged in 2008.

Darryl believes everybody has to find their own type of meditation, whether that is walking on the beach, surfing or traditional practices.

Having recently been through some of his darkest times, Darryl explains how Timor Awakening has helped him see hope and purpose in his life again for the first time in a long time.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to this week's Podcast.

During TA14, Rowena Langan one of our group facilitators took the opportunity to do a snap interview with another one of our veteran participants Brett Dockett, retired RAAF Squadron Leader.

Brett shares a lot of great wisdom and insight about his personal journey during the throes of the domestic Timor Awakening program.

The highs and lows, and the risks of comparing yourself to others.

This is another great episode for anybody who has attended Timor Awakening or plans on doing so, to get a snapshot of how the program meets you where you are at, no matter where that may be on the road to personal progress.

Ladies and Gents,

Continuing the theme of interviews from the creators of VCA and Timor Awakening, this week we hear form the senior of the two Stones, Padre Gary.

With dozens of overseas deployments, being taken prisoner by Hezbollah in Iran, reaching the rank of LTCOL in Infantry, then training to become a Deakin, Gary has certainly been around.

Gary shares about how his many years in Defence shaped his journey into what has become his life's work - Veteran's Care Association.

He also speaks about the current situations with veterans' health and how the Timor Awakening Programs serve to fill some of the current gaps.

A must listen for anybody considering coming on one of the programs, especially if some doubts or fears may be holding them back.

Cheers for your insights Gary.

Mick Stone and I first deployed to East Timor in December 1999. Young Infantry Lieutenants direct from graduation, full of ideals and training and zero real-world experience. Mick has had a close and very unique connection to East Timor ever since.

Mick is currently establishing a veterans retreat on the south coast of Timor-Leste, a safe place for veterans from all nations to visit, heal and contribute to very poor people who are yet to break free from the chains of poverty due to decades of war of oppression.

2019-07-09

Paul 'Dusty' Miller opens up about some of the darker sides of life post transition.

He is brave enough to share his own stories of near-suicide, escapism from workaholism, after a 24 years in the Army with multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor.

This Army apprentice who joined the Army at 16 in 1991, has certainly been around and been through some major challenges.

He also explains his great concept of creating a shield for ourselves to get through tough times.

His key message - 'Seek help early.'

Thank you Dusty for vulnerability on this podcast..

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Interview conducted by MIchael Albrecht on 13 Sep 20

St Georges Defence Holiday Suites, Runaway Bay, Gold Coast

After joining the Army Reserve as a Nursing Officer in 1981, Wendy had a long and colourful career taking her overseas to Iraq (Desert Storm) and East Timor as well as a number of other engagements in both conflict and peace time contingents. Wendy shares about her personal struggles being made to leave Defence unwillingly, and the highs and lows that followed.

An avid RSL District President, Wendy is in the front line of the veterans welfare space and has lots of insights to share in this podcast.

Wendy was also present on the very first Timor Awakening, so has seen the progression of the program.

Thank you for your wisdom Wendy.

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Interview conducted by Michael Albrecht on 13 Sep 20

St Georges Defence Holiday Suites, Gold Coast.

Vietnam veteran Rob Schreuder opens up about his time in Vietnam, having lunch with the Queen of England, his 40 year career, as well as his new approach to life. He spent 20 years as as OR reaching RSM, then became and officer for another 20 years - the longitude of a very successful military career.

His key message - choosing happiness over being regimental.

He also talks about the services available to veterans and his tips on finding the right help.

Another great chat with one of our participants.

Interview conducted by Michael Albrecht at the conclusion of TA14, 13 Sep 20.

St Georges Holiday Suites, Runaway bay, Gold Coast.