Welcome to another VCA Podcast, recorded at the conclusion of TA14 on the Gold Coast.

Today we hear from Anthony Irwin, former RSM and veteran of numerous operations, including Timor Leste, Cyprus, Iraq (Desert Storm), Belize Gibraltar, and even the Antartica in 1988, over a 34 year career.

Tony has certainly been around, and shares a lot of great wisdom and stories, including being woken up by a Scud Missile impact in Iraq, witnessing colossal amounts of troops on the ground during the campaign, and experiencing the deafening silence of walking on the ice sheets of Antartica.

He also talks about his own internal challenges getting out of Defence, as well as leaning about forgiveness from the Timorese.

Interview conducted by Michael Albrecht, VCA Life Coach and group facilitator on 13 Sep 20.

St Georges Holiday Suites, Runaway Bay, Gold Coast

At the conclusion of TA14 on the Gold Coast, we we were lucky enough to interview Doug Parry, former Army Logistics Officer, who was a participant on the program.

In this raw, vulnerable and real chat Doug talks us through his transition out of Defence 20 years ago, what life has been like since, battling the black dog, alcoholism and rehab, as well as some great tips he shares on personal development and what he is focusing on now moving forwards as he enjoys retirement..

His key message - 'Prove nothing to no one, you're good enough.'

Wise words.

Enjoy listeners.

Interview conducted by Michael Albrecht - VCA Life Coach and group facilitator.

St Georges Defence Holiday Suites, Gold Coast

After a 30 year career in the Australian Army, paratrooper instructor (skygod;) Scott McAndrew navigated the difficult period of transition and was able to successfully reinvent himself post-service. From throwing Special Forces soldiers out of planes, to teaching civilians how to throw axes, he learned a lot about himself and what it takes to find new purpose in life.

Warm, engaging and insightful, Scott is raw and vulnerable as he shares the highs and lows of his career and post-Service life. A must-listen to anybody planning to leave the forces or currently going through transition (which often takes years for many).

Interview with Michael Albrecht at the conclusion of TA13, on the Gold Coast on 20 Jul 20.

Thank you Scott

Veteran spouse and Timor Awakening participant Lavina Salter is interviewed by Candice Carroll, Navy Veteran, about life as a partner in Defence, the challenges and what resources are available.

Four female veterans from all three services having a round table discussion about their experiences being a woman in the Defence Force, transitioning out, and post-service life. Great advice for other women, both former and current serving as well as some great stories shared for all.

Panel Discussion was conducted at the conclusion of the Timor Awakening 13 program, based on the Gold Coast (due to COVID-19), on 20 Jul 20.