Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Youngest of seven children, grew up on a farm at Keyneton SA, was always fascinated by all things military. Didn;t do well in the final years of school and went jackerooing for two years. Joined the Army as Private soldier and later applied for Officer Training. Entered Officer Cadet School Portsea in June 1984. Graduated in June 1985 and posted to the 8th/9th Battalion The Royal Austalian Regiment. Subsequent postings included: 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Land Warfare Centre, 51st Battalion, 1st Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Embassy Washington and Headquarters 9th Brigade.

Since 2011 has worked for the State Branch of the Returned & Services League as an Advocate for veterans.

I was deployed to Timor Leste two times. First time as a UN Military Observer (UNMO) and second time with 1RAR as Bn 2IC (AUSBATT VIII).  During both deployments the threat was about zero and the professionalism shown by the Australian troops i saw was excellent.

I was medically discharged due to chronic depression and arthritis (knees & hip).  I was one of the lucky ones in that Comsuper gave me a class A pension.  It means I don't have to work if I don't want to. I was also very lucky that I didn't have any other more serious permanent injuries such as spondylitis of the neck or back. I've seen too many people with those injuries and I'm very grateful I'm not one of them.

Moved to Darwin with RSLSA and worked as a full time Advocate. Had to stop working as an Advocate in 2016, I was being exposed to too much vicarious trauma. I didn't have the ability to keep a professional distance from many of the serving and ex serving people who came to see me.   After some time off and a lot of counselling support I started my own tour business in Darwin. I then joined the Northen Territory Police as an Auxiliary in the communications centre and worked there for three years before moving to WA.

I am invovled with my local RSL Sub Branch and still serving the community.