Dubbo RSL sub-branch ready to offer support to Afghanistan veterans despite lockdown

Warrant Officer Shaun Graham - who completed two tours of Afghanistan, first in 2009 seconded to the British Army for 18 months in war fighting, and secondly in 2011 as a regimental Sergeant Major of the artillery training team for Afghanistan based in Kabul - said camaraderie was key.

The Dubbo veteran has spoken out about the feelings brought on by the new developments, and what help is available to returned servicemen and women through these tough times.

READ ALSO:

"The whole situation from my point of view is disappointing," he said.

Mr Graham said while working closely with the Afghanistan National Army, the main focus wasn't just on combat, but also on education. He said key to their military operation was building better infrastructure, improving access to education, and healthcare.

However Mr Graham said it was disappointing to see the hard-earned achievements in Afghanistan now being taken back by the Taliban.

"Unfortunately that will go by the wayside now," he said.

"It's just very sad because there's a lot of lovely people over there who didn't want war, and it was forced upon them," he said.

"As for our guys back here [in Dubbo], I think we all share that sentiment.

"Most guys I've spoken to, are disappointed we didn't have a greater impact, and we didn't end up having success and giving them a bit of peace."

The RSL sub-branch is often a place that veterans turn to, and this remains the case despite the COVID lockdown.

Mr Graham said Dubbo had a strong network, and the sub-branch were making more phone calls and sending a few more texts to members to check-in on them.

"I've probably had 50 phone calls to mates around Australia just as a check in, and just to gauge how people are travelling," he said.

The Dubbo veteran said it was shared experiences that helped veterans cope with their experiences, and getting in contact with the local sub-branch was just one of many support networks available.

"It doesn't have to be the same experience, but right from the get go when you join the defence force, you begin to share similar experiences, you speak the same language. It's a very strong bond that you then form," Mr Graham said.

"The purpose of the RSL is to draw those people together that speak the same language, that share those similar experiences, whether it be in training or in operations and help each other out, and know you've got a shoulder to lean on.

"The banter and chit chat, everyone knows that same language and it relaxes people."

He added there were also a number of services available to Australian Defence Force personnel, including Open Arms which was funded by the federal government and supports veterans and their families.

"People obviously fall through the cracks at times, which is really sad," he said.

"But the help is definitely there."