One of our peers, Brendan, reflects on emotions and taking stock of where you’re at and where you’ve come from.  "If you don't feel stuff, you can't heal stuff. I'm not sure who exactly said that - but it's bang on!"

Corporals Daniel Keighran VC & Mark Donaldson VC offer their perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan.

Image: Daniel Keighran VC & Mark Donaldson VC (right), at Daniel Keighran's Victoria Cross for Australia Investiture Ceremony at Government House, Canberra 1 November, 2012 (detail) Photo: Lauren Black © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence.

I think there has to be a comfort in “my truth”. An understanding that “my truth” doesn’t equate to anyone else’s or objective fact, but a comfort in knowing our intention, what we achieved personally and where we made meaningful contributions. 

"Deep down I know that the Afghanistan War  meant women and children in Afghanistan were able to do things they had never been able to do.  For 20 years, lives were changed.  I know that.  But right now, for many, it’s hard to acknowledge this."

“I will always remember the sacrifices your families, your loved ones, your children made, anticipating your return, and the legacy for those who never came home.”