Trojan's Trek

Supported by :

INVITATION. Veterans and friends, here is an opportunity to directly support an initiative which assists younger veterans while enjoying a stroll around the beautiful River Torrens.

WHY. Not only will the event provide funds to ensure the continuation of this worthwhile project, it encourages regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

WHAT. A choice of 5km or 3km routes, either of which may be completed by walking, running or rolling. Families, prams, and pets on leash are welcomed.

WHERE. River Torrens, directly north of the Torrens Parade Ground.

NOTE : Parking WILL be available on the Torrens Parade Ground.

WHEN. Sunday 20 October, starting at 0930 hrs. Cornsey will MC the event.

AFTER. BBQ, coffee and amazing prize draws. Also visit the DVA expo on the parade ground.

Registration: there are THREE ways to registers.

1) Snail mail. Download this form as a pdf fill it out and mail it.

2) Email. Download a word file, fill it out online online and email it

3) Register online. Use our online form to register and pay online using either credit card or PayPal

This trek was the fourth in the current series to support contemporary veterans. By that I mean post Vietnam. A number of individuals have asked me why the focus has changed to target veterans post Vietnam. The answer is simple. The first concerns the impact of age as it relates to the ability of the participants to change their behaviour and life style. Many of the veterans we help, live a life style which does not generally conform to community norms. Many appear to live for today only; and many exhibit choices which are not conducive to a healthy life-style. To convince these veterans that there are other more productive life styles is one of our objectives. It is not easy and it is even harder with older veterans.

Briefing before going bush

Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks? The answer is probably not often, so we try to avoid non productive, rusted on clients. However, in the past few years we have taken a number of Vietnam vets away with their younger successors. The experience has been both educational and enlightening. In some cases, the older veteran did not contribute but in some they have acted as a catalyst to facilitate a depth of group discussion much earlier than normally expected. In the case of the 2012 trek this was a standout. It was because the older veteran had come to grips with his condition and life’s foibles and was prepared to speak frankly about the challenges which face individuals in the same position as he was some 45 years ago.

What is the impact of such honesty and the stripping back of the confidentiality which normally accompanies this condition or circumstance? In a word; startling. The response from the other trekkers was un-mistakably supportive. Often it is helpful to compare what doing it tough is about. Whether is it listening to the station owners relate their personal experiences about the difficulties of living in the bush or to one of the group relate their own story. The other benefit of the sharing experience is simply a halving of the problem. As a consequence it is common for relationships which commence in the bush to blossom in the city. And that results in veteran to veteran support during tough times. That is a winner. Trojan’s Trek is not a cure all; we have never advanced that theory. However, as Dogs rightly preaches, “we are farmers, we simply sow the seeds to a better life.” Furthermore we are patently aware that most will face further ups and downs as time passes. The difference is that the veteran is no longer alone and he has the toolbox from which he can extract a solution.

Moose Dunlop OAM

The logo which we have adopted at Trojan’s Trek depicts the Flinders Ranges. The Flinders is where the program is conducted. It is the place of choice to which we withdraw to gain the tranquillity so necessary for our program. The sharp brown lines are a reminder of the many billions of years of ageing which have resulted in the ancient forms peculiar to that part of the world. The background to its design is worthy of note.

When Operation Flinders, a youth at risk program, was started in 1992, the partner of one of the wonderfully dedicated supporters, offered to come up a design for a logo. John, a very talented and artistic fellow produced the logo above. The staff all agreed that it was beautifully appropriate. We appreciated its horizontal perspective which conveyed distance, the big red gums, the creek lines and the sharp brown edges, the old hills. For many years it featured on the T shirts we presented to the participants and was also used as a masthead and as a letterhead.

In about 1996, the program was recognised for the great work it was achieving with youth and it was decided to incorporate. A board was elected and a CEO appointed. However, with the introduction of new management and different ideas there were moves to change some aspects of the project. The logo was one of the first to be changed. The field staff were not consulted nor impressed, but like many decisions made in these circumstances, it was a done deal. The new logo is fine and comparisons are pointless. However, John’s original logo was benched.

In 2009, when Trojans Trek was resurrected to cater for our contemporary veterans, that is those who served in combat roles post Vietnam; it seemed totally appropriate that the Operation Flinders old logo was given a new life. John was consulted and willingly agreed to our adoption of it. So the logo has been given new life and role. The logo has returned to the Flinders and is now part of a new venture which is managed by many of the individuals who commenced Operation Flinders so many years ago.

Day 1. I have discovered that there is more to my therapy than clinical avenues.  I need to grab my life and steer it myself and get rid of the poison in my life.  C

Day 1.  After talking to Dogs in the car I realise that I have to work out the triggers in my life and start changing the thought process, asking myself, “does this really matter?” H

Day 2.  Then longer the week goes the more I can see that there is a light at the end of what I thought was a dark tunnel. G

Day 3.  ”Coasting, the information I have gained is irreplaceable.”  D

Day 3.  ”..I am now thinking f… I don’t want this to end.  I have to love and leave these blokes in three days.  My feelings I can’t explain but it’s for the better not the end.’  S

Day 3. ” I found myself in my swag unable to sleep,…..I suddenly realised the full effect of my anger and how it has been directed at them in the past.   Mentally very exhausted today but I feel good.  Decided to describe last night as a productive night of thinking rather than a  …. of a night” .  A

Day 4.  This Trojans Trek is a must do for veterans past and present. S

Day 4.  Over the course of the week I have had a huge amount of ideas of how in the future I can communicate effectively with others.  D

Day 4.  I have got to stop drinking for no reason and going to dark places.  I’m almost there but with more work and commitment I can stay in this good place.  D

Day 5.  Realising it is just now a never ending journey of self prompts and putting my hand up for help … S

Day 5.  Great kinetic energy in the group, I feel myself to be coming out of my shell more and more every day.  L