LIFESTYLE ASSIST

During these difficult times, it makes sense to take every opportunity to make life more manageable. Many of the Foundation trekkers will be familiar with a philosophy that is part of a new way to look at life.

It is now expounded in a new publication embracing the idea of self-improvement by empowerment and understanding what happens in the brain to influence our responses.

And that’s not all, the message is this; behaviour and response can be changed for the better to enhance self and relationships if one understands the chemistry.  All that’s missing is the smell of the campfire and black tea.

Copies available on this link.

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TANKS FOR THAT

I have written before about the generosity the Foundation receives from the community.

It was 9 years ago after I had been interviewed by Peter Goers on radio 891 ABC Adelaide that I received a call from Tim Harper. Tim is the owner of Pioneer Tanks SA and during our chat he asked me if we hired vehicles to take the veterans to Moolooloo station for the treks. I replied that I did after which he offered me the use of two of his company 4 WD to save the Foundation hiring charges, a significant cost. Since that day, on every SA trek we have gratefully borrowed vehicles from his company. Total savings in the vicinity of $15K.

And yesterday, Saturday 10 August, I spoke to the Bentley Car Owners club on a couple of subjects requested by Tim. Naturally one of the subjects was Trojans Trek after which the Foundation received a donation through the web site. The group, which have an interest in all things mechanical, arranged for a partly restored Series 2A Landrover, once the source of many cups of tea for the diggers compliments of the Everyman (Salvation Army) in the late 60s. The vehicle was loaned by the Military Vehicle Museum, 10 Sturton Road, Edinburgh. A very basic piece of British engineering on display.

Thanks to a great group of fellows for your interest and conversation.

Moose Dunlop OAM

Operations Director

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TROJANS TREK 2014, A FIRST FOR WOMEN VETERANS

This years trek was unusual in that it was the first time a womens team had been included and the first such project run in Australia, perhaps the world. The decision was one carefully considered by the board and in the end it became obvious having gained the responses from a number of women that it was overdue and necessary.

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Overdue, because it was inequitable that they had been excluded to date; and necessary because it appeared that womens needs are not considered different but lumped in with the male solutions when a separate approach was required.

One of the very useful outcomes from the male treks has been the strength of the relationships formed between trekkers. In some ways this is a side benefit from the trek, and although it was forecast to occur to some degree, the very useful and practical value of these friendships should not be underestimated. Predictably that would, and did happen among the women. However it was surprising to find that prior to the trek, many of the women lived a lonely life with few friends to share personal concerns. This was a contradiction to some conventional views regarding female habits, but on reflection it is reinforcement that women tend to suck it up” and get on with things in spite of.

What additional aspects were necessary to cater for a female team? Should presentations be different, would the approach which had been used for the men work, could they swag it in the bush as the males had done, would the program content require review, what gender should the primary facilitators be, could it be funded and so on? These were some of the topics considered during the planning phase.

Did we get it right? Time will tell but initial assessments indicate it would seem so.

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Next Trek: 21 to 26 September 2014, we need your help.

Welcome! Here at Trojan’s Trek we’ve been conducting Treks for men-only for several years. But what about women who return from combat zones?

Next year we will be doing separate men and women treks and we need your help.

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It is the opinion of trek staff that returned women have, by and large, been ignored by many organisations which provide advice and assistance following deployments. So we’re putting the call out for a women-only trek in 2014.

We need your help

If you can spare some cash, please DONATE directly to the Foundation bank account. The details are:

Trojans Trek Foundation Limited

BSB 015 367  Account number 382 585 648. 

Or send a cheque to The Treasurer, Trojan’s Trek Foundation, C/- 135 Upper Sturt Rd, Upper Sturt SA, 5156

Or via PayPal or credit card. See the DONATE button in our side bar.

All donations are tax deductible via the Trojan’s Trek Foundation.

If you can help us further develop our programme then please read on.

We recognise that women have different needs and combined with the all-inclusive roles which they now fulfil it is obvious that they will suffer similar illnesses to the men. There are however differences both psychological and physiological which will predicate against a one size fits all program for both.

So we need help. Can you assist with the content and development of a female version of Trojan’s Trek ?

It is to this end that we seek input from women with military experience who can contribute to the development of a program for females.

When:
Trek dates are 21 to 26 September, 2014.
Attendance is free ex-Adelaide although assistance is available in some cases.
The trek aim and objectives are contained in the 2013 Report.

If you have suggestions, know someone who should attend  or know someone who would contribute, please contact

Mark Keynes   0487 453 488 or mark@rslsa.org.au

Please note: The trek is more a journey in the head than on the ground.

Please see our FAQ for more information or do not hesitate to call Moose

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Veteran’s Support Walk 2013

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Supported by :

logos

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

 

 

 

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TROJAN’S TREK 2012 : ARE OLD BLOKES OF ANY USE?

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

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The story of the logo

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.

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A letter from a listener

Recently I received this feedback from a listener who heard a replay of my interview on ABCs Conversations with Richard Fidler. I’ve decided to publish it here (with permission) because I was humbled by it and also because I have received several messages like this which I want to share with other service personnel. Thank you to Maryann for taking the time to write. Moose.

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Hi Moose,

My husband and I listened to your conversation with Richard Fidler the other day. Can’t tell you how much we were impressed by you and your story and how simply you told it.

Couldn’t believe the details in the jungle. Hair raising stuff.

We were in the car listening to you. I tell you we were so riveted with what you were saying that we don’t remember much of the drive other than your conversation.

Congratulations to you and your battalion on making it through the 12 months in Vietnam. Our sincere thanks.

Congratulations also to your wife and family for sticking by you through thick and thin.

Keep doing what you are doing, because it is very special – a calling if you like.

Our gratitude and kind regards,

Maryann

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Watch our new video

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