What Others Say
I became associated with WVNA soon after my medical discharge from the Royal Australian Air Force in September 2015. My inability to continue to meet the medical fitness requirements of service within the ADF, was result due to injuries sustained on operational service in East Timor in 2004. I had successfully fought to continue to serve for 11 years after initial injury, and as such I found that my discharge and transition from service was particularly difficult. Not only did I feel ashamed that I had failed to continue to provide service to my country, but I entered a period of grief for the professional, social and personal identity associated with my service.
I was proactive in reaching out to veteran organisations to assist me to navigate my transition from the ADF and whilst all were helpful, many were focused upon junior, mostly male personnel of the Army and as such I did not feel connected to any, nor entirely welcome, until I attended a WVNA “catch-up”.
WVNA does not demonstrate bias based upon service branch, rank reached in service, nor period or location of operational service, offering all women who have served in the ADF an avenue of social connection and education. Through WVNA I rediscovered my sense of value and purpose, not as a member of the ADF, but as a veteran and as a Returned Service Nurse. WVNA offered me a social connection to people with whom I could openly share my experiences of service and of transition and with whom I could begin to move forward in my life beyond service.
Wing Commander
Sharon Bown (Retd)
Australian Air Force
I served in Vietnam as a Nursing Officer at 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau 1968-69. Many would be aware of the political climate at the time. We were ostracised, not allowed to wear our uniform in public, banned from RSL and other military organisations.
This was a very upsetting time for me as I was proud that I had served my country. Support of any kind for women was not available at that time. So, it was not until my late 50s early 60s that I was diagnosed with PTSD. Previously I had been diagnosed with chronic diseases, unknown to me at the time are associated with PTSD.
I received medical support, however, there was something more that I needed. That was, a listening ear of people who had experienced what I had. Feelings of loss, withdrawal, not coping with everyday life situations.
I often wondered how other women who served had managed their lives since Vietnam. I wondered where they were and who was looking after them. I always thought of them and prayed for them.
I found some of these wonderful women and have been a member now for a year of WVN Townsville branch. These women have changed aspects of my life that I thought would never be the same. I have shared my story with them for the first time, and I felt safe. I no longer feel alone in my experiences of Vietnam. I feel valued. I still have PTSD and that will always be. WVN Townsville branch have lifted my spirits and I feel part of their family.
I look forward to each monthly catch up. I come away refreshed in mind and spirit. Knowing WVNA will continue to support me and so many other women who have served.
Pam Barlow
Vietnam Veteran
Finding My Tribe – Rochelle’s Story Just a short note on the joy of finally finding your tribe.
My Defence journey was a rocky one. I was one of only a handful of female engineers in the 1990s, a time when it wasn’t a very welcoming space for women. I often felt like I had to apologise for simply being a woman. The Defence environment felt disjointed and exhausting, a constant effort to navigate a space built for and dominated by men. Layer in a few traumatic experiences, including assaults, and it became an unsafe space.
So I stayed away from the veteran community entirely. Yes, I’d served—and served overseas. I had medals, but they sat forgotten in the back of a cupboard. I once tried getting my brave on and marched in a local ANZAC Day parade. It was horrible and lonely.
Back into the cupboard the medals went. Over the years, I dipped a toe into veteran organisations here and there, but never felt like I quite fit, until I attended a women veterans’ event and connected with the Melbourne branch of the Women Veteran Network Australia - WVNA.
They were so welcoming and encouraging. “Be proud of your service. Come march with us,” they said.
I decided to give it one more go and I’m so glad I did.
For the first time, I felt like I’d found my tribe: a safe, supportive, and powerful group of women who understood. Marching with other women veterans to the Shrine of Remembrance was incredibly emotional.
I wore my medals. I stood tall. And I felt like I belonged.
Since then, I’ve stayed connected with WVNA.
I even attended a Veteran Expo at Keilor East RSL just to catch up with the ladies.
While I was there, I spoke to DVA and finally made a start on that long-overdue process, something I never would have done without the encouragement of the WVNA.
Much gratitude to all the fabulous ladies of WVNA. You’ve created a vital organisation that holds space and gives voice to women who have served.
Rochelle M
Army Veteran