Former soldier Brian Freeman strode into Parkes last week as part of his Anzac tribute trek across Australia in support of the 41 Aussie soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was all part of the Walking Wounded Great Australian Traverse being undertaken to raise awareness and funds to support wounded Australian soldiers, and the families of those who have lost their lives fighting in Afghanistan.
Brian is the CEO and founder of the national charity.
With him last week were Janny Poate of Canberra and Ray Palmer of Darwin whose sons were killed whilst fighting the war on terror.
Janny’s son Robert lost his life on August 29, 2012, while Ray’s son Scott was killed on June 21, 2010.
Mayor Ken Keith was present to offer the hand of welcome to Brian, Janny and Ray and extend congratulations on behalf of the Parkes community.
The three had walked from Peak Hill after an overnight stopover - hosted by the friendly locals.
Volunteers from the Parkes branch of the Rapid Relief Team (rrt) provided Brian, his crew and all present a barbecued breakfast which was greatly appreciated.
Only a handful of locals were on hand to welcome Brian and donate to the appeal which aims to raise $2million to assist in the psychological rehabilitation and recovery of Australian soldiers who are experiencing hardships after their time in service.
Parkes Shire Council donated $200 towards the cause.
Brian acknowledged the efforts of Parkes Shire Council and the Parkes Rapid Relief Team by presenting certificates to Mayor Ken Keith (left) and Ben Larsen (rrt volunteer).
Throughtout his journey Brian is accompanied by the Roll of Honour containing the names of the 41 soldiers killed during the Afghanistan war.
The Roll of Honour was handed to him by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Brian briefed those present on the Traverse that is part of a major endurance event that had included the summit of Mt Everest but which was interrupted by the devastating earthquake that claimed thousands of lives in Nepal.
The 51-year-old is averaging 55 to 65 kilometres a day during the walk that is scheduled to conclude in Dover, Tasmania, on August 21, after he kayaks across the Bass Strait.
Brian and his support team headed off from Bamaga, Cape York on June 1.
“We believe this to be the first ever north to south traverse of Australia using human power which we are all proud of,” Brian said.
He said that during the walk he had been astounded by the number of veterans who had travelled hundred of kilometres from remote areas to meet with him.
“It’s been a real surprise to us to see just how many young men and women are now working in these small towns,” Brian said.
On a sobering note, he spoke of the devastating toll the Afghanistan War has had on American war veterans.
“Since 1999, more than 128,000 American veterans have suicided which is a massive tragedy in itself.
“Sadly the unofficial figure in Australia is around 300; fortunately we can boast that no-one has suicided on our program.”
Brian stressed that young veterans in communities everywhere don’t need handouts but handups.
“We are discovering that a soldier won’t seek support by phoning Lifeline because they are too proud to do so, but they will contact us.
“There is a life after the army and for those suffering mental and physical wounds we want them to know we are here to help,” Brian said.
Whether this is by walking the Kokoda Track with a double amputee to laying 41 poppies in honour of the fallen at various functions - it’s something he will gladly do.
Brian has walked the Kokoda Track on 51 occasions - one of which he was met at the Kokoda Village by Sir Peter Cosgrove - a great supporter of the Walking Wounded charity.
Anyone who would like to donate to the charity walk can do so online at www.walkingwounded.org.au
