‘There was nothing, I was lost.’ – RAAF veteran’s moment of truth - video Dailymotion

The Senior

After leaving the RAAF, veteran Ian Fletcher’s world fell silent. With no direction after discharge, he lost his purpose, his marriage, and nearly his life – until he realised he had one last chance to ask for help. Check out the full inspirational story this Remembrance Day, 11th November at TheSenior.com.au

Transcript

00:01When I got out, there was no transition, not what they have today.

00:05I physically got out of the service on a Friday,

00:08so I was technically unemployed for two days,

00:10and I started in local government on the Monday, and there was nothing.

00:14There was like, hand your ID card back in, let's front gate, see you later.

00:17I didn't have an opportunity to be deprogrammed.

00:20You know, you join the service, what, 17, 18 years old,

00:24you're stripped down of individuality,

00:27you're built back up to work as a team, do all that,

00:31and then you get out, there was nothing.

00:34I was lost.

00:39I ended up in a massive breakdown.

00:43My marriage broke down.

00:45After all this 45-year partnership, I was devastated, and I was suicidal.

00:50I was at the point where I had planned it.

00:52I knew exactly what to do.

00:54And through the help of my kids, particularly my daughter, I ended up in hospital.

01:01I still remember standing on the ward, looking out the window, thinking,

01:06well, you know, I can just end it, or I can take this opportunity to want help.

01:15You know, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink it.

01:19And everyone knows that saying, but it means so much,

01:22because the horse is not thirsty.

01:24I was the horse.

01:25I was ready…

‘There was nothing, I was lost.’ – RAAF veteran’s moment of truth

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