Addressing PTSD as a veteran and finding your gratitude with Terry James

Connecting Seniors (Kintsugi Heroes)

Terry is an early baby boomer. His life plan to become an archaeologist changed when he was conscripted into the Australian Army in 1966. He shares some of his traumatic experiences as an elite soldier. After two years he left the army and became an accountant and put the military out of his mind. Over time, the memories flooded back, and he had to give up his job at the time. He eventually received help through the Department of Veterans Affairs and saw a psychiatrist for five or six years. He realises that you cannot go through a war and not be affected for the rest of your life. He will never lose his connections with his Army friends.

He became involved with the RSL for some time and with other community activities and has a very happy life with his three families, his own family, the Army and friends from school.

Biography

75 years of age, Passed the NSW Leaving Certificate in1964.

Conscripted into the Australian Army in October 1967, Served a Tour of Duty in Vietnam in 1969 with the 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.

Worked for 35 years as an Accountant in major commercial organisations, Hon. Secretary of Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch 2009-2014: President of Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch 2014-2020, Committee Member of 5RAR Association 2016-Present.

Treasurer of Parklea Sports & Recreation Club 2004-Present.

Have 2 children & 5 grandchildren.

Contact

[e-mail]

5RAR ASSOCIATION

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.