By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
SELF-DESCRIBED “young veteran” Lance-Corporal Scott May’s thoughts went beyond Gallipoli on Anzac Day.
The Pakenham physiotherapist spent much of the day pondering his comrades while he was deployed as an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) crewman gunner in Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan in 2008.
He said a US nurse killed during a mortar attack 100 metres from his ASLAV in Baghdad in 2007 left an “everlasting impression” though they “met for only the briefest of moments”.
“On Anzac Day, you do find yourself casting your mind back to things that happened.
“There were a couple of incidents in Iraq where people were injured, particularly the American nurse.”
He’s also got a wider mission to help and recognise Australia’s returned soldiers – many of whom are under 40.
He said many suffer from loneliness caused by the post-trauma stress of war.
Scott, his brother Chris and colleague Sven Thomson are seeking a major sponsor for their Young Veterans group – which is convening an Anzac centennial convoy of three ex-military Land Rovers across Australia this year.
The trucks were bought for $30,000 by Dandenong Cranbourne RSL. Its president John Wells said it was the young veterans’ right to seek help from the RSL.
“The important thing about their rally is it includes young veterans, Vietnam vets, civilians, RSL staff – it’s a mixture of all sorts of people sitting around the campfire talking.
“What we’re about is getting the young veterans into the mainstream and the social inclusivity of feeling they have mates.
“If you pull on the boots, you’re part of the one club.”
The rally will run from the Australian mainland’s southernmost point at Wilsons Promontory to the northernmost tip of Queensland, Cooktown.
Their trailers have recently been converted by members of Akoonah Mens Shed in Berwick.
Plenty of veterans are willing to drive the trucks, and further to tack on behind the convoy.
“The potential sponsors are going to have coverage. On the road, we get a lot of attention… a lot are staring at these trucks.
“RSL House wants to reach out to these veterans.
“They are keen for this to happen.”
Scott knows from experience how hard it is to re-adjust to civilian life.
He discharged himself from duty suffering from depression and fatigue.
On his return to Australia, he felt separated by a “gulf” from his wife and workmates.
He tells of friends who became un-contactable, just “dropped off the grid” to find themselves and too many of them have committed suicide on their return, he said.
“We just want to reach out to young guys, for them to seek further assistance.
“We all have struggled.
“We all have issues and know what it’s like.”
As a military history buff, Scott knows “more than most” about the Gallipoli campaign 100 years ago.
He said his view is shaped as a “contemporary veteran” expert in combat in the Middle East.
“I don’t think of myself as an Anzac fighting in the trenches of World War I but as a custodian of the Anzac spirit, tradition and history.”
The day should focus on Australian veteran’s sacrifices through numerous campaigns and battles beyond Gallipoli, he said.
There are oft-forgotten victories such as Australian troops capturing the French village of Villers-Bretonneux in their first successful night attack – which coincided with Anzac Day 1918.
He said the day is rightfully “a period of mourning, a reflection for those who didn’t come home”. It shouldn’t be a “day for going out to party”.
Anyone who can help or sponsor the Young Veterans rally is urged to email YoungVeterans@rslvic.com.au.
