Get moving for Veterans’ Health Week

Written by: Pete Rudland, RSL Ambassador

I remember back to when I first got wounded in Afghanistan, I thought I’d never be able to compete in sports or at least have much of a chance of being competitive in anything. 

I gave everyone the impression that I was confident that everything would work out and I’d be ok, but behind closed doors I was petrified. My pain was far worse than I let on to people. My injuries were consuming every part of my life. Even in a room full of people I felt alone. I felt like I didn’t have anything in common with anyone, I didn’t already know. 

My unit sent me to the US as part of the US preselection for Warrior Games, where I met many people that had felt just like me. 

Shortly after that I attended the Invictus Games and met more people that felt just like me from all around the world. 

Just being able to sit down and talk to people from similar backgrounds that have had similar experiences made me see things differently. 

One thing soon became clear. The people that had a greater understanding of their physical and psychosocial needs were the people who were in control of their rehabilitation, instead of the rehabilitation controlling them. 

From inspiration came motivation.

Once you find the motivation and put your mind to start training for something and give yourself a realistic goal, this plays a big part in supporting your physical and mental health. Most of us that have put on a uniform are competitive by nature and it doesn’t take much for that competitive spirit to come back. 

This Veterans' Health Week I encourage everyone to make a goal to "Get Moving" - it can be big or small, there are so many community and veteran based programs that are there for us to re-engage in a healthy, productive lifestyle. 

I am currently training for a triathlon and I’ve signed up for my first Ironman 😳 This is a goal I’ve always wanted to achieve.

RSL Australia has partnered with Veteran Sport Australia and Open Arms to encourage members to join the “Team Veteran” nation-wide running club, running, walking or rolling, each week at a local Parkrun. It’s a great way for veterans and their families to connect with the wider veteran community and do something active each week.

A great national program that is easy to access is the RSL Active program. RSL Australia is continuing to improve this service and roll out a diverse program for all veterans.

So take control, get active, and I’ll see you out there, this Veterans’ Health Week!

Pete.