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Finding a purpose after Defence
Updated 11 Feb 2024 (first published Feb 2024)
Meet Adam Mitchell, who is our dedicated hero for VIP Heroes Draw 13. Adam served as a dog handler with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
After 12 years serving, Adam transitioned to civilian life, rediscovering his purpose with the support of RSL Queensland, and his retired military dog, Fod.
To those who support the RSL Art Union and purchase tickets I’d like to say, thank you. It is your support that allows the RSL to take care of veterans like me.
From working as a butcher to a parade in Paris
Adam joined the RAAF in his late 20s after working as a butcher, in part because it was the only service that would allow him to specialise from enlistment.
“I’d worked in a trade as a butcher since I was 16 and found myself with no real goals as time went on,” he said.
“My family has a long involvement with RAAF. My father was a dental technician, my uncle was a mechanic, and my grandfather was a firefighter.
So, I decided to follow the family tradition of service by also joining the RAAF.”
Adam was deployed to Malaysia and the Middle East during his time in the Air Force including being in Paris for the French National Day Parade in 2016.
“Being chosen to represent the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Paris during the French National Day Parade is one of my career highlights,” he said.
“It meant a lot to me as I was chosen based on the connection my family had to serving in France during WW1 and I was there representing the ADF, my RAAF unit, and my family.”
Finding purpose through higher education
Adam, who lives on the Sunshine Coast, said one of the hardest things about retiring from the Air Force was rediscovering his purpose.
In the Defence force, you have a very clear sense of purpose and when you are transitioning into civilian life that can go away very quickly, he said.
“You often lose contact with your friends, or you just don’t have the same peer support network.”
Adam’s re-entry to the civilian world was made easier with the support of an Ex-Serving Scholarship from RSL Queensland to set him up for starting university studies.
He’s studying a Bachelor of Psychology Honours at USC on the Sunshine Coast – a career he chose because it would enable him to help people and wasn’t physically demanding.
“One of the things that resonates with me about psychology is that real one-on-one connection with people. So that’s one of the biggest reasons I want to transition down that pathway,” Adam said.
The passing of Fod the dog
In addition to study, Adam’s working dog, Fod, helped him through the early days after his retirement. They started working together in 2008 when she was 14 years old and sadly, she passed away at the end of 2020.
“When she passed away, I wanted to find a way to make sure she was remembered,” Adam said.
“I contacted the Glasshouse Mountains RSL Sub Branch and asked if they would be willing to accept a memorial for her.
“They accepted and it meant the world to me that she would have a permanent place of remembrance.”
Adam has also drawn upon the support of his RSL community to offer a helping hand and support when he’s needed it.
For me, what I get out of my RSL membership is knowing that I’ve always got someone there. As you walk through the door and you immediately feel like people care, he said.
“After leaving the Air Force I saw a DVA advocate through the RSL and she basically steered me through the process and applications.
“The financial support is incredible but more than that it is knowing there is someone on the other end of the line to listen and help, and to link in with other services that could help.”
Adam has received support from RSL Queensland, which is funded by the RSL Art Union – and your VIP Club membership, to transition to civilian life and find a meaningful career.
How your support changes lives
Our regular supporters are so important for RSL Queensland to provide much-needed help to veterans and families. The money raised helps deliver a range of impactful services and programs to help in real and meaningful ways. In 2023, 20% more veterans and families were supported by RSL Queensland’s services than the previous year, including:
8,411
veterans and families supported by RSL Queensland’s services.
6,712
claims and appeals submitted to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
285
jobs found for veterans and their partners.
202
veterans and families housed in safe, permanent accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
Funds raised through RSL Art Union allows RSL Queensland to provide practical support, assistance, advice and camaraderie to current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families across Queensland and nationally.
RSL Queensland’s mission is to provide care, commemoration and camaraderie to enable veterans and families to live with dignity and respect.
For example, in 2023, RSL Queensland supported 8,411 veterans and their families with their services, found jobs for 285 veterans and their partners, and helped 202 individuals into safe, permanent housing.
You can read about our services and stories at rslartunion.com.au/about/impact.
Life always has its ups and downs. But as a veteran, or the partner of a veteran, you don’t have to face them on your own.
Whether you're looking for employment, scholarships, wellness programs, or assistance with DVA claims, RSL Queensland has free programs, and people at the ready, to help you achieve your life goals.
To learn more and get assistance, visit www.rslqld.org or call 134 RSL.
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