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Real stories

Join us as we share the inspiring real-life stories of Soldier On participants and supporters.  

Exploring journeys of physical and mental recovery, reconnection with community, and career transformations, we showcase the triumphs of the veteran community.  

Keep up to date with upcoming events and program offerings with Soldier On by subscribing to our newsletter. 

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Keep up to date with news, upcoming events and program offerings with Soldier On by subscribing to our newsletter.

  • March On 2026

A mother’s story behind March On

After losing her son Lochlain, Anne Ryan will March On next month – determined his story will help others....
  • Veteran support

Legacy lives on

Recent commemorations remind us that service doesn't simply end – it becomes part of a family’s history and of our national story....
  • March On 2026

Hugh Riminton on service, consequence and why he marches

Journalist Hugh Riminton understands what can follow service. It's why he's taking part in March On to support veteran mental health....
  • Saluting Their Service, Soldier On podcast

Navy decks to new direction: Matthew Smith’s story

Veteran Matthew Smith joined the Navy before 9/11. Then the world changed......
  • March On, Veteran mental health

Mark’s family March On for veteran mental health

Veteran Mark Woodland says March On is about support, camaraderie...and coming together with family....
  • Music and mateship

Striking the right chord for veterans

This Veterans Guitar Group, run by a Canberra-based Navy veteran, has hit the right note with locals....
  • March On 2026

More than kilometres: Kym and Scott’s reasons to March On

Australians from all walks of life take part in Soldier On’s annual March On challenge – each motivated by different reasons....
  • Soldier On podcast

Through weather, warzones and what comes next – A conversation with Nathan Schubert

Veteran RAAF pilot Nathan Schubert says his ability to deal with challenging situations traces back through years....
  • Mentoring

Mentoring wisdom shaped by lived experience

Veteran Paul Pearson is a proud Yorta Yorta man who brings his lived experience to the Soldier On Mentoring Program....
  • March On 2026

Lance is Marching On for mental health

This March, Corporal Lance Purdon is signing up for Soldier On’s March On Challenge for a very personal reason....
  • Career and Education, Employment, Partners, soldier on

After the Navy: Cas Van Rythoven on adjusting to civilian work

Leaving Defence is not always seamless, but this Navy veteran found alignment with Serco....
  • Volunteer, volunteer program

Volunteer spotlight: George Sutton on community, connection and continuing to serve

Veteran George Sutton supports the veteran community as a long-standing volunteer....