‘They basically said, ‘look mate, your job’s over, see you later,’ recalls veteran Jason Isaac. ‘It destroyed my sense of meaning.’
After years of service as a paratrooper and combat engineer, Jason’s military career ended abruptly when injuries to his legs and shoulders led to a medical discharge. With his uniform folded away, he was left without direction.
‘I couldn’t work. I didn’t really have a sense of purpose,’ he says.
That moment of loss is familiar to many in the veteran community. For Jason, it marked the beginning of a new mission, one that would eventually connect him to Soldier On. It was there that Jason found a network of support, a new career as a Senior Program and Engagement Officer and a connection to a life-changing event: the Veteran Games.
From isolation to connection
Jason first found community online.
‘I found a group which was a veteran support group, and I joined it. It was a Facebook group run by Heston Russell, a former commando. They wanted to support veterans, to give them information and support for different things.’
But Jason didn’t just join, he leaned in.
‘I was always checking in on people and trying to help them out. Heston saw that and asked me to come on board as one of his admin/moderators. It gave me a lot of connection, a lot of networking. I also came to Soldier On through having surgery and the connection was through my rehabilitation provider Helping Heroes who connected me to Soldier On.’
Through Soldier On, Jason discovered opportunities not only to rebuild his own sense of purpose but to support others on similar journeys. Then he learned about the Veteran Games through another organisation, Veteran Support Force.
The Veteran Games’ difference
‘It came from one of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. They wanted to connect veterans with other activities that gave them purpose and meaning, and the Veteran Games was formed from that.’
Unlike traditional sporting events, the Games are built around military-style obstacles designed to showcase skills from service that test, teamwork, techniques and time through each course.
‘When you leave Defence, you lose your community, your brotherhood. The Veteran Games gives you that back, it’s a new family, a new team. And it also gives the wider public an opportunity to see what we do, how we work together, the teamwork and camaraderie.’
The competition element matters, but it isn’t the main story. ‘There’s a lot of camaraderie, a lot of socialisation. Some people definitely go into it for the competition, but the majority of people are there for the family aspect, for that unspoken bond.’
Changing lives, one team at a time
Jason has witnessed how powerful that bond can be. He recalls one teammate. ‘We had a lady in our team who lived in a regional community. She was a veteran, but she wasn’t recognised in her own town. She wore her medals on Anzac Day, and people told her she had them on the wrong side. She was isolated, and the risk of suicidal ideation was a constant threat. We brought her into the fold, and now she’s flourishing. That’s what the Games do.’
Moments like these illustrate why the Games matter. Beyond the walls, ropes and cargo nets, the event has become a lifeline, creating connection where isolation once stood.
Potential and possibilities
For Jason, the Games are also deeply personal. They’ve helped him challenge the limits placed on him after his discharge.
‘They told me in Defence that I couldn’t do certain things anymore. But at the Games I’m climbing twelve-foot walls, I’m running obstacle courses again. As long as I sign a waiver and do it at my own risk, I can prove to myself what I can still do.’
That sense of possibility has reshaped how he sees himself and his community.
‘It’s given me a whole new sense of purpose. It’s given me a new brotherhood. Some of these people are closer to me than the guys I served with, because of what we’ve been through together since.’
Training for more than fitness
Preparation for the Games starts months before competition day. Jason’s team, Average Joes, has competed before, and their approach is tried and tested.
‘Once the dates are announced, we start doing monthly catch-ups. It could be a five-kilometre park run, a ‘Ninja Park’ course, circuit training with ropes and weights, or a mountain hike,’ Jason says.
But the sessions aren’t just about physical strength.
‘We train our bodies, but we’re also building trust. I know the strengths and weaknesses of the guy next to me, and he knows mine. That teamwork is our strong suit.’
Jason also trains individually.
‘I’m in the gym every day. I do my cardio on weekends, running and cycling. But the team sessions are about more than fitness, they’re about trust and connection.’
Beyond the obstacles
The Games also host a veteran village, where support services, families and communities come together.
‘There are support organisations, health services, and activities for families. Even if you’re not ready to compete, you can come, connect, and find resources you might not have known existed.’
The impact is felt by spectators too.
‘People are blown away by the teamwork. Sometimes veterans who didn’t even know each other yesterday come together as a team and finish. That’s powerful.’
Getting ready for this October
For Jason, each year brings new challenges and new opportunities. Having already taken part in past Games with Average Joes, he’s determined to take in the experience more fully this time.
‘Last year I felt like I was working the whole time, organising everything. This year, with a smaller team, I can relax and enjoy it.’
One thing won’t change: the spirit that keeps bringing him back.
‘It’s not just about competition. It’s about connection, camaraderie, and proving to yourself you still have something to give.’
The Veteran Games 2025 will be held on the Gold Coast, 11-12 October.
Soldier On provides evidence-based, trauma-informed psychology services to Defence personnel and veterans.
Need help now? Soldier On is not an immediate crisis support charity, but if you do need help right away, there are organisations you can reach out to who are ready to help you:
- Emergency 000
- Open Arms 1800 011 046
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- Lifeline 13 11 14
