For George Sutton, service has always been about people.
George joined the Royal Australian Air Force straight from school in 1988, influenced by two former RAAF neighbours in his hometown of Newman in Western Australia. Over more than three decades, he worked across a wide range of roles, including aircraft maintenance, training, personnel management and welfare. Some of those years, he says, were enjoyable. Others were deeply challenging. All of them shaped his understanding of what it means to look after others.
That commitment didn’t end when George left Defence. Today, he continues to support the veteran community as a long-standing and deeply involved volunteer with Soldier On.
First connections with Soldier On
George’s relationship with Soldier On began while he was still serving. In welfare and member support roles, he worked closely with people preparing to leave Defence, many of them navigating medical separation and uncertainty about what came next.
‘I got experience with what Soldier On was doing while I was still in the Air Force,’ George says. ‘I was helping people who were medically separating, and Soldier On was part of that support network.’
He saw how employment and transition programs could help people regain their footing.
‘When you’re leaving Defence, you’re often trying to work out who you are without the uniform,’ he says. ‘Having support there at that point really matters.’
Being there for others
In later years, George worked in a member support coordinator role that gave him insight into parts of Defence life that are not always visible. Much of the role involved listening, offering steady support and helping people navigate challenging moments.
‘I was exposed to a side of Defence that I didn’t know existed,’ he says.
George describes the role as one of the most meaningful he ever held, and one that reinforced the importance of empathy and trust.
‘It was one of the best roles I’ve ever done, and I’m very proud of what I achieved,’ he says. ‘It was intense at times, but it showed me how much it matters when people feel heard and supported.’
Choosing to give back
Despite his own challenges, George felt drawn back to supporting others. Many of the people attending Soldier On coffee catch-ups in his local area were veterans he already knew.
‘A lot of the people turning up were people I’d actually helped separate,’ he says. ‘There was already trust there. They knew my story, and I knew theirs.’
George became heavily involved in regular social catch-ups and informal gatherings for veterans and their families. He also supports local online communities for medically retired veterans and contributes to regular wellbeing-focused walks in partnership with other veteran organisations.
For George, these moments are often simple, but they matter.
‘For some people, it’s one of the only things that gets them out of the house,’ he says. ‘It might not sound like much, but it can be everything.’
Why it matters
George believes the everyday side of veteran life is sometimes overlooked, especially after people transition out of Defence.
‘When you leave Defence, you lose a built-in community overnight,’ he says. ‘Suddenly, you don’t have that same structure or those people around you.’
The activities he helps facilitate are designed to be welcoming, low-pressure and consistent. No grand speeches, no expectations. Just a regular place to turn up, have a coffee, and feel comfortable.
‘It’s not about fixing people,’ George says. ‘It’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable enough to show up.’
Sometimes the conversation flows. Sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, George says, it still counts.
Volunteering, reimagined
George’s experience reflects the intent behind Soldier On’s refreshed national volunteer program, redesigned to make volunteering clearer, more flexible and better supported.
The updated program offers:
- clearly defined volunteer roles
- opportunities matched to skills, interests and availability
- social connection, event and project-based roles
- a nationally coordinated framework with induction and ongoing support
For George, that structure helps keep volunteering sustainable.
‘You know what’s expected of you,’ he says. ‘And you know you’re not doing it on your own.’
Continuing to serve, differently
George doesn’t see volunteering as a replacement for Defence service, but as a continuation of the same values in a different setting.
‘You don’t stop caring just because you take the uniform off,’ he says. ‘You just find different ways to look after people.’
As the Christmas break rolls around, many of us take stock of the year that’s been and the year ahead. George’s story is a reminder that strong communities are built in ordinary moments: a cup of coffee, a walk, a familiar face, a steady presence.
‘I get as much out of it as anyone,’ he says. ‘It gives me purpose, and it reminds me why connection matter.’
Get involved in 2026
Soldier On is inviting veterans, family members and community supporters to be part of its refreshed volunteer program and help strengthen communities across Australia.
If you are interested in supporting our veteran community as a volunteer, you can learn more or register your interest by contacting volunteering@soldieron.org.au.
