Brian champions veterans’ mental health

Helping his fellow veterans to recover from trauma has been a lifelong mission for Brian whose continued service over the years has truly made a difference.  

Whether you are at the beginning of your mental health recovery journey or feeling well enough to help others, Brian is a great example of the rewards that community service can bring. 

For the past 3 decades, Vietnam Veteran Brian Vickery has stayed on active duty as a strong advocate for his fellow veterans living with PTSD.   

The retired Army Lieutenant Colonel was recently awarded life membership of the RSL for his dedication and commitment to the Kingscliff sub-branch.   

After his 22-year military career ended, Brian helped set up the NSW branch of the 9th Battalion RAR Association to support members of his former regiment.  

“After the Welcome Home Parade in 1987, we could see that there were veterans who weren’t as well as we were.  

“The Association was a way for people who hadn’t seen each other in years to reconnect and to help them lose some of the bitterness they felt.  

“We had lost almost a whole generation of Australians who weren't settled when they came back from Vietnam.”   

As Association President, Brian encouraged veterans to be proud of their service and to attend Anzac Day events.   

“It was connection and communication for them, they were having conversations about shared experiences.”  

Now in his late 70s, Brian still continues to reach out to veterans to chat about their lives and help them to recover from trauma.   

“I call them the hidden victims of war. I’ve met people over the years who are now very good friends.   

“I’ve tried to make a difference to their lives.”   

Open Arms provides military-aware and trauma informed care to the veteran community, current serving ADF personnel and their immediate families.   

Call us 24/7 on 1800 011 046 to find out how we can support you.