Finally! After a three-year battle, the families of four Australian soldiers who committed suicide will receive ex gratia compensation payments. The amounts have not been disclosed. My feelings are very mixed — because this is very personal.
I’ve told some of this story before, in last year’s post Releasing the Black Hawk crash video was A Good Thing and this year’s Anzac Day Rememberings. I won’t repeat it all now — though I reckon your time spent reading those essays and following the links will be well spent.
All I’ll say today is something I said on Anzac Day:
I pray that the commanders of Australia’s military forces, and their political “masters”, will one day remember that there are more important, more admirable personal qualities than the ability to cover one’s own arse.
That four fine young men who volunteered for the armed forces ended up taking their own lives is a tragedy.
That there are people who have tried shifting the blame and who have delayed these four families receiving the justice and closure they deserve is truly, truly disgusting.
Peace attained. Vale.
Dear Stil,
I have just discovered your article. Not being computer savvy, I don’t ‘google’ much, if at all, but for some reason thought I’d write Nick’s name. I was amazed to read your papers.
Thank you for remembering our precious Nick, he is still part of us and I talk to him often. He thought so highly of you and now I know why – you were/are his friend always
Cheers, Toni