Queensland RSLs host pizza nights to support veterans triggered by Afghanistan situation

A Sunshine Coast RSL branch has started a national movement as clubs field calls from veterans triggered by the devastating situation unfolding in Afghanistan.

A small gathering to bring together Sunshine Coast veterans triggered by the ongoing Afghanistan crisis has turned into a national movement.

Kawana RSL Sub Branch president Gary Penney said they were inundated with calls within the past week from veterans who felt triggered by the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.

Mr Penney said veterans felt shocked and dismayed by what they saw on the news as Afghans rushed to flee the country.

“There’s a feeling of shock, dismay and despair and that their work was for nothing,” Mr Penney, who served as wing commander between 1998-2000 in East Timor and Kuwait, said.

“They see we’ve lost 41 people, but it’s thousands when you take into account divorces, separations, injuries and mental health, not to mention the 400 plus suicides that we know of.

“What we’re saying to them is ‘what you did was worthwhile’.

“The initial thrust of the mission was to stop Al Qaeda and we’ve done that and gave Afghanistan 20 years of peace where women could go to school and be employed.”

Mr Penney said with Young Veterans Sunshine Coast president Peter Kennedy they decided to host a pizza night at Kawana Surf Club to bring those affected together.

Now other groups throughout Queensland and Australia are doing the same.

“Veterans know veterans best so we thought the best thing we can do is to get veterans and their families together to show support in a relaxed environment,” Mr Penney said.

Young Veterans Sunshine Coast events and marketing manager Stephanie Shipman – who served in the Australian navy for nine years – said the support from RSL branches was crucial right now.

“What’s really difficult with life after defence is you go through this conditioning and have support and this community,” she said.

“A lot of people feel isolated when they leave.”

For more information visit the Kawana Waters RSL Sub Branch Facebook or call 5444 4889.