Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

WO2 Terry St John rests with his father Tony at RAAF Edinburgh Hospital after treatment at Royal Adelaide hospital for spinal injuries. Photo by Sgt Brent Tero, 82 Wg

Fantastic support

By WO2 Terry St John
IN THE early hours of the morning of March 4, I was involved in an accident where I was knocked from my pushbike and I suffered back and spinal injuries.

I was transported to the Royal Darwin Hospital where the medical authorities determined that I should be flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) for treatment at the Spinal Unit.

My parent unit, 1CSSB, initiated timely welfare support for both myself and more importantly, my wife and five children back in Darwin.

The CO 1CSSB and his key personnel, especially OC Health Coy Maj George Georgiadis and his 2IC, Capt Vince Hale, played a pivotal role in ensuring appropriate welfare support mechanisms were implemented. This support was enhanced by significant welfare contributions from all ranks of 1CSSB and other external units. A special thank you is given to Sgt Robert Goodman, 1CER, and his wife Donna in the support they provided to my wife Kylie and our children.

I would like to thank DHA Darwin for the support they provided to my family that was well above any specific level of my entitlement.

On arrival at RAH, DCO-SA-WO2 Mick Rainsford made timely contact with me and my father, Tony, who accompanied me.

Because of my deteriorating medical condition, WO2 Rainsford provided critical welfare support to ensure the wellbeing of both my father and I.

The Australians Dangerously Ill Scheme (AUSDIL) was initiated by 1CSSB and the final determination/approval was made by DCOHQ after close consultation between both 1CSSB and DCO-SA. This approval included the financial provision of airfares, accommodation and meals and a daily STD phone call for my Father. This enabled my Father to assist me with my recuperation without any financial/administrative burden.

In my view, the welfare support that has been afforded to my family and I has been the main reason that my recovery has been improving on a daily basis.

Once again, my family and I would like to publicly thank all personnel involved during this time of crisis. I can assure all personnel in the ADF that my experience confirms that we have the appropriate support mechanisms/policies in place to assist in times of need.