Meet our veterans

Major General Stuart Smith AO DSC (Retd) has been appointed as the inaugural Defence Engagement Commissioner for an initial 12-month period.

In mid-2019, Adam Barnard was invited to join the team at Perth-based Spinifex Brewing Company as chief executive officer, and provide the seed capital required to get the business off the ground.

After 14 years serving with the Australian Army, Suzanne Shipp made the transition out of active service and into civilian life in 2005.

After 13 years serving with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, followed by a lateral transfer to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) where he served another four years, Dave Henderson made the transition

Terry Clayton served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1987 to 1997. After getting married, Terry discharged, believing that Navy life would be tough on a young family. He knows how important it is to support members of the ADF during their transition and employs veterans when possible.

Gordon Webb enlisted in the Australian Army in 1988. He began his career in Artillery, as an air defence gunner, before retraining as a clerk.

Military service is in Bill Sandstrom’s blood, as he has followed the unusual career path of: Norwegian King’s Royal Guard, Australian Army Reserves, Continuous Full-Time Service in the Australian Army and now an employee at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The one reoccurring theme is the ‘military’.

Able Seaman Nathan ‘Tex’ Walker, who was born and raised in Penrith, worked casual odd jobs until he decided to get himself a career.

“Ultimately, everything worked out for the best” remarked Royal Australian Navy veteran Dean Marchini as he reflects on his discharge from the Navy.

Lieutenant Remy Coll is no stranger to career changes. He recently transitioned from full-time service to the Army Reserves, where his military career started. He is now working in cyber operations in the private sector.