Veteran’s memoir reveals journey of battle within

Australian Army veteran and Palmwoods local Jason Gibney has laid bare his story of service, trauma and recovery in his newly released memoir, Scars of War.

The book offers an unflinching look at the psychological toll of modern military service, particularly during the 2021 evacuation of Kabul. “I’d been shot at, faced rocket attacks and IEDs – but nothing affected me like the humanitarian aspects of Kabul,” Mr Gibney said.

Through vivid storytelling, Scars of War delves into mental health, stigma, and the long road to recovery. Writing became a turning point for Mr Gibney, who discovered that creative expression could be a vital part of healing – not only for himself, but for others struggling after military service.

“Soldiers are trained to be tough, and that’s necessary for the job – but we’re human too. Sometimes we just need to be heard and reminded that it’s okay to not be okay,” he said.

While support for veterans has improved in recent years, Mr Gibney says progress remains slow, with most recommendations from the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide still awaiting meaningful action.

Scars of War contributes to the growing national conversation about veterans’ mental health and the unseen scars carried home from war.

• Scars of War is available now at QBD Maroochydore & Kawana; The Candle & Quill Bookshop, Montville; The Little Book Nook, Palmwoods and through Jason’s website www.jasongibney.com.

Jason Gibney “nothing affected me like the humanitarian aspects of Kabul.”