K.V. Committee

My name is Rachel Healy and I have been participating with “Kids of Veterans” since it began as a “study” group with VVCS. I become involved in this group as I think it’s important to acknowledge our veterans from all conflicts and to remember them on the special memorial days that we have such as Anzac day and Vietnam Veterans Day.

I also feel that it is important to remember the “kids” as many have been affected by their parent’s war service and often feel isolated and different. I am very lucky I have such a supportive family and after I had received counselling for a number of years to over come a few difficulties, I wanted to try and help other “kids” find the same happiness within as I have.

Hey everyone I’m Natassja Hannay - the New Zealand contingent of this group. Military history is strong in my family and I’m proud to say that I am a great granddaughter, grand daughter and daughter of a veteran. My father served in the New Zealand Infantry with 6RAR/NZ ANZAC Battalion 1969-70, completing his tour in Vietnam and staying on to serve in NZ and Singapore until I was 5 years old. We moved here in the 80’s and Dad has always been involved in the veteran world here in Perth, and he was the one who ‘dobbed me in’ to join the group as part of the Sons and Daughters program back in 2002, and I have been with the team ever since.

I love meeting new faces, lending an ear or a shoulder if it’s needed and generally getting involved in anything Kids of Veterans can do to help. At the moment I’m wearing my ‘working Mum hat’, looking after my beautiful baby boy (with my gorgeous husband), and working part time as a Technology Specialist at a school for children with disabilities. My work and home worlds are full of surprises, fun and rewarding moments, which is why being part of the KV team, fits into my life so fabulously!

Hi, I’m Andrea Willsher and I’ve been a KV member since January 2005. As a part of the team I hope to be able to help other “kids” of veterans, as I know by meeting other “kids” I discovered that I wasn’t alone with my experiences. And I want others to know there is a load of support available out there, from just meeting and chatting with others like me, through to professional support. Because growing up with a dad who has been to war can have a far reaching impact.

I am currently at uni, studying for my Masters of Clinical Psychology degree, and I have a young daughter who will be turning one later in the year. She inspires me to look at the world with fresh eyes and to enjoy the simplest of things. As well, I enjoy holidaying around the southwest, interstate and overseas with my husband and daughter, devouring novels (when I get the chance), and a glass of good red wine.
I hope you to see you soon at one of our events.

Hi my name is Angela Blaszkow and I’ve been a part of the Kids of Veterans team since 2003. I got involved by attending a presentation at Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service, where I met the KV team and was inspired to join up as a committee member! I’m really passionate about what we do, because I think that as adult children of Vietnam Veteran Dads, we have so much in common, and it’s great to be able to share these experiences with others who really understand! My role in the KV group is the ‘receptionist’, as I respond to the messages left on our phone at Hollywood Clinic. So I hope to speak to you soon!

Danielle, KV Committee Member Hi my name is Danielle and I grew up the eldest of three sisters as an Army Brat. Dad was a sapper in Vietnam and finally got out of the army when I was 15. By then, my sisters and I had travelled the breadth of Australia going to so many schools. We were lucky to be such a close family. I’m married with a daughter, 5 and a son, 11 months and work as a union organiser.

I started counselling through VVCS in 2003. Being part of such a close family and living with Dads PTSD had taken their toll on my new little family. I hadn’t realized how much my behaviour had mimicked Dads. I felt so much guilt and so alone. Ironically it was Dad who alerted me to KOV. It was great to be able to relate to others whose upbringing was as “normal” as mine. Learning about our Dads service and PTSD is so important to finding our own peace. I enjoy working with the committee and other kids. It has given me a greater understanding of myself and my sisters. I love having the opportunity to share my support and experiences.