The spirit of the ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, endures in the hearts and minds of all Australians. This ANZAC Day, we reflect on these values, their influence on our nationality identity and the great sacrifice of our servicemen and women on the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.
Inspired by the military history of his grandfather, Damien Thomlinson is an Australian special forces commando, who served with the 2nd Commando Regiment in Afghanistan. Damien’s life was changed forever in April 2009 when on patrol, his armoured vehicle drove over a Taliban roadside bomb. Damien suffered dreadful injuries in the blast, which resulted in both of his legs being amputated. The damage to his body was so severe he was not expected to survive, but survive he did.
With no time for self-pity Damien set himself the unimaginable task of rebuilding his body and rebuilding his life, in his own words “it was a blessing”.
Damien continues to inspire people around the world, his extraordinary triumph against adversity, incomparable attitude along with some lofty personal ambitions, has seen Damien become an inspiration to many.
Panthers Executive General Manager, Phil Gould AM sat down with Damien and spoke with him in a very special interview.
Watch PART 1 of his interview above and stay tuned for PART 2.
