By Aneeka Simonis
HUNDREDS of young Australian servicemen and women don’t return home the same person they were when they left.
Brothers Scott and Chris May, from Pakenham and Berwick, respectively, know full well the impact combat can have on a person.
They served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before coming home, disconnected and withdrawn from their own community.
But not for long.
The brothers established Young Veterans which works closely with the RSL and other organisations to support war veterans dealing with depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or struggling to fit back into everyday Australian life
They have been described as quiet heroes in our community – and now, their efforts have been acknowledged as part of the 2017 Australian of the Year Awards for Victoria.
The pair have been made finalist in the Victoria Local Hero category among three other finalists.
Despite holding down full-time jobs and raising young families, the pair devote every spare moment to their mission including hosting forums to help people share their stories, run outdoor recreational activities and help people reconnect with old mates.
The 2017 Victorian awards will be announced on Wednesday 16 November, at Government House in Melbourne.
