In 2010, just 10 days before the end of his deployment in Afghanistan, Gary Wilson was on board a black hawk helicopter crossing over Northern Kandahar. Due to extreme low visibility, when attempting to land, the black hawk crashed into the rugged Afghan terrain, claiming four lives and leaving 11 others severely wounded.

At first, Gary was given a 4% chance of survival. He sustained multiple breaks, fractures and burns, as well as extensive brain injuries that saw him fall into a coma.

Three months passed and Gary awoke to a different life in which he had to relearn everything from walking to talking. Beginning a journey towards regaining his independence.

Gary beat those 4% odds in part due to the love and support of his wife partner Renee. His recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, continually defying the odds stacked against him.

Today, Gary Wilson is a Solder On ambassador, a multi-Invictus Games competitor, Personal Trainer and Army Veteran of 20 years. He, and his wife Renee Wilson, are our guests for today’s episode.

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

Lifeline on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

CREDITS:

Host: Hugh Riminton

Guest/s: Gary & Renee Wilson

Producer: Ryan Banks & Matthew Tankard

Editing, music & mixing: Matthew Tankard

Special thanks to ArtSound FM in Canberra

This podcast is a Smart Fella Media production

You can learn more about Soldier On at www.soldieron.org.au

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