Content warning: This episode discusses veteran mental health, alcohol use, and suicide. Support is available: Wounded Heroes Australia crisis line 1300 532 112 (24/7) | Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7). 

On a 3am car ride home together, Mark and Cherelle Herewini discussed marriage – four weeks later they were husband and wife. Now, after nearly three decades and multiple East Timor deployments, they're still together. But the years right after Mark hung up his uniform were some of the hardest of their marriage. 

In this episode, Mark and Cherelle sit down with Tiffany Dunk to talk about what deployment looked like for a new mum waiting by the phone, the sense of purpose Mark lost the moment he left the Army, and the drinking and distance that crept into their marriage once he was home. 

They also talk candidly about what support really looks like for veteran families, why so many people don't reach out until it's a crisis, and how the work Mark does can support other veterans to find their way back to a sense of purpose. 

To all veterans who may be watching or listening to this episode, we thank you for your service. 

Moments you’ll hear: 

• The 3am decision that led to a wedding just four weeks later 
• Growing up an Army kid, and the promise Cherelle swore she'd never break 
• Racing home from East Timor and missing the birth of their daughter by 12 hours 
• The five-minute phone calls, and the letters Cherelle still has 
• Mark losing his sense of purpose the moment the uniform came off 
• The years of drinking and distance that followed, and how they found their way back 
• What Mark hopes people understand about veterans, and what Cherelle hopes for veteran families 

Thank you for listening ❤️ 

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Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes Australia.  

You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice  

Need help now? Wounded Heroes crisis line 1300 532 112, 24/7, Australia wide. 

Credits 

Host: Tiffany Dunk 

Edited by Leah Porges 

Production by Leah Porges 

Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team 

Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain 

Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly website