Neil Buttigieg
On the Canvas Of Service, 2023
I loved the army life…
It started with a message. Neil thought I was someone from his brotherhood and messaged me with “Hey, brother.” I replied, “No brother here—I’m sister.” That small mix-up became the beginning of a connection that still makes me smile.
When we met for Of Service, it was in a place that mattered to him. His gym. His space. It was casual, light-hearted—even playful at times. He led with familiarity, not formality. There was laughter, real and unfiltered. But I knew there was more beneath it.
Content Advisory:
The following story contains personal reflections from an Australian veteran that may include themes of trauma, war-related experiences, mental health struggles, and suicide. These narratives are shared with deep respect and the intent to honour service, foster understanding, and offer hope to those facing similar challenges.
If you are feeling distressed or need support, we encourage you to reach out. Help is available.
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Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
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Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 (24/7 support for veterans and their families)
Please proceed with care and compassion.
Corporal (CPL) Ret’d
Australian Army
When we sat down to talk, the tone shifted. Not dramatically—just honestly. He spoke about where he goes when things get hard. Routines that kept him grounded. Physical strength that became a kind of lifeline. What he said wasn’t dressed up, but it held weight. You could feel how close those dark moments still lived. Not in his words—but in the careful way he chose them.
He talked about showing up for others now. Not from a distance—but from experience. There was no heroism in it. Just purpose. Just someone trying to keep others from the edge he’s known too well.
When he spoke about his army days, he didn’t sugar-coat it. “I remember one particular time, we were crawling under barbed wire with grenades going off.” He told me about inspections gone wrong, mattresses hurled out of windows, a moment of humiliation he still remembers clearly. “One of the corporals spat in my face and paraded around.”
And then, when he told me why Of Service mattered to him, there was no pause. It was personal. Deeply so. The kind of truth that only comes when someone has decided not to hide anymore.
And he was ready.
That day, I didn’t just hear his story.
I witnessed someone reclaiming it.
© All rights reserved. Based on extracts from: Jenani Therone, Of Service, Australia: Harvest Publishing by House of JT, 2024, pages 415 – 420.
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The content featured here is extracted from Of Service, the original fine-art publication by Jenani Therone. It is reproduced with permission from both the author and the publisher. All rights are reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without explicit permission.
