Returned Soldier

James Prascevic provides a brutally honest, first-hand account of the front lines of combat – witnessing the disturbing consequences of war for civilians, the thrill of being caught in a firefight, the shock of losing a mate – and of the training that got him into those situations. This is his story of life as an infantryman and the unglamorous aftermath of war that has created a different challenge in combating mental illness.

James was a plumber in Victoria when he decided to enlist as an infantryman in the Australian Defence Force. With 1 RAR, he served in Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was confronted with the horrifying effects of Improvised Explosive Devices. Upon his return from Afghanistan, he completed the Commando Selection and Training Course and most of the Reinforcement Cycle for the Special Forces, but broke his leg in a parachuting incident. That was when the black dog bit, causing him to be medically discharged from the ADF after almost ten years of service. He was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), major depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependence. At first, he was silent about it until he lost his wife, his career, and nearly his life.

As a result of this, he did fundraising for the Black Dog Institute, set up the website Different Challenge, and crossed Bass Strait in a 'tinnie' to raise awareness of mental illness and its often devastating effects. James reminds us about the sacrifices Australian soldiers make for their country and that there is no shame in admitting you have a mental illness. James has become a prominent spokesperson for Returned Soldiers, many of whom have psychological issues. He has appeared on Channel 10's 'The Project', SBS 'Insight', and has been the subject of many national newspaper stories.

Unlike other soldiers' books of recent times, James was an infantryman on the front lines and his stories take the reader into the heart of the battle, and the way he tackles his own demons will strike a chord in the Australian public.

Returned Soldier is not just a depiction of war's harsh realities but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a rallying cry for mental health awareness and support for those who have served.