Part four of This Ability picks apart resilience, reinvention, and life after military service with veteran and IGY6 ambassador John Giampino.
In the final instalment of his transformative series, This Ability, Philip Stephens sits down with John Giampino, a veteran and ambassador for IGY6. Through this series, Philip has brought forward voices from diverse backgrounds who have turned adversity into impactful change, offering powerful insights on resilience and social justice. The concluding chapter of this journey uncovers yet another compelling story of courage and reinvention, with a focus on the power of community support in redefining one’s path.
Introducing John Giampino
John Giampino’s life of service began in 1985, when he joined the Australian Army and eventually the Royal Australian Corps of Transport (RACT) as a Marine Specialist. John’s position required close collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy, as he manoeuvred cargo and troops from ship to shore. Rising to the rank of Warrant Officer Class One (WO1), John earned respect across both services, building critical skills in interoperability and leadership.
His journey took a life-changing turn in 2017 when, after 31 years in the army, he faced medical discharge. Having spent his life in service, surrounded by a tight-knit community of soldiers, the transition into civilian life was isolating and challenging, making each day a struggle. Determined to forge a new path and rediscover his sense of purpose, he obtained his Certificate III in Carpentry, transforming a lifelong passion into a new vocation.
However, it was through his connection with I’ve Got Your Six Foundation (IGY6) that his path took on new meaning. This organisation, which focuses on supporting veterans in their post-service journeys, provided John with the guidance, resources, and camaraderie he needed to grow both personally and professionally. With their help, John reshaped his business, drawing upon the skills, discipline, and resilience he cultivated in the army. Now an ambassador for IGY6, John helps other vets build a fulfilling life beyond service.
Philip: Firstly, what led you to join the military?
John: I wanted to serve my country, and joining the reserves felt like a great way to see if the army was the right fit for me. After 18 months of serving in the reserves, I realised that army life was exactly what I wanted. From that moment, I never looked back.
You’ve spoken before about the moral injury due to lack of support from your hierarchy. Can you expand on that?
We were conducting our first surf operations after the LARC-V was reinstated following the re-engineering program. I was providing extra training to a student, running surf entry and exit drills. After briefing the student and completing our surf exit pre-checks, we headed towards the shore. I reminded him to call out the waves, but all I got back was, “Oh, fuck.”
I looked behind us, and all I saw was a wall of green water. The wave lifted the stern of the craft, burying the nose in the water, and the craft flipped. We were both sucked into the cab, which was rapidly filling with water. Within 15 seconds, we were fully submerged and trapped. At that moment, I thought I was going to orphan my son.
I saw a glimmer of light and instinctively pushed the student towards it, following right behind him. We got tangled in the hydraulic hoses, and I felt myself slowly drowning. The next thing I knew, I was on the surface, with the capsized boat beside me, but the student was nowhere in sight. I screamed his name, and after what felt like an eternity, I saw him swim across the stern, apologising.
I told him, “Don’t worry about the boat, it’s gone. Let’s focus on ourselves.” We started swimming to shore. Minutes later, exhausted, the student begged me to leave him behind. I turned back, told him to grab my belt, and said, “I’ll swim for both of us, just kick your legs and help me.” About 20 minutes later, we reached shore, completely drained but alive.
The student hugged me and said, “Thanks, Sarge, for saving my life.” I just smiled in return.
After the accident, the end of the exercise was called, and we were ordered to return to base. Upon arrival, I was told to report to the OC. Still in shock, I struggled to hold it together, and when she asked me to repeat what had happened, I broke down. She looked at me and said, “Why are you crying? You’re alive, aren’t you?”
I couldn’t respond, so I excused myself and left her office. The SSM was waiting for me and immediately ordered me into his office. He made me stand fast in front of his desk and started tearing into me. Tears rolled down my face as he continued, then he ordered me to sit on the couch. At that point, I just switched to autopilot, saying “Yes, sir” and “No, sir.” As soon as he was finished, I asked to be excused, and he let me go.
After leaving the SSM’s office, I marched to the Regimental Aid Post. The doctor saw me, and after assessing my condition, immediately put me on stress leave.
During that time, the investigation into the accident was rushed. In the end, they blamed human error, but they didn’t consider the lighter engine installed at the stern or the 700kg crane at the front, both of which significantly changed the craft’s stability. It felt like they were more interested in assigning blame than addressing the real issues.
How did you manage the transition from military to civilian life? What were the biggest challenges?
Transitioning to civilian life wasn’t easy – it was bloody hard. After 31 years of service, being out all of a sudden was a huge moment for me. I lost my identity, passion, and self-worth. Nothing I did brought that spark back, and I spiralled into drinking, isolation, and eventually, attempted suicide. That’s when I realised my life couldn’t sink any lower, and it was time to rebuild.
With the help of psychologists, psychiatrists, equine therapy, and close friends, I started to climb out of that dark hole. By then, my marriage had failed, but I still had my kids and my dog. So, I turned to carpentry, something I’d always loved. I applied for a Cert III in Carpentry and, once I completed it, I started putting myself out there, taking on odd jobs.
There were some hits and a lot of misses, but I kept going. Things started to improve when I connected with I’ve Got Your Six Foundation and Cristina. They supported me, and I finally started charging properly and honestly for my work. My mindset completely changed, and for the first time since leaving the military, I found a new purpose.
Mental health is a big topic in Australia…in your view, what are we overlooking when it comes to veterans’ mental health?
What we often get wrong about veterans’ mental health in Australia is thinking that once trauma is addressed, the journey is over. Yes, veterans need psychologists and psychiatrists to work through their traumas, but that’s just the first step. The real challenge is finding purpose in life after service. Many programs miss that.
The only organisation I’ve seen that truly helps veterans find this purpose is IGY6. They understand that veterans need more than just mental health support – they need help rediscovering their sense of purpose and direction in civilian life.
In this series, we’ve spoken to people with disabilities, but PTSD and depression are often labelled invisible injuries. Are you seeing a change when it comes to mental health and how it’s being discussed in society?
It’s hard for civilians to understand what veterans go through, especially in war-like conditions. But for me, my trauma didn’t come from overseas service. It came from peace-time operations and the lack of sympathy, empathy, and support from senior officers. It wasn’t the combat that broke me; it was the way I was treated by those who were meant to lead and support me.
If the accident wasn’t enough to cause my traumatic injuries, what made it worse was the serious lack of empathy and support from upper management. I was left to fend for myself, with no guidance or understanding. The emotional toll of being abandoned like that was just as damaging as the physical scars.
What are some key self-care practices in improving mental health and wellbeing that you have implemented in your life?
To improve my mental health, I attend equine therapy, which has been incredibly helpful. I surround myself with like-minded veterans who understand my experiences, and I keep busy with meaningful activities. I continue regular sessions with my psychologist and receive ongoing support from the team at I’ve Got Your 6 Foundation. Thanks to these practices, I’m enjoying life again.
In what way did IGY6 assist in your recovery?
IGY6 helped me realise that the skills I gained in the military can absolutely be applied to my new career path. Thanks to their support, I’ve transitioned into a fulfilling civilian role and have become an ambassador for IGY6. Now, I have the privilege of helping other veterans who were in the same situation I was in before connecting with the foundation. It’s incredibly rewarding to give back and help others find their purpose after service.
What does “post-traumatic growth” mean to you?
Post-traumatic growth means that, yes, shit happens, but it’s how you deal with it that matters. I can’t change what’s happened to me, but I can learn to accept it, make peace with my demons, and move forward. Sure, everything has changed, but it doesn’t mean I can’t learn from it. It’s about turning pain into purpose and finding strength in the struggle.
What’s something that I haven’t asked that you’re dying to talk about?
Everything I did before joining IGY6 was about dealing with the past and present, but nothing really helped me focus on the future. The end state is clear: veterans have trauma, and while they can work through it or make peace with their demons, they still need help with their future. That’s where IGY6 stands out. They help veterans find purpose and direction for the road ahead.
Lastly, when have you been really excited about something that happened to you in your life, either professionally or personally?
Every time a client writes a testimonial, it’s from the heart, and it puts a smile on my face. It reassures me I’m doing the right thing by my clients and it pushes me to work harder. When I see veterans nodding in agreement as I speak, it’s like I’m telling a page from their lives. But what excites me most is the belief that every story can have a happy ending. It’s up to the veteran to take that step and seek help from I’ve Got Your 6 to make that happy ending a reality.
Building a new mission through resilience and community
John Giampino’s story is about more than just life after service – it’s about finding purpose, building community, and helping others do the same. His resilience and commitment are a powerful reminder of the strength that veterans carry with them, long after they hang up their uniforms. Through his work with IGY6, he exemplifies how shared experiences and camaraderie can help veterans rediscover their purpose beyond service. John’s new mission is clear: to create a space where veterans can find support, purpose, and a sense of belonging as they navigate the challenges of civilian life.
Inspired by these conversations? Check out Philip Stephens’s memoir, My Lucky Break: The True Story of a Daredevil Quadriplegic, which shares his remarkable story of resilience, optimism and adventure.
Learn more at iamphilipstephens.com.
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