By BRIDGET SCOTT
A FORMER soldier from Cranbourne has helped spearhead a rehabilitation program for men and women wounded at war.
Sean Mulqueen, who was an engineer in Afghanistan, knows the harsh reality that many people face after they return from war.
With this in mind, Sean has set out to help others who face both physical and mental barriers upon their return from battle zones.
Sean spoke at an event held at Casey Fields in Cranbourne last week called the Walking Wounded, which aimed to raise funds to send soldiers and their families to walk the Kokoda Track.
Local accountant Silvio Marinelli helped to co-ordinate the event which raised nearly $9000 and will help send one person over to walk the trail.
Mr Marinelli said walking the track was a small step to help soldiers on their way to recovery after they had returned from overseas.
“It’s a very humbling and emotional journey,” he said.
Mr Marinelli set out on the trek alongside Sean and another former soldier Michael Clarke, last year.
Sean said it was a “stepping stone” and a way for soldiers to interact normally again.
“The idea is to get soldiers walking with civilian people and interacting and learning,” he said.
“It’s to help them realise there are difficulties in life whatever it is you do, and that people do care and appreciate what you have done.”
Sean said he did it for the first time as a returned solider in 2011 alongside 30 other friends who he was with in Afghanistan, plus 30 corporate people from Brisbane.
Sean said it was important for people to understand the slow process which was rehabilitation.
“It’s going to take some time,” he said.
“It’s a very slow process and takes small steps.”
Sean, who has now walked the track twice, said his main focus was to send ex-servicemen over there, but wouldn’t dismiss the prospect of doing it again himself.
“The Kokoda Track is a good starting point,” Sean said.
