A deep dive into why RAAus COO and veteran Ben Lambon is so passionate about supporting Soldier On through the Fly. Ride. Remember. initiative.
Words by Ben Lambon, RAAus Chief Operating Officer
When I left the military, it wasn’t by choice. I was medically discharged. Years of service had taken their toll, on my body, my mind, and my spirit. I carried scars you could see, and many more you couldn’t. Physically, I was broken. Mentally, I was exhausted. Financially, I was in a dark place. Every decision came with a weight; every expense felt like a step closer to the edge.
The day I handed back my uniform, I thought I was just closing a chapter. I didn’t realise I was stepping into a whole new battle; one I wasn’t prepared for.
The military had given me structure, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Out here in “Civvy Street”, that was gone.
No more early morning briefings, no more shared mission, no OPPO watching my back. The silence was deafening, and the stillness felt like quicksand, pulling me down bit by bit.
My personal life soon followed the same downward spiral. Divorce tore away what little stability I had left. The home I returned to didn’t feel like home anymore. The days turned darker, blending into one another, and I felt like I was drifting through a world that no longer had a place for me. Every step forward seemed impossible. I would wake up in the morning already tired, wondering if I had the strength to make it through the day.
It was a time of deep struggle. I questioned my worth, my identity, and my future. I thought I had left the hardest challenges behind, but they had only taken a different form, and I was facing them alone.
Looking back now, I can’t help but wonder how different things might have been if there had been an organisation like Soldier On in my corner. The support they provide, from mental health services and career guidance to helping veterans reconnect with a community that understands, could have been a lifeline. Maybe the road wouldn’t have felt so dark. Maybe I would have found my footing sooner.
For those who are still walking that hard road, know this: there are people and organisations ready to stand beside you. You don’t have to fight this battle on your own. Help is out there, and you deserve it.
What matters most now is not my past, but the future we can all help build by raising vital funds for Soldier On, so more veterans can access the support I wish I’d had when I first left the military. That’s why Fly. Ride. Remember. means so much to me. On 30 October 2025, I’ll be taking on this triathlon-inspired endurance challenge with three symbolic legs: flight, cycling, and running, as a way to honour the journey of resilience and transition that so many veterans face. Each stage tells part of that story: the take-off into the unknown, the grind of the long road, and the final push to find strength when it feels like you have nothing left.
The money we raise will go towards programs that change lives, including a long-term flight training initiative designed to give veterans a pathway to recovery and, for some, even a career in aviation. Because every veteran deserves more than survival — they deserve the chance to fly again, in every sense of the word.
You can support this initiative by purchasing merchandise, entering the raffle, or donating directly, with all proceeds supporting Soldier On’s programs for veterans and their families. Together, we can help ensure that veterans receive the support, opportunities, and sense of community they deserve as they rebuild their lives beyond service.
