Big Reds Veterans Day - Ep 7

Army Veterans Fishing Adventure | Scott, Charlie & Jeff’s Veterans Day | Big Red’s Aussie Adventures This Veterans Day came about in a way I definitely wasn’t expecting. I first came across Scott after seeing his story on 7NEWS, where someone had attempted to steal his car. I saw that he’d served in the Australian Army, so I thought, bugger it—I’ll reach out and see if he’d like to come out for a Veterans Day with Big Red’s Aussie Adventures. Turns out there was a hell of a lot more to Scott’s story than I first realised. After serving in the Army, Scott went on to serve as a first responder and has continued helping others through his charity, Real Steel Rescue. Scott jumped at the opportunity and decided to bring along his son, Charlie, and his best mate, Jeff. Jeff had also served in the Australian Army before becoming a first responder, and at the time we filmed this episode, he was nearly finished his nursing degree. Apparently, after years of helping people, he still hasn’t had enough and has decided to keep going! Jeff also runs a business called Collar Cred, where he sells Army insignia. So with the introductions done, it was time to leave the boat ramp and get this Veterans Day underway. It didn’t take long before Charlie informed me that there was something he really wanted to catch—a shark. There was only one small problem. Charlie had already made a bet with his dad that we wouldn’t catch any sharks that day. Righto, mate. Challenge accepted. We headed into the Brisbane River chasing threadfin salmon and mulloway, with one young bloke onboard still pretty confident there’d be no sharks. Yeah… about that. Charlie started ticking off a few PBs throughout the day before eventually hooking into exactly what he’d wanted from the start—a bloody good shark. Watching Charlie battle that shark and finally get it boatside was easily one of the highlights of the day. The young fella wanted a shark, he got his shark, and he smashed a few PBs along the way. But as always, these Veterans Days are about a hell of a lot more than catching fish. Throughout the day, Scott and Jeff were incredibly open in sharing parts of their stories, their service and some of the challenges they’ve faced along the way. Those conversations aren’t always easy, and I’m incredibly grateful they trusted us enough to share them. Something that really stood out was that helping others hasn’t stopped for either of them. They both served in the Army, both became first responders, and both continue to give back in their own ways. Scott through the work he’s doing with Real Steel Rescue, and Jeff, who at the time was nearly finished his nursing degree so he could continue helping people in another way. That’s a pretty bloody impressive pair of blokes to have onboard. After finishing Jeff’s interview, he surprised me with a 1 RAR insignia from his business, Collar Cred. He knew exactly what 1 RAR meant to me, and I honestly wasn’t expecting it. Absolutely bloody awesome gesture, mate, and one I really appreciate. Throw in plenty of laughs, some quality fish, a few PBs, Charlie’s shark, some incredibly honest conversations and a good feed for the boys to take home, and I’d say it was a bloody successful Veterans Day on the Brisbane River. And somehow, I reckon Charlie might think twice before betting against us finding him a shark next time! Days like this are exactly why Big Red’s Aussie Adventures exists. At Big Red’s Aussie Adventures, our mission is simple: to provide free days on the water for Australian Defence Force veterans and first responders. These trips are about reconnecting with mates, sharing stories, enjoying the outdoors, and taking a break from the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’ve served in the military or on the frontline in emergency services, everyone deserves the opportunity to unwind, recharge, and know they’re supported. Every Veterans Day is about creating lasting memories, strengthening mate ship, and reminding veterans and first responders that they never have to face life’s challenges alone. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support our mission, please: 🎣 Like this video 🇦🇺 Subscribe to the channel 💬 Leave Scott, Charlie and Jeff a message of support in the comments. 📢 Share this video to help us reach more veterans and first responders who could benefit from a day on the water. Your support helps us continue creating these experiences, sharing these stories, and getting more veterans and first responders back out on the water. Need support? If you or someone you know is doing it tough, please reach out. Headspace – 1800 650 890 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling) – 1800 011 046 Lifeline – 13 11 14 Men’s Line Australia – 1300 789 978 Just remember—you are never alone. Thank you for watching, and thanks for supporting our veteran and first responder community