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PRIVATE DAMIEN THOMLINSON
Private Damien Thomlinson is an Australian veteran of the Afghanistan war. At 24, Damien became a member of the elite military group, the Commandos. On 3 April 2009, whilst on night patrol in South Afghanistan, Damien's unit drove over an improvised Taliban bomb. Damien suffered horrendous injuries in the explosion, which resulted in both of his legs being amputated.
Pte Thomlinson saw the amputation of his legs as just another challenge to be overcome. He threw himself into his rehabilitation and set about getting his life back. Damien taught himself to walk again in a matter of months. Today, Damien still works for the Defence Force in a development role, but is also highly active in raising funds and awareness for other injured soldiers and their families.
His inspirational mission has seen him undertake physical challenges that would faze an able-bodied person, let alone someone who walks with prosthetic legs. In February 2011, Pte Thomlinson competed in the US Marine Corps Paralympic Trials. In April 2011 Damien completed the six-day TARGA Tasmania classic car rally to raise funds for Legacy and the Commando Welfare Trust as part of Team Legacy Assist. Two months later, Damien was part of a 25-strong team of wounded and able-bodied soldiers, that took on the demanding Kokoda Track: a 96km trek through the jungles of Papua New Guinea.
Above all, Pte Thomlinson's incredible journey stands as proof that no challenge is too great and that the ANZAC spirit truly is alive and well.