Echo.

Echo will take you on a journey of my survival as a captivity torture survivor, trying to seek justice when up against a tyranny of bureaucratic opposition to find that within the rule of law, justice is unattainable. It acknowledges and identifies veterans, the indigenous and victims of criminal trauma who are silenced whilst living under a banner of neglect and corruption within an oppressive system. You will come out of the read either distraught or in disbelief that acts such as these are occurring behind the walls of authority and will give you a greater insight and understanding into mental health issues. Whilst the world continues to question and speculate the reasons of decline of those such as Hemingway, the answers resonate within the depths of my book, in the silence of the “Echo”.

“The Veteran’s Poem” was inspired by a family member, Robert Dauchy (Bob) from Stow, Ohio.  Bob previously served his country in the Vietnam war as a decorated Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. A man of vision who instilled in me at a young age, when on R&R (Rest and Recuperation) of commitment, loyalty and service.  No matter how tough the battle of adversity, there was always room for humour and love. His disposition and gregarious personality touched many and made a difference serving wherever he could. It wasn’t until I became a survivor of intolerable cruelty, forced to live in a battlefield of Complex-PTSD and left abandoned, that Bob’s advice and warrior strength resonated with me.  I could identify, connect and feel empathy for the pain and suffering of our heroes, who are also abandoned, left desolate by a government of neglect.

Cannon Image: 

25 Pounder Mark II (no muzzle brake) Barrel No: L / 9621. carriage 25 pounder Mark I / L Number: 4927 was manufactured in 1941. This cannon belonged to my father David Gerald Lachlan Humphreys (Danny), an Australian service member of World War II, sawmiller, entrepreneur and philanthropist.  As a young child in the 1950s, the cannon was used as my play equipment in the logyard of our sawmill.  This cannon and another, were donated by my father to the RSL (the Returned Services League of Australia). They are now positioned in the township of Cann River, East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.  As a war memorial and a representation in honour of all serving members.

….. RESPECT & HONOUR ….