Wagga veteran Tristan Russell raises $3000 for Solider On

The $3101 that he raised will enable Solider On to provide 228 peer support sessions, 137 employment supports and 17 psychology sessions to veterans and their families.

The 42-year-old, who works at the Wagga Royal Australian Air Force base, said his time in service and his job has given him first-hand insight into the problems and issues veterans and their families face.

"I joined the military at 18 straight after school in the late 90s," he said.

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"I joined with a bunch of my friends and about a year after I joined one of my friends died by suicide.

"I guess that has stayed with me."

Mr Russell commenced the challenge on March 1 and initially had a goal of walking 200kms and raising $1200, he has since surpassed both goals.

"It's been very satisfying, but also, along the way I have had a chance to learn other peoples stories," he said.

"I have had people reach out and share how these services [provided by Solider On] have helped their loved ones."

Mr Russell said joining the military had been a thoughtless decision which ended up shaping the rest of his life.

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