Phillip Thompson served as a soldier of the Townsville-based First Battalion, Royal Australian Regimen, and was deployed to East Timor and Afghanistan. In 2009 Phillip was wounded in action when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated within one metre of him. The blast resulted in Phillip sustaining severe injuries and he was medically evacuated back to Australia. As well as obvious physical injuries from the blast, Phillip also suffered from traumatic brain injury and several other life changing conditions. Phillip spent the next several years putting all of his efforts into recovery and coming out the other side stronger than ever before. Today, he is passionate about helping others overcome adversity to become the best versions of themselves. This conversation touches on his journey of recovery and mental health.   Phillip Thompson is the federal member for Herbert, and holds a number of Shadow Defence portfolio's.  He was awarded the OAM in 2018 for service to the welfare of veterans.