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riters songes of ed in to alo 104, conareas their tories e not they nd of Suzi ny in 2011 from metastic melanoma originating from his naval service in Vietnam.

Ms Vincent said she met with the team from The Soldiers Wife last year and was overwhelmed by the lyrics about the loss her and her children have felt.

“The first time I heard my song was amazing and there were lots of tears,” Ms Vincent said.

“When my daughter gets married, my husband won’t be there to walk her down the aisle and that’s where the song stemmed from.

“Also with my husband being sick, we knew we had such a short time together and it made us really appreciate what we have, not to sweat the small stuff, not take things for granted and that’s the song comes from.”

Ms Vincent said the project really highlighted what Defence families go through and how they are affected by service.

“I think it’s a side that not many people get to listen to,” she said.

“I know I felt very valued knowing people were interested and it was a bit like a therapy session for me.”

Project co- ordinator Deb Suckling said the organisation was just the catalyst for these stories to see the light of day.

“For us it’s been an extremely humbling experience, not only to gain the trust that we have, but to be able to deliver these stories to the very best of our abilities, through song, through music,” she said.

Ms Vincent’s and the other stories have been documented into a double album and book – giving voice to these women and families and creating a way for the wider community to listen and learn from these experiences.

The book will be launched in Townsville with a special performance at The Old Courthouse Theatre on Saturday.

For more information on the event, a copy of the book or album contact Deb Suckling at sugarrush@ optusnet. com. au.