Firm steps in for war vet
A TOWNSVILLE construction firm has offered to do work on an amputee veteran’s home for free after his family failed to reach a claim agreement with Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Paul Warren was a private in the Australian Army when he was wounded in action and lost his lower right leg as the result of an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan with the Townsville- based 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in 2009.
It was the same explosion that killed his friend and colleague Benjamin Ranaudo.
Since then, Mr Warren has fought physical and mental challenges as he rebuilt his life with his wife Dee and two children, also using his experience to advocate for veterans’ issues.
The family moved from Kirwan to Alice River about a year ago.
Mr Warren uses his home pool for physical rehabilitation but told the Bulletin a DVA occupational therapist recommended, through a needs assessment, that tiles around the pool were a safety risk as they became slippery when wet and had led to several falls.
“The pool is the equaliser for me, the days when my leg gets sore, I can still interact with my kids and family in the pool and it’s a great rehabilitation pool,” he said.
Mr Warren engaged with Micra Constructions in October last year to get quotes for an anti- slip tile application, which he said he then discussed with DVA.
“I work full- time and I don’t rely on the DVA system or ask them for too much but this was really a safety issue … and they are liable for me being an amputee,” he said.
“Verbally, DVA told us they would pay for a cheaper version and not what was recommended.
“It just seems crazy that DVA can put cost over safety.”
Micra Constructions’ con- struction manager Wayne Rossow, who previously served in the Army Reserves, said after witnessing the struggles the Warrens were having with the claims process, the company offered to do the $ 3500 job for free.
“I’ve got quite a few mates who are ex- Defence and some who are no longer with us,” he said. “Defence personnel have put a lot on the line for our freedom and safety only to have them treated like secondclass citizens from what I have seen.
“The time frame for these things takes too long.”
Mr Warren said his family were extremely grateful for the donation.
“If I had waited, there could have been more serious falls but the fact these guys have said they will do it is a huge stress relief,” he said.
“I think my situation really reflects what’s going on with a lot of others veterans’ issues where it’s us, the veteran community, helping each other as people fight the bureaucracy.”
Micra Constructions’ owner and managing director Michael Rach said he had a passion for giving back to the community.
“I can give my little bit back. It’s nothing for me but a big win for them,” he said.
IT JUST SEEMS CRAZY THAT DVA CAN PUT COST OVER SAFETY. PAUL WARREN