Deacon Stone, who founded the Veterans Care Association, offers his perspective as a soldier who has spent 48 years in the Australian Defence Force and Australian Federal Police — as a senior infantry officer, peacekeeper and more recently, as a Catholic chaplain.
“Today, I am deeply concerned not only for the people of Gaza and Israel but also for many of the veterans I care for here in Australia,” Deacon Stone said.
“They are being retraumatised – not just by the horrific events unfolding overseas, but by the polarised and often uninformed critique of factional groups within our own country.
“Our veterans have served with honour and sacrificed deeply for peace. They deserve understanding, not hostility; healing, not division.”
Deacon Stone said veterans “know there is no simple or quick fix to this complex situation” but the situation is now “beyond catastrophic”.
“We must rise up as humanity to take whatever measures are needed stop the fighting and get humanitarian aid flowing,” he said.
“But in due course, there must be a glimmer of hope for movement toward a just and lasting solution that honours the dignity and rights of all people in the region.
Read more: https://cathnews.com/2025/08/20/veteran-peacekeeper-calls-for-prayer-and-action-over-gaza/
By The Catholic Leader & cathnews
