Thanks to everyone that has reached out to buy a copy of my book. It is now more than a picture and is online for pre-order. See the link in bio for more. Please share this post and follow me for updates and book insights.
#NewBook
#aviation
#paratrooper
#veteranwriters
Well...here it is! I am proud to reveal the cover for my memoir Stop Screaming I'm Scared Too. It has been an amazing journey writing this book detailing the highs and lows of my career, my successes and failures as well as my many near misses. Writen in a soldier's voice I
My highschool woodwork teacher would always yell ''stop staring out the window Henderson, you'll never make money doing that". Well Mr Smith, you were very wrong!🤣
Here are the names of those brave men from 3RAR. They fought against impossible odds and gave so much over a few days on a hill in Korea 1951. Commemorated on this day 24 April, Kapyong Day. Lest we forget.
#koreanwar
#3RAR
#Kapyongday
Great opportunity whilst in Townsville to call in and pay my respects at the Blackhawk crash memorial. Always brings home how dangerous the job is. It was an honour to later serve with some of the heros that helped save lives that evening. Maybe one day we will see a national
Another angle from the book cover photo in Pakistan. Here you can see the Aussie flag and boxing Kangaroo painting clearly showing we were not Americans. Thanks to the new artwork the likelyhood of getting shot at whilst doing humanitarian aid missions signifigantly reduced 🤣.
As aircrew we know the score & hope it will never be us, more so never let it be our mates. This accident highlights how dangerous an ordinary day can be. After all is said & done it's the families & friends left behind who are the ones that suffer. Thoughts are with them tonight
You never know what is around the corner!
These RM Williams boots were sent to me today by a lovely couple I took for a tour
@AWMemorial
some months ago. Their letter states they enjoyed my tour and loved that I wear the boots they make. It was not asked for but I accept their
One week on and my book has made Amazons NO.1 best seller Wahoo...( In the history of Pakistan section apparently 🤣 but i'm claiming it!)Thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered a copy. It is amazing that my story is going to be out there to hopefully inspire other veterans and
Thanks to Matt at Zero Limits for not only telling my story but the story of so many others. Please have a listen and support his Podcast.
Ep. 114 Rod Henderson former 3RAR Paratrooper & Army Aviation Loadmaster
Once you step out that door you outlook on life changes. Something I talk about in my book. Who else has been silly enough to jump from a perfectly good aeroplane?
The Pozieres diorama
@AWMemorial
. Four men left of
a platoon from the 48th Battalion in no mans land. Lesser known about this diorama is Sergeant David Twining (depicted right) survives the war only to take his own life in 1931. Forever changed by 'shell shock' as it was known.
We had the best piece of turf in Kandahar thats for sure. Many different countries forces would come to see it, sit and enjoy not being in dirt for a moment. Here is one of our Aircrewman Techs doing a Sunday afternoon mow.
#AAAvn
#Everyonehasastory
#veterans
Yesterday we farewelled our mate Phil Laycock who was tragically killed in the recent MRH crash. An emotional day, but also a great opportunity for many Crewies, current and ex-serving to come together for Phil and have a laugh. He will be remembered.
#aviation
#veteran
#6avn
Today is International Peacekeepers day. I look back to my my first deployment with the United Nations whilst serving with International Force East Timor (INTERFET). Read more about my experiences with peacekeeping in my book Stop Screaming I'm Scared Too. See the link in bio to
You can almost smell this photo. The jungle would be humid and still whilst you are humping along with the usual quips from the soldiers about early mornings and pack marches. This is what dedication and service looks like. Well done 1 RAR and the PNGDF for continuing to train
So is a thing!
It's my first go at making a website so let me know what you think. It seems it is a work in progress.
If you would like to pre-order a signed copy from me directly you can do that too. Books will not be shipped until early August.
Awful news coming from Exercise Talisman Sabre. Can only hope the crew are found. My thoughts are with their mates and families.
#talismansabre
#aviation
#ADF
chopper crashes in Queensland's Whitsundays amid joint military exercise with US Marines
Not really covered in the book but how I miss the days of flying around the Indy Car track at the Gold Coast Queensland. The things we would see on those balconies would be enough to make a grown helicopter crewman blush. Book cover coming soon. Follow me for more. (defence
Thanks
@KarlJames_1945
&
@AWMemorial
for inviting me out to assist with technical advice for a future exhibit. It was weird having to use gloves around equipment we used to wear, but it will now be preserved forever as part of Australia's Wartime past. It also captures just how
A beautiful day here in Canberra and what better way to enjoy it then to come pay your respects at the Australian War Memorial. Jump on a guided tour, we love taking people through.
@AWMemorial
.
1 RAR conducting progressive hand grenade training with junior soldiers, starting with the basics and honing core skills, eventually moving onto complex serials to build skills essential in close quarters combat.
Here is a sneek peak into what chapter 12 of Stop Screaming I'm Scared Too is about. Only six books to go until I reach the 100 sold club (ok it's not a club but come on twitter get me there) Pre-order a signed copy here;
Or get it in July at your
#OnThisDay
in 1915, the attack on the Nek by the 3rd Light Horse Brigade took place at Gallipoli. The 8th Light Horse suffered 234 casualties, 154 fatal; and the 10th, suffered 138 casualties, 80 fatal.
Learn more:
The next time you get frustrated with airport security remember this photo. I took this picture whilst waiting for my loaded rifle, grenades and combat knife to get through the x-ray machine when departing Afghanistan 2012.
#nodandsmile
#Whyjustwhy
#WTF
#airportsecurityfail
When I transitioned out of the Army I was looking for a way to continue giving service. I found it here with the
@AWMemorial
as a voluntary guide. Prior military service is not required though. If you have spare time and a passion for story telling please come along.
#awmguides
Would you like to become a Voluntary Guide? The Memorial only undertakes one recruitment process for voluntary guides annually. Attend an info session on Saturday, 20 January 2024.
Learn more at
Whilst you slept this morning, D Company 1 R IRISH completed the infamous Brecon 3 miler.
Soldiers are expected to complete this uphill course in less than 33 minutes. 🏃☘️
This time last year I was a bit of a recluse, content with being an ex-soldier/hobby famer ruminating over parts of my service life. Now these experiences are out of my head and down on paper with a book coming early August. Self promotion goes against my core belief but in this
First overnight stop with the 2024 Frontline Safari expedition! A great feed and opportunity to rest after a big day of open gravel road riding/driving.
I stepped off on the first day of my trip to the Simpson Desert with Frontline Safari. Just to Orange to pick up my co-driver
@hill2ben
. Stopped at Cowra a long the way to see what is left of the camp. I speak about the goings on of that morning in 1944 on my tours at
The key to success is not avoiding failure, but learning from it and using it to propel yourself forward. I embraced the lessons that failure taught me again and again speaking openly about them in my book. Click the link to grab yourself a copy.
Just over a month to go until we step off for the trek across the Simpson Desert. If you would like to join us for the trek jump onto and sign up.
Hope to see you there.
I am still in shock after this accident. This still seems unbelievable even when I see his face all over the media. Phil was a great human and a top Crewy. My heart goes out to his family and the Squadron mates at this time. via
@ABCaustralia
Thankyou to Claire Hunter for her work in not only telling my story but the stories of so many others.
@KarlJames_1945
,
@RhysCrawley
@DrDaveSutton
for giving me that push to do it when needed, your mentorship is humbling. Kate without you I doubt I would have made it this far.
Rod Henderson was providing security for journalists in Dili, East Timor when he pulled over a couple of suspicious men on a moped to search them. Then, the man he was searching pulled out a hand grenade.
Read the full article:
Thanks
@AWMemorial
for the invitation to the launch of Born Of Fire And Ash. Prof Craig Stockings' first volume of the official histories of Australia's involvement in East Timor. A great night with with my old CO Nick Welch and some legend historians. Pictures courtesy of Nick
I wrote this piece for the 'Duty First' magazine. I talk about the importance of using the soft skills learn't in the Army and not being afraid to promote yourself for employment in civilian life. Thanks to
@3BrigadeTSV
for help in raising awareness of this.
#transition
#veteran
What better way to celebrate the Navy and Army birthday than coming down to the
@AWMemorial
and seeing how it all started. P.s I put the Navy first as they are the senior service, although we all know the Army is better!
#itsajokehrdepartment
.
#ausarmy
#armybirthday
#Navy
I reckon of all the great Chinook pics out there, this one has to be right up there. Taken in Afghanistan, 2012 on our rotation by a professional photographer, name unknown but I would love to find out.A15-201 is now in the Aviation Museum in Oakey, Queensland.
#Coolphoto
Here is a member of parliament that has a lived experience as a soldier and genuinely knows what the Australian War Memorial means to so many Veterans. Great work
@P_Thompson88
I laid a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony at the
@AWMemorial
to mark the commencement of the 2024 Parliamentary sitting year. This annual ceremony is for our political leaders to reflect on the nation they serve and the price paid for the freedoms we enjoy as Australians.
2009 Kokoda. Great skill shown by our pilots keeping the tail in the air. 9 Australians died when their plane flew into the hill near Kokoda. These civilians recognised Australia's military history and as an ADF member it was an honour to help bring them home.
#YourADF
#Veterans
1 RAR geared up and ready to deploy to Tully, TFTA, and Cowley Beach for training, and a full suite of courses on a range of weapon systems. Kicking off the year strong with new march-ins, and building on skills from a busy training year in 2023 👍
Many people on twitter have been in combat. But have you been so close to the enemy that you have to make steel pegs to tie down the barbed wire so they can't steal it back with grappling hooks? This is just one of the amazing stories at
@AWMemorial
#Lonepine
#storytelling
#ww1
I am excited to announce that I receantly worked with Dave Morgan on his next writing project. In appreciation, he sent me a couple of signed copies of his previous work. I look forward to returning the favour when my book is published in August through
@bigskypub
as well.
I will never forget the disappointment of throwing my first grenade. No fireballs, no cars tumbling, just dust. Still better than having a real job though.
1 RAR on the range practicing static and moving grenade live fire, honing drills and procedures to instil confidence in soldiers.
Training commenced with F3 Practice and F1 Fragmentation Hand Grenades, progressing to throwing grenades from the kneeling and prone position.
Out of all the interesting places I have been deployed to, Kokoda in 2009 was by far the most professionally rewarding. Assisting in returning the remains of civilians to their loved ones will forever be a highlight of my career. I write about my experiences on this operation and
OP VARSITY - 24 Mar 1945, was a successful Airborne operation during WW2 involving more than 16,000 Paratroopers and several thousand aircraft. It is the largest Airborne Op ever conducted in a single day and in one location.
#Readyforanything
🇬🇧🆎️
#Paras
#Airborne
#History
Spending time at the
@AWMemorial
gave me a lot of perspective about my service. Sometimes what we think is bad really isn't. It took me on the journey of writing my book. See the link below.
Stop Screaming, I'm Scared Too: An Australian soldier's story
Its been quite a year, coming from sharing the stories of others
@AWMemorial
to sharing my own with the people of
@LOTLpod
. This started a healing and led to me writing it all down, now to be published by
@BigSkyPub
in August 2024. Follow and share for updates.
#everyonehasastory
Veterans of Season 7 share with us their experiences of Christmas in uniform, from deployments overseas and back home in Australia. Featured guests include John White, Rod Henderson, Mark Direen, Rebecca and Ashley Semmens, Ray James and Doug Sheridan.
On 19 February 1942, Darwin was bombed. Japanese fighters and bombers attacked the port and shipping in the harbour twice during the day, killing 252 Allied service personnel and civilians.
Today we remember all those that lost their lives in the Bombing of Darwin. F11775
A truly great part of being a guide
@AWMemorial
is meeting the public but also occasionally running into old mates. Sean Casey and I were in 3RAR back in the 90s and he is now RSM of the 5th Brigade. It was an honour to have him on my tour and to meet his lovely family.
A bit more footage of driving through the Simpson Desert near the dry lake area with the Frontline Safari crew. Head to their website for next year's trip and join us in raising funds for the Saltwater Veterans charity.
Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) is part of the job in Army Aviation and for many other units as well. Great training but so glad I dont have to do this anymore. Who misses it?
#AusArmyAviation
#Veterans
#YourADF
#HUET
A big shout out to Frontline Safari for inviting me to attend as a support vehicle for their annual Simpson Desert dirt bike ride. The riders helped raise over $20K for
@SoldierOnAust
and I had the opportunity to show my son some of Australia's amazing outback.
#Veterans
So good to see regular infantry units training to this level of fidelity. We only dreamt of this when I was in. Well done
@3BrigadeTSV
and
@AustralianArmy
.
Thanks to Drew Burkitt for sharing his story with the guides
@AWMemorial
. Drew spoke of becoming a pilot through to the crash of Chinook 102 in Afghanistan. Personal accounts like this are important for those who will be helping tell our story in Afghanistan.
#AWMGuides
#Veteran
Five veteran speakers sharing their experience. This is going to be a good event. Come along. Entry is free and the bar is open for drinks and meals.
@Canberra
@canberratimes
@abccanberra