Heston Russell is a fifth-generation Australian Veteran. He served 16 years in the Army – 9 years in Special Forces – with operational service in Timor-Leste, Iraq and four deployments to Afghanistan.
The highlights of Heston’s military career were commanding a platoon of elite soldiers on combat operations in 2012 and running the Commando Selection and Training Courses in 2016.
In 2017 Heston took extended leave to lead the expansion of the US originated fitness brand Barry’s Bootcamp to Australia and Singapore before officially discharging from the Australian Defence Force in January 2019.
Heston struggled with his identity outside of the military. He experienced mental health issues including suicidal ideation and has made it his mission to break down the stigmas surrounding these issues. Heston founded Voice Of A Veteran in September 2020 and successfully campaigned for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
In October 2023 Heston won a landmark defamation case against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and two of its journalists for their false reporting of an alleged war crime.
Today, Heston continues to support Veterans through the charity he founded, Veteran Support Force, and the Veteran Games.
He is a keynote speaker on topics including leadership, mindset and human performance. His passions outside of this include fitness, travelling, writing, and enjoying life with his loved ones, including his sausage dog son Copper.
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