User:Phillip Thompson Townsville/sandbox

Phillip who is the 2018 QLD Young Australian of Year who was 20 years old at the time he deployed to Afghanistan where he was Wounded In Action whilst on a dismounted patrol when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated within 1m of him. The blast resulted in his medical evacuation back to Australia with severe injuries. Phillip subsequently developed and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder a Traumatic Brain Injury along with other life changing injuries.

Personal
Phillip was born in Australia. Phillip is married to Jenna, his mother is Carolyn and he has two siblings - Stephanie and Timothy. He grew up on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Phillip at the age of 17 joined the Royal Australian Regiment as an Infantry Soldier.

Military Career
He joined the Army in 2006 as an Infantry Soldier with the 1st Battalian Royal Australian Regiment. He deployed to East Timor in 2007 for 6 months. In 2009, Phillip was badly injured an Improvised Explosive Device during operations in Uruzgan Province, Afganistan. The explosion resulted in Phillip losing hearing in his right ear, a traumatic brain injury and being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Sporting Career
Phillip represented Australia at the inaugural Invictus Games in London, United Kingdom 2014. The Invictus Games is a paralympic styled event for wounded, injured and ill still serving and former serving defence force members from around the globe. In 2016, Phillip coached the Australian Invictus Games team in Orlando, Florida. He coached powerlifting and wheelchair rugby.

Accolades

 * 2009 - Dutch Commanders Commendation
 * 2016 - ANZAC of the Year
 * 2016 - Nominated for Young Australian of the Year
 * 2017 - Inducted as a Great Australian at the Great Australian Gala Dinner
 * 2018 - QLD Young Australian of the Year