Nov 3, 2025
On this week’s podcast, I speak with Royal Australian Corps of
Signals (RA Sigs)
veteran Emma Donaldson. Emma served for 20 years, both full-time
and as a
reservist. Emma served in several units throughout Australia. Emma
served at 152
Signal Squadron attached to the Special Air Service Regiment in
Perth. Emma
excelled in her role and would later meet her future husband while
serving at 152
Squadron. Emma is a veteran/wife, Mother and the first I have
interviewed talking
about the role of wives and children back at home while their
partners are deployed
overseas.
Emma met and is married to Mark Donalson VC. Mark served in the
SASR and was
awarded the Victoria Cross for his action in combat in Afghanistan
in 2008. Emma
talks openly about the day she found out that Mark would be awarded
the highest
bravery award, the Victoria Cross. Emma talks about the good and
the bad aspects
of the Victoria Cross on families. Emma supported Mark through 7
tours of duty while
balancing home life as a full-time Mum. Emma also talks about how
important the
support of the wives and partners is while their partners are
deployed. Emma speaks
about the loss of friends, her postnatal depression, and her
miscarriage, the struggle
that all veterans and first responders face when transitioning out
of uniform. Emma
also talks about rediscovering her identity and purpose as a
civilian.
Emma now works as a Veterans Liaison Officer for Legacy Club
Services,
advocating for veterans and their families. This is a raw and
honest chat about the
true cost of service as a veteran and life at home supporting your
partner of a special
forces operator and rediscovering yourself post-service.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Emma Donaldson
Editor: Kyle Watkins