about veteran support force
Taking Action Today.
Veteran Support Force (VSF) was founded in 2021 in order to provide proactive support to Veterans and their families during the Royal Commission in Defence and Veteran Suicide.
During this period we conducted regular surveys, formulated petitions when required and directly engaging will all levels of government to advocate for Veterans and their families on critical issues and public awareness campaigns.
VSF’s primary focus is now the continued growth and expansion of the Veteran Games, delivering events across multiple states within Australia while working with partner organisations to expand the initiative internationally into the US and UK.
Head to VeteranGames.com to find out more.
Watch
the video
Our Board of Directors.
Heston Russell
Managing Director
Heston Russell
Managing Director
Heston Russell, a retired Special Forces Major of 16 years’ service and over 100 combat missions. Heston transitioned out of the Australian Defence Force and almost gave up on life in August 2020. After giving himself a purpose to live, Heston founded Voice Of A Veteran and was central to the campaign for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Heston Russell operates at the ministerial level of government and liaises with members of most political parties. Heston has national media support and can mobilise the majority of young Veterans and indeed their wider Australian community networks to support Veterans and key Veteran issues.
Selena Clancy
Director
Selena Clancy
Director
Selena Clancy is a retired Australian Army Major with more than 20 years’ experience working alongside wounded, injured and ill Australian Defence Force members. Her career included operational, welfare and leadership appointments, culminating as the Personnel Officer at 2 Commando Regiment.
Today, Selena serves as Assistant Deputy Mayor of Shoalhaven City Council. She remains deeply committed to supporting veterans and their families, particularly through initiatives focused on wellbeing, connection, recovery and purpose after service.
Selena brings both lived experience and leadership to her advocacy work, continuing to create opportunities that positively impact the veterans.
Mark Algie
Director
Mark Algie
Director
Samantha Asser
Director
Samantha Asser
Director
Sam was one of the founding operators behind Veteran Support Force, joining from the ground up as right hand to Managing Director Heston Russell. Over five years, she helped build the organisation from concept to impact - leading day-to-day operations, national campaigns, marketing, events, and stakeholder engagement.
Central to that journey was bringing the Veteran Games to life - our national event designed to bring veterans together through purpose, connection, and community. It remains one of her proudest contributions: tangible proof that the right structure behind a mission can create real impact.
Having transitioned from the operational team in early 2026, Sam now serves as a Non-Executive Director on the VSF board - contributing strategic oversight as the organisation continues to grow the Veteran Games and deepen its impact across the veteran community.