Into the Melody - Watercolour on Paper

Painting inspired by army veteran Thomas Polizoides, walking across a guitar fretboard that stretches out like a bridge, carrying him forward. Slung over his shoulder, the guitar becomes both companion and guide, a symbol of the music that gives him purpose and identity after service. Behind him, shadows cling to the edges, reminders of struggle, of darkness, of the weight left behind. Ahead, the fretboard rises into a glowing horizon, warm and unknown, but inviting. It is a passage from turmoil into light, a journey where music transforms pain into possibility.
Tom enlisted in the Australian Army on 25 July 2016, joining the Corps of Transport. He served with distinction, first posted to 1 CSSB in Darwin between 2016 and 2019, and later to 9FSB from 2020 to 2022. His career was cut short when he was medically discharged in 2022, a moment that ended his time in uniform but not his connection to service.

Leaving Defence brought unexpected challenges. For Tom, one of the hardest moments was handing back his ID card, an act that felt like surrendering his very identity. The Army had provided him with structure, purpose, and camaraderie; suddenly, that was gone.
While his transition appeared “smooth” on the surface, moving into a new life with his wife and two young sons, the emotional impact ran deep. He found himself missing the pride of wearing a uniform, the bonds of mate ship, and the clear progression of military goals. The absence of these pillars led to a decline in his mental health and self-esteem, and the adjustment to civilian life proved far more difficult than expected.
What helped Tom during this time was talking with mates he had served with and reaching out through veteran support networks. Keeping busy became a survival tool. But he also felt the pressing need to find something that gave him back a sense of identity and purpose.
That search led him to a long-held childhood dream: playing the guitar. On impulse, he bought one, only to regret the decision immediately because of financial strain. When he tried to return it, he was told there were no refunds. For Tom, that felt like the universe telling him: “You need this.” What began as a reluctant commitment turned into a passion that changed his life. The guitar opened up a new world, a way of creating, telling stories without words, and shifting focus away from daily struggles. Where he once found progress and growth through the Army, he now found it in learning music.
Tom explains that music gives him: Structure and progression, goals to work toward and skills to master. Purpose and excitement, the joy of creating and achieving. Connection with himself, a deep sense of identity, no longer tied to a job title. He now proudly identifies not just as a veteran, but as a musician, saying that identity can be shaped by passion rather than profession.
While music hasn’t yet provided new social connections, Tom sees that door open for the future. What it has already given him is invaluable: a mental outlet, emotional comfort, and a new way to define himself outside of Defence. Tom also reflects on how his military service continues to shape him: “The Army made me a better man, and that’s something I’ll carry forever.”
Tom offers this advice:
“No matter who you are, leaving is hard. If you can find a purpose and a passion, something you’ve always wanted to do, pursue it. Fill the void missing in your life.”