I am indebted for the creation of the character that has become Damien Hunter to four men, Keamo, Adam, Troy and Mick. Damien Hunter is built from aspects of all four. In common they are professional, highly skilled and experienced in their fields and have a deep empathy for real people. I have had the privilege to serve with all four in one of the most unique and interesting units in the Royal Australian Air Force, a home for dedicated professionals and the odd Alpha personality. We have shared many hours of good strong banter (the old kind) quite a few drinks and long hours of work in any condition to deliver the goods. I am eternally grateful for their openness, support and input. Damien Hunter is eminently a deeper character for it.
Five years ago I happened to walk passed Mick while he was getting ready to go out into the field. Those who know Mick can be assured it was an OCD drizzled affair, but it was when he started conducting his pistol drills with practised smooth ease that the ember glowed for a new character in my mind. Mick, I have to say was the seed for Damien Hunter.
If you have never shaken Adam’s hand and in a split second been dumped embarrassingly onto your arse with a confused look on your face, his skill and ability in personal combat is to be experienced. Adam has a deep understanding of his profession and medical knowledge coupled with an amazing mental resilience to pain and discomfort. Adam and I spent many hours talking over the initial ideas I had for the Damien Hunter series and it was through this open and supportive discourse that the ember began to flame.
A cool man who never seems particularly stressed, Keamo always has a mischievous grin and loves good music and good coffee. Even after a hard day Keamo is always chipper with a big smile and always looks fresh. We spent many hours in the box chatting about most things under the sun and his experiences. Keamo has a casual way of moving in the bush, measured and economical and is hard to see, almost ghost like. Damien Hunter grew further.
Many aspects of Damien Hunter’s backstory aligned through a strange coincidence with Troy’s own experiences. He has a calm and unrushed way of working which is professional and reassuring. Troy has unreservedly lent his knowledge, advice and experience to polish Damien Hunter and the series its self. Always happy and open to a chat, willing to push boundaries and encourage others to follow. Troy provided the fuel to encourage me to write the series and create a realistic character with depth and strength, something these four men all have in common.
So, Damien Hunter is a character built from four good men and grew over time as he rattled around in my head and has now come to life on paper.
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