- Tell us about Veterans First Consulting and why you started the business.
Veterans First Consulting is an independent veteran advocacy group supporting current and former Defence members through the DVA claims process. Over the years, the team has helped more than 10,000 veterans secure their full entitlements for service-related injuries and illnesses.
Founded in 2022 by longtime friends Kevin Chapman and Tom Kliese, the organisation has since grown into Australia’s
largest and highest-rated DVA advocacy team.
Kevin Chapman is a former Guard in the Royal Australian Air Force with deep knowledge of DVA policies and systems, and Tom Kliese comes from a Defence family with a strong background in business operations and systems design.
Following Kevin's firsthand experience of life after service, and watching their families and mates struggle behind a wall of red tape, they decided to do something about it.
"We started Veterans First after seeing the pain so many veterans experienced trying to navigate that process. We witnessed the frustrations through Kevin's own attempts to work through it, and we wanted to optimise the experience for veterans by delivering a far more professional service than what existed at the time," said Tom Kliese.
“We’ve always had the mission to support veterans through every chapter of their journey. We assist and advocate for veterans through their DVA claims, post-service life, and anything they need help with in this space,” Kevin Chapman added.
Today, as the most trusted advocacy name in the country, Veterans First Consulting has assisted thousands of veteran families through the difficult and often frustrating DVA claims process.
“The team has had the privilege of delivering life-changing outcomes through genuine care and empathetic support. Made up of former DVA staff who know the system inside out, we're committed to helping veterans live better lives,” Tom added.
- As someone who understands the veteran journey, what are some of the biggest challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life?
"Leaving the structured world of the ADF can feel extremely daunting, and veterans often feel isolated and alone post-service," said Kevin Chapman.
"All the skills, discipline and experience that most employers look for in a workplace candidate can sometimes feel hard to transfer into civilian life.
"Career change is stressful, and veterans' mental health must always be considered during their transition from service and throughout the DVA claims process," Kevin added.
Veterans' pathway programs are structured support systems that help current and former ADF members transition into civilian life, access healthcare, find employment, and build new careers. They span multiple agencies — the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), Defence, and the Australian Public Service — and often work together.
"Knowing which programs to apply for, in what order and how to access them is an important first step. The Veterans First DVA Claims service helps veterans understand exactly where they stand and what they're entitled to before committing to any pathway," Kevin said.
- Why was partnering with Wounded Heroes Australia and supporting the 24 Hour Challenge important to Veterans First Consulting?
The Wounded Heroes 24 Hour Challenge will bring together veterans, their families, businesses and the wider Far North Queensland community for 24 hours of endurance, mateship and charity fundraising support.
"We see it as much more than just a physical challenge. Every dollar raised is helping to provide immediate local crisis support for struggling Defence families," Tom Kliese said.
"In a city such as Townsville, which is synonymous with the ADF and home to Lavarack Barracks, Ross Island Barracks and the RAAF Base, Wounded Heroes’ programs play a crucial role in delivering these much-needed services.
"For an event set to become the largest community fundraiser in North Queensland, we had no hesitation lending our support as the presenting sponsor," Tom said.
- Wounded Heroes Australia provides immediate crisis support while Veterans First Consulting focuses on long-term outcomes. Why do you believe both are important?
"For many veterans, contacting Wounded Heroes for initial crisis support — and then Veterans First Consulting for claims advice and assistance — may be the first time they have ever spoken to anyone about a condition they have carried in silence for years," Kevin Chapman said.
"Working closely with the wonderful team at Wounded Heroes allows us to be an available and trusted next-step option once a veteran's situation has stabilised.
"At Veterans First Consulting our group of highly trained, compassionate representatives have processes in place to allow people to tell their story in their own time, without any pressure or strings attached.
"We are able to deliver a concise evaluation of a veteran's situation and will always endeavour to provide a clear path forward within 24 hours," Kevin added.
- What would you say to another business considering supporting the 24 Hour Challenge?
There is limited government funding for initiatives that provide veterans with avenues for crisis support during and after service. This is why Veterans First Consulting continues to be a major supporter of Wounded Heroes.
"Wounded Heroes does such important work for the veteran community. It's life-saving work that isn't acknowledged or supported nearly enough by decision-makers," Tom Kliese said.
"They're the only organisation I know of that will make sure a veteran is housed and fed on the spot if they're experiencing a crisis, and I think that's genuinely invaluable in today's world.
"We've all seen the recent budget changes and know there just isn't as much funding to go around for these incredible organisations that do so much for veterans.
"If you're in a position to support the 24 Hour Challenge, I can't think of a worthier cause," Tom added.
- If you could leave the veteran community with one message, what would it be?
"The Veterans First Consulting team is full of passionate advocates who believe representing veterans in their pursuit of fair compensation outcomes is a privilege," Kevin Chapman said.
"Many of our representatives have experience working for DVA, have been in the ADF, or have family that have served.
"So, for us it’s never just about claims and compensation. As a group, we always hold the wellbeing and long-term support of Aussie veterans as the guiding factor in what we do.
"Our primary objective is to take all the stress out of the DVA claims process for veterans and their families. We will do all the work, so they can focus on their recovery, their loved ones, and moving on with their life," Kevin said.
