Exclusive Support for Australia's Military Elite
When conventional systems fail our veterans we move differently.
No bureaucracy. No delays. Just precision support for precision warriors.
Join our community standing with Australia's best.
THE OPERATIONAL REALITY
Since 1997, over 1,600 Australian veterans have died by suicide - more than all recent combat deaths combined.
After three decades of continuous deployments across Somalia, East Timor, Solomon Islands, Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond, the cost of service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. For many elite operators, it's the beginning of a darker, lonelier battle.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide exposed what we already knew from the inside: institutional neglect, bureaucratic delays, and a fundamental lack of human-centered reintegration pathways.
The system wasn't built for warriors who operated at the highest levels under the most extreme conditions.
Where conventional support offers clinical scripts and waiting lists, we deploy unconventional solutions with military precision—because the men and women who secured our nation through speed, adaptability, and brotherhood deserve the same operational excellence when they need it most.
WE DON'T REPLICATE WHAT EXISTS. WE DEPLOY WHAT'S MISSING.
Emergency relief when crisis demands hours, not months.
Immersive missions that restore identity, not just manage symptoms.
Direct support from operators who've walked the same ground.
No red tape. No committees. No delays.
At Pillars for Pilgrims, we stand beside Australia's elite warriors as they rebuild futures defined not by what they've survived, but by what they'll become.
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Our mission is operational: deploy resources fast, execute unconventional programs, and build community where warriors belong.
No committees. No delays. Just precision support when it matters most.
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We are an operational unit founded and led by SASR veterans, registered as a charity with ACNC accreditation, PBI status, and DGR endorsement. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
Our mission: Deploy unconventional support to current and former SASR veterans wherever the reside, ADF veterans in Western Australia, and Coalition Special Operations Forces personnel based in WA - their families and families of the fallen.
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Operational model: Secure funding. Build strategic alliances. Deploy direct support. Execute unconventional missions. No middle layers.
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Pillars = The warriors who hold the line for each other.
Pilgrims = The journey beyond the uniform.SASR operators don't retire—they transition. From the known world of structure, mission, and brotherhood into uncharted territory where purpose must be rebuilt from scratch.
The Pillars of Hercules marked the ancient gateway to the unknown—a threshold between what was survived and what comes next. Like Hercules facing his labours, veterans face their own trials: isolation, loss of identity, the search for meaning beyond service.
We are both the pillars and the pilgrims.
We stand for each other when the system fails. We walk beside each other through the unknown. We rebuild purpose through action, not sympathy.
No one walks alone. No one is left behind.
“The people in your life are like the pillars on your porch. Sometimes they hold you up, and sometimes they lean on you. Sometimes, it’s enough to know they are standing by.”
— Merle Shain
Meet Our Founders
Andy White
Andrew’s inspiration for co-founding Pillars for Pilgrims stems from his unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency in addressing issues rooted in military leadership and government decisions that impact veterans. Drawing from his professional experiences and personal drive, he seeks to create a robust network of support in Western Australia, rebuilding the camaraderie and community that service members and their families often experience while serving. His goal is to foster this sense of belonging and connection in civilian life, helping veterans and their loved ones navigate the challenges of reintegration and thrive within a united community.
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Andrew’s military career includes service in both the British Army and Australian Defence Force, with more than a dozen operational tours across Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Africa, and Asia. As a former SASR troop SGT, Andrew brings extensive leadership experience and an intimate understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life, as well as the ongoing struggles many veterans encounter.
Andrew’s inspiration for co-founding Pillars for Pilgrims stems from his unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency in addressing issues rooted in military leadership and government decisions that impact veterans. Drawing from his professional experiences and personal drive, he seeks to create a robust network of support in Western Australia, rebuilding the camaraderie and community that service members and their families often experience while serving. His goal is to foster this sense of belonging and connection in civilian life, helping veterans and their loved ones navigate the challenges of reintegration and thrive within a united community.
Outside of his advocacy and charity work, Andrew values spending quality time with his wife, Tracy, and their six children. He remains deeply committed to fostering social connection and camaraderie within the veteran community, ensuring that no one who has served feels isolated or forgotten.
Andrew is proud to stand with his fellow directors and supporters in advancing the mission of Pillars for Pilgrims, creating a lasting legacy of support and solidarity for veterans and their families.
Adam Slot
Pillars for Pilgrims was founded from Adam’s deep commitment to supporting his fellow veterans, particularly SAS and international SOF veterans in WA. His personal mission addresses four critical challenges: the lack of local services tailored to the unique needs of contemporary veterans, the frustrating bureaucratic red tape that often delays access to vital support, the need for meaningful reintegration opportunities beyond occasional social gatherings, and the importance of holistic rehabilitation that prioritises mental well-being alongside physical recovery.
His goal is to create a space where veterans feel respected, appreciated, and supported, ensuring they know they are not only part of a legacy but also a community that continues to stand by them.
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Adam, known by many as "Slotty," grew up in Tasmania, completing his schooling before embarking on a distinguished military career in May 1992. Over nearly three decades, Adam served in the Army Reserve, Ready Reserve, Royal Australian Navy, and the Australian Regular Army. In 2002, he achieved one of the military’s most challenging milestones, successfully completing SAS selection. Throughout his career, he deployed to East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and undertook domestic counter-terrorism duties. After being medically retired from the ADF in September 2021, Adam transitioned from his service, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
Married with three adult sons, Adam sought new purpose after leaving the military. He took on leadership roles, such as President of the WA branch of the Australian Special Air Service Association (WA ASASA), represented his country at the Invictus Games in Germany, and embraced new sporting pursuits. However, his experiences revealed the frustrating reality many veterans face—navigating the complex maze of support services. He was particularly struck by the lack of respect and resources for younger Afghan veterans, despite widespread public support for them. Adam was determined to create meaningful change and address the critical gaps in veteran care.
Tess Slot
As co-founder of Pillars for Pilgrims, Tess draws on personal experience and a deep connection to the military through her family, combined with an unwavering determination to address the challenges veterans face as they transition to life after service. Her personal mission is clear: to create positive, uplifting experiences and opportunities for veterans, empowering them to create new, meaningful memories - ones that are rooted in hope, growth, and a positive, enriching future.
Tess envisions a community where veterans feel truly supported, valued, and empowered, building a brighter, fulfilling future and rebuilding their sense of purpose and belonging. Her motivation is driven by an unwavering belief that those who have given so much for their country deserve to be celebrated, uplifted, and supported.
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Tess Slot is a seasoned Director and passionate advocate for Australia’s veteran community, with extensive experience in the charity sector supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and create lasting impact. As Co-Founder of Pillars for Pilgrims, Tess combines personal experience, a deep familial connection to the military, and an unwavering commitment to addressing the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.
With a strong family legacy of military service - her father, uncle, and brother, Adam Slot, all served, with Adam earning distinction in the SASR - Tess has profound respect for those who dedicate their lives to serving their country. Her close ties to the armed forces have also provided insight into the hidden struggles veterans endure after service, including feelings of isolation, loss of structure, and the mental and emotional toll of reintegration.
Beyond her work with Pillars for Pilgrims, Tess has made significant contributions to broader community projects through her leadership roles in organisations like the Regional Regeneration Alliance. Her dedication to creating thriving, resilient communities is evident in her ability to lead initiatives that deliver sustainable, grassroots solutions, foster connection, and support those in need.
Through her work, Tess strives to make a meaningful difference, whether by addressing gaps in veteran support, advocating for social well-being, or driving initiatives that create positive change across the broader community. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in the power of community to transform lives.
MISSIONS
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Emergency Financial Relief
A program providing urgent financial assistance to veterans and their families in times of crisis, when immediate support is needed and other options are delayed or hindered by time constraints or bureaucratic processes. Examples are short-term accommodation, financial hardship, and respite.
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Wandering Pilgrims
A program offering cultural immersion experiences that gently challenge veterans by taking them beyond their mental, psychosocial, and sometimes physical comfort zones. The primary goal is to foster the creation of positive and lasting memories for veterans and their families.
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Ambassador
Veterans who have participated in any Pillars for Pilgrims program are invited to become ambassadors for the community. As ambassadors, they share their lived experiences of reintegration and rehabilitation, helping to inspire and support fellow veterans on their own journeys.
COMPLETED MISSIONS
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Cape to Cape Mountain Bike Race
P4P supported 4 veterans to compete in the 2025 Cape to Cape Mountain Bike Race.
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Cape York Expedition 2025
10 veterans embarked on an expedition to Cape York to commemorate Long Tan day.
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Emergency Financial Relief
Education assistance for a veteran to gain a Riggers qualification.
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Ibogaine Treatment 2025
Supporting a veteran’s life-changing treatment for alternative medical care.
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WA Defence Netball Association
Supported Western Australian’s ADF Netball Team through sponsorship.
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Emergency Financial Relief
Financial support for a veteran to give evidence in Canberra to the Honours and Awards enquiry.
Commemorative Rum Series
Long after the funerals, the immediate support, the 100’s of visiting friends and comrades, VIP’s and senior officers. Memories of the fallen begin to fade. Not amongst the family or indeed very close friends, but unit members rotate out and people move on.
Therefore, it is extremely important to continue to commemorate those that have gone before us, and never ever forget their sacrifice.
With full support of the families of the fallen, we have released our Commemorative Rum Series in collaboration with Dead Reckoning Rum, to ensure that their memory will not be forgotten and will never fade!
50% of the profits from the sales go directly to Pillars for Pilgrims to support our veterans, their families, and families of the fallen.
Links to purchase individual bottles below.
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Sapper James Thomas Martin
Our first rum in the series is to honour the sacrifice of SPR James Martin from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment whom at the age of only 21 was cowardly shot and killed by a rogue Afghan National Army soldier in 2012.
We remember him, his family and friends.
Lest We Forget
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Lance Corporal Luke Gavin 2RAR
The second bottle in our series honours the sacrifice of LCPL Luke Gavin from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), who was cowardly shot by an Afghan National Army soldier who opened fire on Australian troops during a routine parade in 2011.
We remember him, his family and friends.
Lest We Forget
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Private Robert Hugh Frederick Poate
This fourth bottle in the series honours the memory of PTE Robert Poate, a serving member of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, who was deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment task force. During this deployment ‘Poatey’ was cowardly shot and killed by an Afghan National Army soldier on 29 August 2012.
We remember him, his family and friends.
Lest We Forget
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Lance Corporal Stjepan 'Rick' Milosevic
This third bottle honours the memory of LCPL Stjepan ‘Rick’ Milosevic, who served in the 2/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) and was deployed to Afghanistan as part of 3 RAR Task Group. Rick was cowardly shot and killed by a Afghan National Army solider in what was referred to a ‘green on blue’ incident in Afghanistan’s Beluchi Valley on August 29, 2012.
We remember him, his family and friends.
Let We Forget
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Betrayed and Disbanded SASR 2 SQN
2 SAS SQN SASR formed in September 1964 when 1 SAS Coy became a Regiment, and was removed from the order of battle in November 2020 due to alleged allegations of misconduct in Afghanistan. To date no former member of 2 SQN has been charged for any of these allegations, 5 years post disbandment.
In honour of the magnificent men of 2 SQN share a glass with your mates, take a sip and remember the courage, sacrifice, mateship and valour that they have displayed and the betrayal they now endure!
Gone But Not Forgotten