FORMER soldier Adrian Aiple hopes to help young veterans find a new lease of life by creating a local support organisation and restoring a car.
Mr Aiple, 37, said working on the car would bring former soldiers together and give them a project on which to focus.
The group will transform a 1971 MK1 Capri with the aim of entering it into drag racing events.
Mr Aiple said a mate he served with in Iraq founded a young veterans program in Victoria that inspired him.
The group has space on the premises of Boss Customs, which Mr Aiple co-owns with John Wright.
Mr Aiple said they would receive technical guidance from Mr Wright and support from working together.
“Working on the car will be good therapy. It gets the guys out who might otherwise be home on their own and it gives us somewhere to go,” Mr Aiple said.
“For men and women who are permanently impaired and given a pension, there is often nothing for them to do. Often they sit at home and can become destructive.
“By coming together to work on the car, they can create something with their hands, rather than destroy something.”
There would also be a demountable building as a welfare hut where members can relax and help one another avoid feeling isolated.
Mr Aiple said all veterans, regardless of age and operational service, were invited.
A barbecue launch will be held at noon on Saturday at Boss Customs, 539 Redland Bay Road, Capalaba.
The group will also have a marquee at Willowbank for All Ford Day on July 15.
Enquiries to 0421 206 963.
