MENTOR and role model David "Bluey" Coleman has seen his fair share of jungle after serving in Vietnam and the Police Special Operations unit.

He now lends a hand in looking after our young soldiers and military personnel coming back from active duty.

He is preparing for a challenge set by the Gold Coast/Tweed Mates4Mates Kokoda Trek on March 26, a group Mr Coleman has been a part of since it formed a branch on the Tweed.

Mates4Mates is a physical and psychological rehabilitation service for injured and ill current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel.

"I have a lot of faith in the young soldiers of today and that is why I do what I do," Mr Coleman said.

He has been training on his property outside Murwillumbah for the trip, hiking daily for fitness, but it is the emotional and mental side of the trek he has to aim up for.

Like many Vietnam veterans Mr Coleman has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and now mentors younger service men and women in dealing with problems upon returning from active duty.

"I will be going back into an environment the same as in the war so there will be plenty of trigger mechanisms," Mr Coleman said.

"While the PTSD will always be there, it can be managed to a certain degree, with the assistance and support of mates and loving family, along with a sensible diet.

"These Mates4Mates challenges are designed to physically and mentally stretch the suffering veteran."

While he supports and mentors younger soldiers, the need for his own support network is still necessary.

"My support team are just simply the best group of people ever," he said.

When the opportunity came up to take part in the trek, he jumped at the chance to help soldiers by walking the famous trail in Papua New Guinea.

Mates4mates

This year's Kokoda Challenge participants have already raised $11,525

Currently there are 14 heroes fundraising for the event.

The organisation provides support for families of returning service men and women.

David's career

He was retrained by the Australian Defence Force as part of the first Police Special Operations unit in the country (now known as a Tactical Response Unit) upon his return from Vietnam.