Larry Jenkins was a petty officer with the Royal Australian Navy during the Persian Gulf War.

He returned home after the birth of his first child in 1991.

"It was very difficult because he was totally different and very hard to talk to," Mrs Mallette said.

"You had no idea what they had been through and they don't want to talk about it.

"There is no common ground."

Mrs Mallette lost her husband in 1998 and has since remarried.

She is one of thousands of widows across Australia who relies on Legacy for support.

Legacy plays an irreplaceable role of comforting families through difficult times by providing financial and counselling assistance.

"It's been wonderful any time I want to ring and talk or need help," Mrs Mallette said.

"It's been really helpful for me to get back on my feet."

Legacy Day will be held tomorrow and will see volunteers stationed on streets to sell badges to support the service.

Legacy Legatee Russell Watson said it was the largest fund-raising day of the year for the charity.

"They need that support because when people come back from a war zone they're different, they don't really connect," Mr Watson said.

People are encouraged to donate or buy a badge tomorrow to ensure the charity's ongoing work.