Team Canada - Invictus Games 2020 - Biographies
May 9-16, 2020
The Hague,
The Netherlands
Meet the athletes competing on Team Canada in the 2020 Invictus Games. Biographies are organized in alphabetical order by last name.
A
Daniel Avon
Corporal (retired) Gunner
Hometown:Gatineau, QC
Current residence: Val-des-monts, QCDaniel joined the army in 2007 and was quickly involved in the lifting community. He had several operations throughout his short career of 12 years. Injured while serving, he never thought his life could flip upside down in a second. After his long rehabilitation, Daniel knew he wasn’t going back home with all the pieces, but he came back alive and that was already enough. Although still unsure of his health, he applied to the Invictus Games knowing that if he got in, he would find a way to succeed at the sports he would play. He is truly grateful to his wife and family for their support. He will give it all at the Games to inspire his teammates and everyone who struggle with mental health and physical injuries. He is humbled to represent the Canada at the 2020 Invictus Games.
B
James Bourgeois
Captain (retired) Infantry
Hometown: Belleville, ON
Current residence: Kelowna, BCJames suffers from a severe degradation of mobility as a result of a spinal cord injury that occurred while in service. The injury caused a reduced capacity for multitasking, poor short-term memory and limited mobility. James worked on several humanitarian relief missions before suffering the injury and, through the Invictus Games 2020, he hopes to find the worth he feels that he’s lost by being able to represent Canada at this international event.
Joanne Bradley
Warrant Officer (retired) Resource Management Support (RMS) Clerk
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Current residence: Ottawa, ONDuring her time in army, Joanne enjoyed working with recruits to help them grow into the adults and soldiers that they had the potential to become. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she has looked to exercise to help her feel better. Eager to develop her swimming abilities, she chose to compete in swimming at the Invictus Games 2020 and she hopes to continue to swim regularly after the event to improve her physical and mental health. Joanne was motivated to participate in this year’s games by her friend, peer and mentor Stacey from Invictus 2018.
Raymond Burke
Warrant Officer – Geomatic Technician
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Current residence: Gatineau, QCDuring his 31 year military career, Ray spent 18 years as Medical Technician before changing to his current occupation. He has had numerous deployments throughout his long career including Bosnia, Croatia, Kuwait and three tours in Afghanistan. He was intrigued and inspired by a friend who competed in Invictus 2017 and decided to apply for the 2020 games.
Ray believes physical activity is an important part of physical and mental health. He is using Invictus as a platform for motivation and a way to maintain and improve himself. He is currently inspired by the strength and resilience of his teammates. Ray has a daughter in Law School in the Quebec City area. He is both proud and humbled to represent Canada at Invictus 2020.
C
Ryan Carey
Captain (retired) Infantry
Hometown: Carleton Place, ON
Current residence: Saint Bruno, QC
During his time in the infantry, Ryan served with the Royal Canadian Regiment and deployed on TF 3-06 Afghanistan. He also enjoyed participating in Exercise Cold Response in Norway, along with peers from invited partnership for peace countries. He recognizes that daily movement and belonging to a peer support group has had a positive role on his road to recovery. This motivated him to join the Invictus Games and to take his fitness seriously again. It’s a lesson he will embrace for good moving forward. His enjoyment of competition is expected to be of great benefit to him and the team during the Invictus Games 2020.
D
Jeffrey Docksey
Sergeant (retired) Geotech
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Current residence: St. Albert, ABDuring his 27 years in the Army, Jeffrey worked in several occupations with the opportunity to deploy to the Golan Heights, Cyprus, Afghanistan, and twice to Bosnia. His career highlights include representing Canadian Peacekeepers in Oslo at the Nobel Peace Prize Presentation in 1988 and working with the U.S. Marine Corps for three months in 1997. His injury has humbled him and led him to becoming more self-aware and compassionate of others due to his belief that: “Everything happens for a reason and eventually you’ll find out why.”
As a child, Jeffrey dreamed of participating in the Olympics and the Invictus Games 2020 are his chance to represent Canada in a sporting event on the international stage, something that he had always hoped to do. Jeff has worked for the OSISS peer support program for the past 8 years. He credits a great deal of his continuing recovery to the love and support of his wife Mariette.
Nadia Duranleau
Sergeant (retired) Army Cook
Hometown: Quebec, QC
Current residence: Aylmer, QCNadia proudly served her country for 20 years, working in Valcartier, QC, Saint-Jean, QC and Borden, ON where she retired from Food Services. She focuses on living a healthy lifestyle and participating in physical training to help her achieve her goals in life. As one of Team Canada’s captains, Nadia has chosen to challenge herself by learning new skills and sports for the Invictus Games 2020. Her positive approach is apparent in her motto “The sun is and will always be shining.”
F
Rock Ferland
Chief Warrant Officer – Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent (AM SUP)
Hometown: Beauport, QC
Current residence: Comox, BCServing for over 30 years, Rock has spent most of his military career working on CH 124 Sea Kings and CH 146 Griffon helicopters. His most recent deployment was in Kuwait with the CP 140 Aurora. He is especially proud of his promotion to Chief Warrant Officer as he was the youngest AM SUP at the time to reach CWO! Since his injury, his everyday life has changed 180 degrees. Soldier On has been his foundation for a healthier lifestyle and he is extremely honoured to have been chosen to represent Canada at the Invictus Games in 2020! As he says it best, “Tick tock, it’s time to rock!” Let’s Go Canada!!
Collin Fitzgerald
Master Corporal (retired) Infantry
Collin moved several times throughout his military career and deployed to Bosnia and Afghanistan. He received the Medal of Valour for repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire by entering and re-entering a burning platoon vehicle and successfully driving it off a roadway, permitting remaining vehicles trapped in the enemy zone to break free. His injury rerouted his life. Thanks to a former co-worker and past Invictus athlete, he chose to participate in the Invictus Games 2020.
Marc Fortier
Corporal – Infantry
Hometown: Frelighsburg, QC
Current residence: Longueil, QCDuring his time in the army, Marc worked at 2R22R and the Maisonneuve Regiment. He also worked a lot at shooting ranges and in the Farnham training area. He has been a part-time firefighter for over 20 years and had the opportunity to deploy to Bosnia in 1995. Marc enjoys facing challenges like competing in the Scott Firefit Championships, experience which should prove very handy for the Invictus Games 2020. Taking on challenges helps him a great deal in keeping up his mental and physical health. Training has been the best medicine and the Invictus Games are another challenge to help him on his journey to recovery.
G
Jessica Garneau
Corporal (retired) Resource Management Support (RMS) Clerk
Hometown: Victoriaville, QC
Current residence: Gatineau, QCAfter graduating from the Royal Military College of Canada, Jessica worked at the First Canadian Field Hospital in Petawawa, ON. The highlight of her career was having the opportunity to fence on behalf of Canada for the International Military Sports Council. After her injury she had to make adjustments to her lifestyle. Now she wants to inspire others by participating in the Invictus Games 2020 to show others that they can overcome their own challenges. Her motto is “She believed she could, so she did,” and she will!
Alannah Gilmore
Sergeant (retired) Medical Technician
Hometown: Oromocto, NB
Current residence: Ottawa, ONAlannah served as an army medic for 23 years, with deployments to Canadian Forces Station Alert and Afghanistan as a front line medic with 1 RCR Battle Group. In 2015, she was medically released from the military with physical injuries and PTSD. Her career accomplishments include receiving four commendations: Commander in Chief, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Military Personnel, and Commanding Officer. Since her retirement, she continues to serve the military, veteran and family communities as an advocate by using her voice to help others.
In 2018, Alannah began preparing for another kind of battle when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. In January 2020 she completed her active treatment for breast cancer! “Being accepted to Team Canada for the Invictus Games could not have come at a better time for me. I’ve been able to focus on and work towards something more than the struggles I can’t control! I cannot wait to share these moments with those who mean the most to me in this world: my two daughters Aylah (11) and Kierah (8). Proud to have served and proud to serve again!”
Junior Gosse
Chief Warrant Officer (retired) Military Police
Hometown: Corner Brook, NL
Current residence: Cole Harbour, NSThroughout his career as a Military Policeman, serving with the Army, Navy and Air Force, Junior had many postings throughout Canada and deployed to Iran and Somalia. He was instrumental in helping rescue six diplomats from Iranian militants during the takeover of the US Embassy in Iran. PTSD and chronic pain, from injuries sustained while serving, have had an impact on his health. Inspired to “Soldier On”, he is motivated to participate in the Invictus Games 2020 as a way to help him deal with his injuries and overcome the physical and mental health challenges he faces. Junior hopes that he can be an inspiration to others to become more physically active.
H
Nick Holyome
Major (retired) Intelligence Officer
Hometown: Comox, BC
Current residence: Comox, BCA former MARS officer and army intelligence officer, Nick now lives in Comox with his family. Soldier On and training for the Invictus Games 2020 have helped Nick revitalize his passion for sports and healthy competition. He is looking forward to competing at the Games and wearing a national uniform again. He draws his inspiration from his wife and two children who have helped and supported him as he has made the challenging transition to civilian life. He will be competing in cycling, indoor rowing, and sitting volleyball.
K
Colleen Kelly-Wardle
Captain – Logistics Officer, Finance
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
Current residence: Winnipeg, MBAs an Air Force Logistics and Finance Officer, Colleen has worked in several units in Winnipeg throughout her career. She also had the opportunity to deploy to Canadian Forces Station Alert which she thoroughly enjoyed. Her injury took away part of her identity, the part of her that was active, fit and reliable, and made her often feel useless. When she lost her active lifestyle, she also lost the friends she met through sport. She believes the Invictus Games 2020 will help her become active once again, be part of a team again, and make new friends.
Julian Kirschner
Corporal (retired) Medical Technician
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Current residence: Kelowna, BCAs a Navy Medic, Julian spent his career in Edmonton, AB. Time spent in Afghanistan working in village medical outreach and being able to help children was the highlight of his career. After being diagnosed with PTSD, Julian found that sport helped him keep fit and focused to be the best person he can be for his family. Julian sees his participation in the Invictus Games 2020 as a way to help close a difficult chapter of his life and help him move on, knowing he is not weak. His motto “It’s all good” is bound to help him throughout this adventure.
L
Allison Leamon
Master Corporal – Infantry
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Current residence: Guelph, ONAs a member of the Toronto Scottish Regiment, Allison was a machine gunner and a driver in Afghanistan which was the highlight of her career. A trailblazer, she was the only female in a Highland Games tug-of-war tournament in which her team took 2nd place overall. Allison’s injury left her feeling like she had lost herself, that she did not even know who she was anymore, and that she could no longer do what she once could. While volunteering for Invictus 2017, she was inspired by the athletes that she saw, leading her to want to do better and be better. Her Regimental motto “Carry On” will serve her well.
Darrell Ling
Able Seaman (retired) Marine Electrician
Hometown: Halifax, NS
Darrell worked primarily in the Halifax-area throughout his career. He participated in four NATO exercises, as well as in the military response to the SwissAir Flight 111 disaster in 1998 and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. He is grateful to the Canadian Armed Forces for giving him a job, a trade and a career. After his injury, he isolated and neglected himself for years due to his PTSD, ultimately becoming homeless and losing almost all that being in the Forces had helped him become. He is working hard to build his life back up again and is grateful to be a part of Soldier On where he can develop meaningful bonds with other veterans. He believes that being part of the Invictus Games 2020 will help him get out of his comfort zone, build up his self-confidence, and restore his belief that he can still do whatever he puts his mind to.
M
Aaron Matheson
Ordinary Seaman – Sonar
Hometown: Halifax, NS
Current residence: Halifax, NS
Aaron worked on Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) St. John’s, while serving in Halifax. The highlight of his career is when he paraded for and met Prince William. His injury flipped everything upside down and he is now trying to learn how to live his life with his new challenges. He says that people say everything happens for a reason but when you’re dealt your hand you can either fold or see what positives you can make from it; he will be making the best of it during the Invictus Games 2020.
Christopher Moores
Master Corporal – Line Systems Technician
Hometown: Matapedia, QC
Current residence: Kingston, ONDuring his career as an Army Lineman, Christopher worked with the Joint Signal Regiment and the School of Communications and Electronics. He deployed to Germany and Afghanistan and identifies the opportunity to meet Princess Anne as a highlight of his career. His injury caused depression and strain on his family, as well as major weight gain and a lack of pursuing his goals. His motto is “Drawing from our past as we strive towards our future,” which is what he plans to do during the Invictus Games 2020. Dedicated to and inspired by his wife and kids, he always puts family first.
Jamie Morel
Corporal (retired) Medical Assistant
Hometown: Kapuskasing, ON
Current residence: Pembroke, ONJamie has spent his career in Petawawa, ON with deployments to Rwanda and Bosnia. Always active, he took his jump course and a few years later participated in the Annual Ironman Competition in Petawawa. His injury led to a lack of motivation and decreased joy in the things he once loved. As a result, his family was negatively impacted by his symptoms. Although the Invictus Games 2020 will take him way outside his comfort zone, Jamie is looking forward to the camaraderie of participating with fellow veterans and being able to represent Canada again, while increasing his confidence in his own abilities.
P
Hans Poirier
Corporal (retired) Infantry
Hometown: Campbellton, NB
Current residence: Courtenay, BCHans had several postings throughout his career and was deployed to Bosnia and Afghanistan. Enjoying an active lifestyle, he participated in the Annual Ironman Competition in Petawawa and was on the Rifle Team for three years. After his injury, Hans found that chronic pain led to a loss of mobility and that PTSD caused havoc in his life. His motto “Choose life, not death” is particularly poignant. Hans has today found sobriety, and sport is a huge part of his new healthy way of life. He is participating in the Invictus Games 2020 to rebuild connections and to be part of a team again while representing Canada, as well as to regain self-confidence and pride.
Sarah Powers
Master Warrant Officer – Human Resources Administrator
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Current residence: Petawawa, ONA human resources administrator in the Canadian Armed Forces, Sarah has had numerous postings throughout her career and has been deployed to Bosnia and Sudan. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2018, she went from being a physically fit, active, "lead from the front" soldier and mother, to someone who felt unworthy of wearing her uniform. Every day the worry of reoccurrence weighs on her. Sarah is motived to participate in the Invictus Games 2020 to show resilience on both a physical and mental level. Her motivational statement is "We fall. We break. We fail. But then… We rise. We heal. We overcome."
R
Duncan Redburn
Major – Infantry
Hometown: Burns Lake, BC
Current residence: St. Albert, ABDuncan is a Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry officer who has spent his career with the Battalions and the Infantry School, as well as being deployed twice to Afghanistan. His career highlights include his deployments and the time spent mentoring junior officers. Working at 3 CDSG Edmonton has given him the chance to learn about the benefits and positive impacts of balance that every member of the Canadian Armed Forces can strive for. He was motivated to participate in the Invictus Games 2020 by several friends and he is looking forward to having the chance to compete in sports again. His motto is “Rolling Tight Whips.”
S
Catherine Schofield
Master Corporal (retired) Emergency Medical Technician Medic
Hometown: Kentville, NS
Canada and overseas, with 1FD Ambulance Edmonton and 1 RCHA Det. Shilo, MB, with deployments in 2006 and 2009. She combatted forest fires in British Columbia, volunteered at the University of Alberta Hospital, and served as an emergency medical technician in Bosnia. During her training ahead of a deployment to Afghanistan, Catherine suffered an injury resulting in the amputation of her left leg in 2015. She also suffers from injury to her right knee, paralysis in her hands, complex regional pain syndrome, PTSD and depression. At the end of 2018, Catherine was diagnosed with breast cancer for which she is currently undergoing treatment.
Her sports experience includes being a silver medalist in the 2008 CFB Nationals. She was a sledge hockey goalie for three years and serves as secretary for the Nova Scotia Para Sledge Hockey Association.
Catherine draws strength from her family, friends, and her service cat Ernie. She credits Soldier On for being able to learn new sports such as archery and sledge hockey, and for reconnecting with her army peers. She is proud and humbled to represent Canada for the Invictus Games.
Wade Stach
Master Warrant Officer (retired) Postal Clerk
Hometown: Redcliff, AB
Current residence: Regina Beach, SKWade spent over 33 years in the Army, working in several occupations: Infantry, Physical Education and Recreation Instructor, and Postal Clerk. During his career, he deployed to the Golan Heights, Haiti, Bosnia and Afghanistan. His career highlight is advancing to the rank of Master Warrant Officer. His PTSD effected how he interacts during day-to-day activities and his physical injuries have minimized his ability to be active. Nevertheless, he believes in continuing to move forward in a positive way and he will be doing this at the Invictus Games 2020 where he looks forward to being involved in a team atmosphere and taking control of his life.
V
Greg Van Olm
Sergeant – Infantry
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Current residence: Edmonton, ABAn Infanteer who has worked in Edmonton, Gagetown, Meaford and St. Jean, the highlights of Greg’s career include his deployment to Afghanistan, teaching others, and being a part of the ‘brotherhood’. He is still bothered by the fact that his injury has impacted him so significantly, however Greg is looking forward to representing Canada at the Invictus Games 2020 and competing in the sports he loves.
Ken Vokey
Corporal (retired) Infantry
Hometown: Jamestown, NL
Current residence: Rusagonis, NBKen received the Sacrifice Medal after suffering a non-visible wound as a result of his tours in 2008 in Kandahar and 2012 in Kabul. He was diagnosed with PTSD in 2013, causing him to leave his 2 RCR unit later that same year and to go to the Joint Personnel Support Unit. Despite taking part in a return to work program and trying to get the help he needed, things regrettably kept getting worse for him while he was still wearing a uniform. Then he found the Soldier On program and says that it completely changed his life. He credits it with being one of the factors that kept him going through some dark times. He ended up retiring in 2017 and does woodcarving and canvas painting to keep his mind balanced. Now, he is looking towards the Invictus Games 2020 to continue his journey to recovery.
Leander Volz
Sergeant – Infantry
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Current residence: Shawnigan Lake, BCDuring his career in the army, Leander has been posted to both Edmonton and Esquimalt and deployed to Afghanistan several times. An airborne soldier and parachute instructor, he was a member of the Canadian Forces Shooting Team. As a result of his injury, he is not the same person he once was; it affects every aspect of his life. He is motivated to participate in the Invictus Games 2020 as an example to the soldiers that he works with. He believes that if you fall down, you get back up again and keep moving forward and that you should learn from your mistakes and make tomorrow better.
W
Samantha Wilcox
Master Corporal – Financial Services Administrator
Hometown: Campbellford, ON
Current residence: Frankford, ON
With over 10 years of experience, Sam has worked most of her career within air bases, between Comox, BC and her current base in Trenton, ON. She had the opportunity to go to Prestwick, Scotland; Riga, Latvia; and Iqaluit, Nunavut as part of an aircrew. Injuries and medical conditions throughout her career prevented her from doing things she was passionate about. It made her feel like losing a part of her identity. Seeing her mentor and friend Lt(N) Nicole Murillo win a medal in the 2018 Invictus Games gave Sam the motivation and push to take a chance and do something outside her comfort zone. She took the leap and applied to the 2020 Games. Sam hopes they will motivate her to find new passions. She wants to inspire other soldiers who are struggling to try new things and find a new purpose. Her motto has always been “love, conquer, succeed,” as tattooed on her back. To love something is to conquer the challenges you face. In the end, you will succeed! She hopes to use her motto to motivate and push herself to new limits and set new goals after the Games.
Z
Chris Zizek
Sergeant (retired) Vehicle Technician
Hometown: Goderich, ON
Current residence: Campbell River, BCDuring his military career, Chris was posted across Canada, with a deployment to Afghanistan. With the opportunity to travel from coast to coast to coast throughout his career, Chris and his family eventually found nature at its best, planting roots on the west coast where he calls his current residence home. Guiding the next generation of vehicle technicians while instructing at the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineering School was one of his most memorable career highlights.
His injuries may limit his daily living and activities in both his personal and professional life, but that has not stopped him from continuing to inspire young minds by volunteering with cadets in his local area. Encouraged by peers who previously participated in the Invictus Games, and with his “You do You” motto, he has set his journey to the Invictus Games 2020 in motion. “Everyone is on their own journey to something. In the end, the team will be behind one another to Soldier On working up to and beyond the Games themselves.”
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