Meet the Team

Captain (retired) Infantry
Hometown: Belleville, ON
Current residence: Kelowna, BC

Mike 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. Mike 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.

Warrant Officer (retired) Resource Management Support (RMS) Clerk
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Current residence: Ottawa, ON

During their time in army, Levi enjoyed working with recruits to help them grow into the adults and soldiers that they had the potential to become. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, they had looked to exercise to help them feel better. Eager to develop their swimming abilities, they chose to compete in swimming at the Invictus Games 2020 and they hopes to continue to swim regularly after the event to improve their physical and mental health. Levi was motivated to participate in this year’s games by their friend, peer and mentor Stacey from Invictus 2018.

Warrant Officer – Geomatic Technician
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Current residence: Gatineau, QC

During his 34 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 Oka crisis, Bosnia, Croatia, Kuwait and three tours in Afghanistan. A friend who competed in Invictus 2017 inspired Raymond, leading him 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 both proud and humbled to represent Canada at Invictus 2020.

Raymond will be participating in swimming, powerlifting, rowing and volleyball.

Captain – Intelligence Officer
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Current residence: Ottawa, ON

Mike received a diagnosis for late-stage cancer in Fall 2020. This diagnosis has caused him to rethink all priorities and aspects of his life. Mike started his career in the Canadian Armed Forces as a rifleman in 2 RCR and then went on to serve as a RCAF Intelligence Officer. He has served across Canada and globally on multiple deployments including Cyprus, Bosnia, Dubai, Afghanistan, and Kuwait.

The support of his family both near and far has enabled him to fight this deadly disease. Participating in the Invictus Games is a way for Mike to continue to represent his country and remain focused on his goal of being physically active and strengthening his mental resiliency. His motto is Pro Patria (for one’s country) and E Tenebris Lux, Latin for "Out of the darkness, light”.

Corporal – Material Management Technician
Hometown: Saint-Quentin, NB
Current Residence: Edmonton, AB

Corporal Amélie Chouinard serves as a Material Management Technician at 4th wing Cold Lake, CFB Edmonton. In 2019, she was injured in a motorcycle accident, losing her lower left leg and injuring her arm. Six surgeries were followed by many months of physio and rehabilitation so that Amélie could learn to use her arm again and learn to walk with a prosthesis.

Amélie is still serving, but currently awaiting a medical release so that she can pursue studies in Business Management. She will be competing in sitting volleyball, rowing and archery.

Sergeant (retired) Geotech
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Current residence: St. Albert, AB

Retired Sergeant Jeffrey Docksey served 27 years in the Army: in the Artillery as a Gunner, as a Crewman with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) and as a Geotech in the Engineer Branch. His career highlights include representing Canadian Peacekeepers in Oslo at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in 1988, working with the U.S. Marine Corps for three months in 1997 and serving on deployments in the Golan Heights, Cyprus, Afghanistan, and twice to Bosnia.

His PTSD and Anxiety Disorder injuries have 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 what it was.”

Jeff has worked for the OSISS peer support program since he retired from the Canadian Forces in 2012 and has greatly enjoyed assisting serving and retired members of the Canadian military during that time. He credits a great deal of his continuing recovery to the love and support of his wife Mariette and his four boys.

Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class – Financial Service Administrator
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
Current Residence: Victoria, BC

Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Marcy Lynn Dumonceaux has served as a Financial Service Administrator for the Army, Navy and Air Force. She has been deployed in both the Middle East and in Italy. Marcy suffers from PTSD caused by sexual trauma in the military. This prevents her from doing many of the things she used to love.

She applied to the Invictus Games as a way to encourage herself and others and to demonstrate that injuries do not define us. She wants to show that it is still possible to represent Canada, just on a different platform.

Her motto is that “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” Marcy will be competing in swimming, rowing and sitting volleyball.

Chief Warrant Officer – Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent (AM SUP)
Hometown: Beauport, QC
Current residence: Comox, BC

Newly retired Chief Warrant Officer Rock Ferland has served with the RCAF for over 31 years and has spent most of his military career working on CH 124 Sea King and CH 146 Griffon helicopters as an Avionic Technician. He was deployed on several occasions’ onboard HMCS ships as part of the HELAIR Det responsible for the maintenance on Sea King helicopters.

His latest deployment was in 2016 as part of OP IMPACT ATF-IRAQ with the CP 140 Aurora. He also had the occasion to make a difference for new recruits during his passage at the CFRC Halifax and as a platoon commander at CFLRS St-Jean.

At the time of his promotion, CWO (ret) Ferland was the youngest AM SUP trade to reach the rank of Chief! Since his injury, his everyday life has switched 180 degrees and his focus is now on healthy living and take care of his family.

Soldier On has given him a new focus and the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. He has been involved with Soldier On for a few years and he feels extremely honoured to represent Canada at the Invictus Games in 2020ne/Two!

As he says it best, “Tik Tok, it’s time to ROCK!”
Let’s Go Canada!!!

Corporal (retired) Resource Management Support (RMS) Clerk
Hometown: Victoriaville, QC
Current residence: Gatineau, QC

After 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 adjust 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!

Chief Warrant Officer (retired) Military Police
Hometown: Corner Brook, NL
Current residence: Cole Harbour, NS

Throughout 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.

Major (retired) Intelligence Officer
Hometown: Comox, BC
Current residence: Comox, BC

A 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.

Captain – Logistics Officer, Finance
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
Current residence: Winnipeg, MB

As 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 be part of a team, be active, and make new friends once again.

Master Corporal – Intelligence Operator
Hometown: Sherbrooke, QC
Current Residence: Stony Mountain, MB

MCpl Alexandre Laforest is an Intelligence Operator in the Air Force who joined as an Aviation Technician in 2007. In 2012, he remustered as Intelligence Operator and was part of Op IMPACT roto zero in the Middle East. His career highlights include the three years he spent with the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), including two tours and countless exercises.

In late June 2020, Alexandre lost his lower left leg in a motorcycle accident. Having suffered multiple traumas, he has had to reinvent his life in light of his new limitations. No longer able to partake in some of the activities he used to love, he is exploring new outlets. Depression and PTSD have become a constant presence in his life, but discovering new hobbies, sports and activities have helped him swim back up to the surface.

Alexandre applied to the Invictus Games because he was mentally in a bad place, searching for new outlets for his energy and frustrations. Alexandre’s motto is “Live the moment, accept your past, build your future!” He will be competing in seated volleyball, archery, and swimming.

Master Corporal – Infantry
Current Residence: Saint-Raymond, QC
Hometown: Ville Sainte-Catherine, QC

Jean-François Lavergne serves in the infantry in Valcartier, QC. He has deployed as part of Op Lentus during the 2017 floods in Quebec, and as the commander of a force protection detachment during Task Force Mali Roto 0 in 2018. His career highlights include serving as an Airborne paratrooper and as an Unarmed-combat-instructor.

In 2020, he lost a leg in a motorcycle accident but won’t let that stop him from doing his job and becoming even better and stronger than before. Jean-François is determined to practice every sport he used to practice and find a way to run marathons once again. His mottos are “Adapt, Evolve, Overcome” and “Faut ce qu’y faut, get it done.” He will compete in wheelchair basketball, archery and hand cycling.

Major – Infantry Officer
Hometown: Quebec, QC
Current Residence: Victoria, BC

Major Patrick Lévis has served as an infantry officer in many locations across Canada. In 2001, he deployed to Bosnia. He has also served twice in Afghanistan, in 2007-2008 and again in 2009. His career highlights include commanding an infantry platoon in both garrison and operational theatre. Patrick also enjoyed representing his unit and base in regional and national sport competitions.

After an extensive surgery, Patrick left with a mobility disability. He has had to modify all aspects of daily life. No longer able to do the sports and simple activities he used to enjoy brought feelings of fear and hopelessness. In order to remain active, Patrick has turned to adaptive activities.

Sports and competitions have always been a part of Patrick’s life and has helped him to develop life skills such as discipline, determination, devotion, and concentration. Becoming physically disabled put an end to practicing many of the sports Patrick once loved and the enjoyment that came with competing. Participating in the Invictus Games has rekindled a sense of purpose and pride in Patrick. His motto is to enjoy life to the fullest.

Patrick will be competing in wheelchair racing, handcycling and wheelchair basketball. Watch more on his story here.

Sailor Second Class (retired) Marine Electrician
Hometown: Halifax, NS
Current Residence: Halifax, NS

Darrell served in the Halifax-area throughout his career, during which he participated in multiple exercises. After his military service, he volunteered in the response to the SwissAir Flight 111 disaster in 1998. 

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. He is grateful to the Canadian Armed Forces for giving him a job, a trade and a career.

Warrant Officer – Combat Engineer
Hometown: Longueil, QC
Current residence: Quebec, QC

Over the last 18 years, David has served as a Combat Engineer. Serving across Canada, he has been posted to Edmonton, Valcartier, Gagetown and now Ottawa. During his first deployment in Afghanistan back in 2008, he was seriously injured and it has greatly impacted his life.

Through sports, hard work and perseverance; he was able to come back up physically and mentally to remain in his trade and continue serving the Canadian Armed Forces. Since then, he has deployed to Afghanistan a second time and Iraq a few years later. His career highlight to this day is to have the privilege to work at Soldier On and see what the program brings to the members of the ill and injured community. David knows a few past participants of the Invictus Games and they have been a great inspiration to him. He hopes that his participation will have the same impact on others.

Sailor Third Class – 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.

Master Corporal – Line Systems Technician
Hometown: Matapedia, QC
Current residence: Moncton, NB

During his career as an Army Lineman, Christopher worked with the Joint Signal Regiment and the School of Communications and Electronics. He was deployed to Germany and Afghanistan and identifies the opportunity in 2010 to tour Vimy Ridge and other battlegrounds in France where his grandfather fought 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.

Corporal – Human Resources Administrator
Hometown: Courtenay, BC
Current residence: Saint-Côme, QC

Emilie Poulin joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Naval Combat Information Operator, posted to Esquimalt. She later changed both trade and element, and now serves as a Human Resources Administrator in the Air Force. In 2017, she was part of operation Poseidon Cutlass 17 aboard HMCS Winnipeg in the Pacific. Her deployment was the highlight of her career as she met incredible people and gained such valuable life experience.

Not only has her injury changed Emilie’s ability to move and the activities she can do, it has also changed her perception of sports. While competing and winning is nice, these days she is simply thankful to still be able to exercise. For Emilie, the Invictus Games symbolizes never giving up on yourself. She applied for the Invictus Games to remind herself that despite the bad days, she can be proud of her achievements and share a unique bond with her teammates.

Emilie will be competing in rowing, powerlifting, and sitting volleyball. Her motivational statement is “Winners never quit; quitters never win.”

Master Warrant Officer – Firefighter
Hometown: Oakville, ON
Current residence: Cold Lake, AB

Garrett has served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Firefighter in multiple locations across the country and abroad. He deployed with both the Air Force and the Navy. Leading and training firefighters as a platoon WO was the most rewarding and positive experience throughout his career. Another career highlight includes contributing to the rescue of three people during OP Nanook in Resolute Bay, NU in 2011.

Garrett’s recent amputation has brought him to a crossroads where he is contemplating what career he would like to pursue in the future and how he would like to continue to contribute to the CAF. Garrett is trying to find ways to still be able to compete and be active in athletics. This gives him something positive to focus on while completing his rehabilitation and prosthesis process.

At the Invictus Games, Garrett will be competing in 400 and 1,500-meter track, shot-put, and sitting volleyball.

MCpl (retired) – Mobile Support Equipment Operator (MSE OP)
Hometown: Swan Creek, NB
Current residence: Petawawa, ON

Natalie Lela Madeline Pye-Keenan served in the Canadian Army as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator with postings in Gagetown, Borden, and Petawawa. Her career highlights include being a VIP driver for various dignitaries, including a royal visit.

Learning how to live with life-changing disabilities has been hard on Natalie’s mental and physical wellbeing, as well as on her family. It has been a steep learning curve to adjust to her new limitations and feelings of having been forgotten by the CAF.

At the Invictus Games, Natalie hopes to overcome these challenges. She will be competing in swimming, rowing sprint (1-min.) and wheelchair basketball.

Officer Cadet (retired) – Nurse
Hometown: St-Wilfred, NB
Current residence: Chelton, PEI

Joseph Savoie experienced a spinal cord injury (SCI) while in service. As a result, he lost complete control (mobility and sensation) of his lower extremity. Following his medical release from the Canadian Forces, Joseph completed his nursing degree and worked as a rehabilitation nurse during his career.

Soon after his injury, Joseph realized that there are numerous physical and mental health benefits to playing sport. Joseph was motivated to apply for the Invictus Games as he wants to use sports to overcome some of the physical and mental challenges caused by his injury/disability and to meet his personal goals. He will compete in wheelchair rugby and archery.

Master Warrant Officer (retired) Postal Clerk
Hometown: Redcliff, AB
Current residence: Regina Beach, SK

Wade 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.

Sergeant – Infantry
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Current residence: Edmonton, AB

An 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.

Corporal (retired) Infantry
Hometown: Jamestown, NL
Current residence: Rusagonis, NB

Ken received the Sacrifice Medal after suffering a non-visible wound because of his tours in 2008 in Kandahar and 2012 in Kabul. He received a diagnosis for 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, saying 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, 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.

Sergeant – Infantry
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Current residence: Shawnigan Lake, BC

During 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.

Sergeant (retired) Vehicle Technician
Hometown: Goderich, ON
Current residence: Campbell River, BC

During 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.”

On January 28, 2022, Team Canada member Jean-François Blais passed away unexpectedly in hospital. Jean-François was a great inspiration to his fellow members of both Team Canada and Soldier On. He will be sorely missed.

Jean-François served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a gunner and mechanic in multiple locations across the country. He also deployed to Bosnia and Haiti. He spent 10 years in a wheelchair and was told he would never walk again, but he fought his way back to not only walk again, but run, bike, and swim competitively as a triathlete.

He trained every day to become faster, stronger, and what he referred to as “a better version of himself”. He was so proud to represent his country again in a new uniform and we were incredibly proud to have him as a member of Team Canada.

Jean-François' motto was: “We are allowed to stop and kneel on one knee, put only before we get back up and continue.” In that spirit, Team Canada heads to the Hague, remembering Jean-François every step of the way.