Looking back to move forward: My return to Afghanistan
I was honoured when I was asked to be an ambassador for the Invictus Games Toronto 2017. What that meant, I had no idea — but I was certain that it was something I wanted to be part of. I would do my best to help in any way I could.
But when I was asked to go to Kabul and participate in today’s ceremonial lighting of the Invictus Spirit flame, I couldn’t believe it.
Ever since the day, 10 years ago, when I stepped on a Taliban landmine and lost both of my feet, I have been trying to get back to Afghanistan.
I tried when I was still in uniform, only to have problems with my health, as well as policy issues, prevent me from returning. I thought about applying to several NGOs inside Afghanistan. Nothing worked. Disappointed again and again, I eventually resigned myself to the fact that it was never going to happen. I would never return to Afghanistan.
That all changed when my phone rang one day and my friend, Michael Burns, the CEO of Invictus Games Toronto 2017, asked me if I would represent our Canadian veterans at the lighting of the Invictus Spirit flame in Kabul.
He wasn’t even finished talking before I said yes — four times in a row, in fact, getting louder each time. Michael knows I’m a busy guy; with young kids, a demanding full-time job as an Ottawa city councillor, a new book project with Simon & Schuster coming out soon and some very challenging health and mobility issues since the new year. Michael wanted to be 100 per cent sure I knew what I was saying yes to. I was sure. Or at least I thought I was. What I did not predict, or even suspect would result from this project, were the highs and lows, the overwhelming emotions I would go through, just filling out the paperwork and packing a bag for the trip. I almost didn’t make it. In fact, when applying for my visa, I sat in my car outside the Afghan Embassy for a day, completely paralyzed with what I can only call a fear of the unknown, returning to a place that had changed my life so dramatically.
But how could I turn down this opportunity? To be a part of an initiative that would retrace the journey home of many Canadian injured soldiers; one that would shine a light on the long road from injury to recovery that many have endured. With the support of my family and friends, in whom I confided my feelings, I woke up early the next day and took a deep breath. I became determined to complete my mission.
With my visa in hand and my kit packed, I reflected on what the Invictus Games stand for. To me, it is a unification of efforts by Canada and our allies in the global war on terrorism to fulfil the obligation to the soldiers who have been forever changed, both physically and mentally, by the battles we are committed to in this fight for freedom and liberty.
Prince Harry, a fellow Afghanistan veteran, initiated the Invictus Games as a way to give motivation to the troops he personally fought alongside in combat. His sense of personal duty, honour and commitment to the welfare of veterans and their families is something that doesn’t need to be explained to any of us who fall within the definition of veteran.
We all feel it. Deeply and truly. When we gather together and do the “buddy check” on each other. Sending out the subtle — but very serious — inquiries about how each other is doing. Or the comforting look and small nod you receive from a brother or sister who knows how you feel and doesn’t need to talk about it (unless you want to). Just being there for each other is usually enough, but we are all ready to do more should the time ever come when our help is needed.
The Invictus Games gather hundreds of injured veterans from 17 nations — not simply to compete with each other but to meet and support each other. The network we all belong to will grow again with each ally we meet, and hug, and trade tales of soldiering with. Don’t get it twisted, the troops will be out to win at all costs, but the spirit of the games is the common bond we all share in each other’s future.
Today’s lighting of the Invictus Spirit flame is the start of a journey in Kabul. For me and many of my comrades it is actually the completion of one.
The Invictus Games gather hundreds of injured veterans from 17 nations — not just to compete, but to meet and support each other
Jody Mitic is a 20-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Invictus Games Toronto 2017 ambassador and currently serves as Ottawa city councillor for the Innes ward.