Support Stories

Simon Mailloux, Cpt.

I was injured after an improvised explosive device, commonly called an IED, destroyed my command vehicle during OP ATHENA in 2007 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

The bomb amputated my left leg at the knee, and left me with a fractured jaw and various lacerations.
I started my rehabilitation early on in order to return to service and redeploy in theater.

The Soldier On program was instrumental in this process, not only by opening up training opportunities
that introduced me to adapted sports, but also by allowing me to take part in high-calibre athletic
competitions that changed my outlook on my injury and my abilities. I learned to cycle, run,
precision shoot while standing, take part in relay races, and so on all over again.

Soldier On has given me a lot already and continues to provide me with challenging activities.
The program is a key factor in the well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members.

The program also included my family in the process, which made them feel that they were part of the solution. Not only could my wife see my progress at home, she saw me develop new athletic and high-level abilities. Suddenly, she turned from my nurse into my trainer to get me back on my feet.

For me, Soldier On is Canadians saying “thank you.” It’s a leg up back into the saddle. It’s realizing that the future still holds opportunities and that we have to reach out and grab them whether we’re injured or not.

Capt Simon Mailloux