We were sure privileged to attend a phenomenal session last week with Jody Mitic in the virtual classroom. Jody is an engaging speaker with an inspirational story to share, a national hero, and a family man who tells his story with honesty and humour.
A little about Jody (from his website):
A 20 year Canadian Armed Forces veteran and Sniper Team Leader, Jody Mitic lost both his legs when he stepped on a landmine in Afghanistan on his third tour of duty overseas. After only a few short months of rehabilitation, Jody was up and walking again. A year after his injury, Jody made national media headlines here at home when he completed the Achilles 5km run on two prosthetic legs, following that, he completed the Canada Army Run half marathon. Not only was Jody’s accomplishment a personal milestone on his road to recovery but it also became a major event that helped inspire change in how the military views and handles injured veterans and their ability to be of service.
In 2013, Jody continued to push himself harder, competing in the Amazing Race Canada’s first season with his younger brother, Cory. Jody and his brother finished in second place, and people from across the country took the time to tell him he had become a model of perseverance, strength and hope for Canadians.
Photo Source: Jody Mitic Facebook Page
Never Quit
Jody opened the session by explaining his mantra, “Never Quit.”
Never Quit … not about the small stuff but it is about the times when life really counts.
Participants really responded to Jody’s state of mind. What an inspiring message from someone who has faced many obstacles to overcome!
“The sniper Jody died that day.”
Jody spoke of his denial after his accident and how it wasn’t until after he ran the half marathon that he realized that the soldier part of him was gone: “The first thing you do when you have your legs blown off is you deny there is a problem”.
It wasn’t until after he completed the Canada Army Run half marathon in roughly 4 hours that he knew he could not return to Afghanistan. (Note: We still think running a half marathon on two prosthetic legs is a major accomplishment!)
Jody spoke honestly about adjusting to life without legs. He told of the nerve pain that will always be a part of his injury. He shared how three times he got out of bed thinking that he had his legs. Most poignant of all, Jody shared his battle with painkiller addiction and the three-day withdraw he endured to come off them.
He fought each part of his recovery hurdles like an army course with diligence and honour.
Everyone’s a Mentor
Jody soon found himself in the position of mentor to many, but he also became a mentee. He spoke of one boy who lost his legs after contracting meningitis—no matter what hurdles this boy faced, he never failed to have a smile on his face. His bright outlook remains, to this day, an inspiration for Jody.
Jody reminded the group how we all have a mentor and we are all mentors to someone. As human beings, we learn from and need each other.
Photo Source: Jody Mitic Facebook Page
Meeting the Queen
On one of Queen Elizabeth’s visits to Canada, Jody had the opportunity of meeting her, when he unexpectedly found himself in the front line of people greeting her. The Queen noticed his medal of sacrifice and continued to talk to him for much longer than the usual protocol. Jody suddenly found himself having a full-on conversation with the Queen of England! The Queen even invited him to attend the upcoming Olympics in London and join in celebration with Soldier On and Battle Back (UK’s counterpart of Soldier On).
“Soldier On took me on and brought me in as ambassador”
Jody highlighted the important work that both Soldier On and Wounded Warriors do in bringing support and awareness to the reality of being injured as a Canadian Armed Forces member. Jody recognized Rick Ricker who was injured in 1987 who had little to no support and soldiered on, on his own. Jody is thankful for being an ambassador for Soldier On, which brings resiliency, support, mentorship, and community to our ill and injured soldiers.
If reintegration into a family is hard for a soldier who comes home with no injuries, how much more challenging is reintegration when you have suffered a physical or mental injury?
Family Man
Throughout his presentation, it was very obvious how proud Jody is of his family and how much he enjoys being a husband and father. He met his wife, Alana, a medic, after he had stepped on the landmine. We learned that medic’s are the caregivers in the military who have huge hearts and take great care of all of those that they meet. Jody candidly reinforced how stepping on that landmine not only changed his life physically, but also brought him the greatest joys in his life: his wife and two daughters.
Amazing Race Experience
In 2013, Jody competed on Amazing Race (Canada) with his younger brother. The experience brought them closer. As Jody put it, “Thirty days with no internet, computer, TV, or any social media gave us the opportunity to really get to know one another.” Jody remains in contact with almost all the other contestants and truly loved his experience on the show.
Being a part of that program was an unforgettable journey which lead in part to my being elected as a Counsillor in Ottawa.
Another Great True Patriot Love Speaker
What an incredible series! Brought to us through Operation Building Bridges in partnership with the True Patriot Love foundation, these interactive virtual sessions appealed to participants of all ages. During Jody’s session, we had participants in this virtual workshop from 14 to 87 years young. The 14 year old is extremely interested in history and was glued to the computer as she listened intently to Jody. The 87 year young participant shared her comment during the session: ” Jody, I read your book in two days and wanted to let you know that you are very courageous .. thank you for helping Canada be saved from evil people and for your part in keeping Canada Safe.”
We would like to thank Brig Gen (ret) James Simms, a fellow infantry man of the Royal Canadian Regiment, who introduced Jody Mitic with pride and honour. We’d also like to thank all the participants who attended from the comfort of their home computer. And, of course, a huge thank you to our guest speaker, Jody Mitic, retired Canadian Forces member, motivational speaker, city councillor, and author of Unflinching: The Making of a Canadian Sniper. Jody, you are a true leader, and by sharing your story, you bring light to the fact that we are all human and we are not alone.
To check out what virtual sessions are coming up, see our events calendar.
About True Patriot Love Foundation
True Patriot Love Foundation (TPL) is a national charity that honours the sacrifices of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and their families in both times of peace and conflict. TPL funds unique programs and innovative research in the areas of family health and support, physical health and rehabilitation, mental health and well being, and research and innovation. TPL is also committed to bridging the gap between military and civilian communities, hosting multinational symposiums and organizing ambitious global expeditions. Since 2009, True Patriot Love has committed more than $15.1 million to support military charities and research across Canada. For more information, visit www.truepatriotlove.com.