Two-and-a-half years ago, Master Cpl. Jody Mitic was injured in Afghanistan.
While out on patrol, he stepped on an anti-personnel landmine linked to a mortar bomb, losing a leg in the explosion. The other was amputated surgically.
As a double below-the-knee amputee, life changed drastically for Mitic.
“It wasn’t easy,” said Mitic, who spent seven months in rehabilitation. “It’s a matter of maintaining a positive attitude.”
Although Soldier On wasn’t yet established at the time of the accident, Mitic thinks he would have recovered faster if it had been.
The program provides opportunities and resources for active and retired Canadian Forces members to remain active in physical fitness or recreation to help them regain independence following an injury or an illness, and connects their families with a network of support.
This Sunday’s Canada Army Run, which will benefit people like Mitic — who has since accessed the program and will be running the half-marathon event — through Soldier On and the Military Families Fund, is also a chance for the military to thank civilians for their support, and vice-versa, said army commander Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie.
The run is expected to draw around 11,000 participants, said run director Maj. Chris Horeczy.
