Raising Awareness for Proper Support for Veterans in the Region

Raising Awareness for Proper Support for Veterans in the Region

Bob Beaudry, a local veteran and participant in the Invictus Games, speaks on the importance of available support for veterans and the crucial role of openness in the recovery journey.

The First Step to Recovery: Speaking Up

“The first step to rehabilitation is being open about the issue," says Beaudry. “Doctors aren’t mind readers—if you don’t tell them you’re experiencing mental health issues, they have no way of knowing.” For Beaudry, whether the issue is mental or physical, recovery starts by being upfront and disclosing it early so that healthcare providers and support networks can guide veterans toward the right resources.

“People can function highly with post-traumatic stress disorder if it’s caught early enough and they receive the right treatment,” he explains, drawing from personal experience. Beaudry previously worked with the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program, helping other soldiers navigate their own recovery paths while moving through his own healing journey.

The Invictus Games: Recovery Through Sports and Comradery

For Beaudry, the Invictus Games provided more than just a competitive arena—it was a supportive community. “The Invictus Games are all about recovery through sport and comradery. When you’re part of the Games, you’re representing your country again.” Preparing for and participating in the Games was a powerful motivator for him, offering nine months of structured training that fostered both physical and mental resilience.

“I'm not 100% cured, of course,” he notes, “but the intention is to keep pursuing recovery through sport—that’s what the Invictus Games are really all about.” The emphasis, Beaudry explains, isn’t on winning or losing but on the process and progress. “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose the race; people are cheering you on regardless. It’s not about victory—it’s about the recovery journey through sport.”

Beaudry’s experience at the Invictus Games strengthened his commitment to supporting others on their recovery journeys. He will be volunteering at the upcoming Invictus Games in British Columbia, where he hopes to continue encouraging and inspiring fellow veterans.