Competing at the Invictus Games was something Jackie Buttnor will never forget.
A resident of Morpeth, Ont., Buttnor was born in Comox and later posted to her birthplace after joining the military. She won a silver medal in powerlifting at last month’s competition in Toronto.
“The whole Invictus Games experience was many things,” said Buttnor, who also competed in wheelchair basketball. “Amazing, empowering, life-affirming and awe-inspiring.”
After joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1990, Buttnor trained as a medical assistant. During an exercise at CFB Wainwright Alberta, she was one of two medics who witnessed and responded to a C130 Hercules air crash. Her last posting was CFB Comox in 1997.
“Life since my release in ’04 has been a long struggle to find a way to make a difference and contribute something worthwhile,” Buttnor said. “But, being on this team, with these people, has re-ignited a fire that I am now determined to maintain.”
The Invictus Games are an adaptive sport event for injured, ill or wounded veterans. Established by Prince Harry, the inaugural Games took place in London, England in 2014.
Comox Valley residents Tracy Howlett-Cooney, Dale Robillard, Harry Reddin, Stephane Roy and Mimi Poulin also competed in Toronto. Howlett-Cooney was a flag-bearer.