Scarred, yet triumphant: The warriors of the Invictus Games

Danyal Beale served 34 years in the Canadian military, from artilleryman to special operations assaulter to physician’s assistant.

His service left him with an all-too-common affliction: post traumatic stress disorder.

It manifested in anger and outbursts, a state of mind “incongruent with serving,” ultimately leading to his medical discharge.

Integration back into civilian life was challenging, and he would “press the Africa button”.

Invictus Games will take place in Vancouver and Whistler , Canada , on February 8 and 16 .

Games are about journey of healing for those who served in the military around the world, those who were left splintered as a result of their experiences, and their own unique path to healing that trauma.

Beale and his compatriots would clear a village, only for opposition forces to declare it safe in radio broadcasts to lure Tutsis back.

The Games will also include indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, and wheelchair basketball and rugby.

Beale is a Special Operations Sentinel ( SOS ) whose role is to be the first touch point for any military members who may be in crisis.

He also can’t shake the mindset that comes with his medical background, of being there, being present, to help those who need it.