How this started

Jody:  I had been soldier for 10 years in the Canadian Forces and a Master Sniper when I stepped on a land mine in 2007 and lost both my legs below the knees. Much of my recovery was done at the St. John’s Rehab Hospital in Toronto. Within 14 months, I helped return the institution’s support by running a 5km charity run. I knew the benefits of fitness and sports in rehabilitation and was posted to Soldier On in 2009.  That’s when I met Andrew, who had this crazy idea …

Andrew:  In January 2009, I was hit by an IED while on patrol in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan, which resulted in the amputation of my right leg at the hip and significant tissue and nerve damage to my right arm. After spending some time in Kandahar Airfield and Germany, I returned to Canada. I spent nearly a year in hospital in Ottawa for rehab and physical therapy.  Jody came to visit and introduced me to Soldier On. As we got to know each other, I told him I wanted to take on a unique challenge and compete in Targa Newfoundland. He said anything was possible …

Jody: Targa Newfoundland is a rugged six-day 2,000+km international car rally. It’s Canada’s longest and toughest motorsport event. I contacted Major General (ret’d) Lewis MacKenzie, who had competed in Targa a few years ago. He was interested in the idea but then took it one step further and told us he would manage our team with his racing partner Nigel Mortimer of Mortimer Racing, who is a retired Transport Canada executive.  We were on our way …

Andrew:  Lew raised the expense money to field the team through sponsorship from private and corporate resources. We just needed a car. When Honda Canada was contacted about the program, Lew told us he received a response within an hour. The Acura Dealers of Canada would sponsor a new specially-fitted Acura TL SH-AWD and send technical crew to Newfoundland to help us.

Jody:  We want to raise $150,000 for the Soldier On Fund and other injured and ill comrades.  You can support our cause by visiting the Soldier On website.