The opening scene

Few people can say they have achieved their childhood dream, but Corporal (Retired) Jean-Sébastien Bergeron is one of them. When Bergeron was five years old, he watched Commando and wanted to be like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character, John Matrix. Achieving your dreams isn’t easy, especially when the career you love is no longer an option for you, because of your body.

The exposition

Bergeron joined the Canadian Army, specifically the infantry, in 2000. He and his brother were the first people in their family to serve in the Armed Forces.

He was determined to become as much like John Matrix as possible, so he signed up to be an airborne infantryman.

“I was able to work with ultra-competent people when I was in the Third Battalion of the Royal 22^nd Regiment, including paratroopers.”

The training montage and first missions

He was deployed three times to Afghanistan; first in 2003, then in 2008 and finally in 2010. In 2009, between his second and third tours of Afghanistan, he was deployed to Haiti. He learned so much about himself on these deployments, including how to push to his limit and beyond.

“I learned [from my time in Afghanistan] to get by without a lot. When you’re on the ground, you don’t know what will reach you. Life is so much more spontaneous than we think. You can’t necessarily plan where you’ll be in a week. So, you have to make the most of the present moment.” Bergeron carries this important life lesson into his post-service life, though he didn’t use it right away.

The low point

Though he loved being in the infantry, his body did not. After retiring, Bergeron underwent four reconstructive surgeries as a result of service-related injuries and had to learn his new limits. This was not easy for a person who was accustomed to pushing through pain and discomfort.

“The process of adjusting to retirement was hard. The first three years were difficult. I don’t remember anything from the first year. I later learned that I had severe post-traumatic shock.”

The team-up

Fortunately, Bergeron got the support he needed. One form came from an amazing doctor. “The first things he asked me: Was I still training? Was I eating well?” Bergeron met with a trainer and a nutritionist to start creating some stability, as well as a psychiatrist, to address his mental health.

At that time, Bergeron met his partner, who continues to be one of his biggest supports. They realized that the urban environment was contributing to his stress, so they moved to the countryside.

The showdown

One of Bergeron’s friends was on Team Canada during the 2023 Invictus Games and encouraged Bergeron to apply for the 2025 Games’ Team Canada. He says that, in addition to all the support from his family and friends, what sets Team Canada apart is that the coaching and support staff understand the lived experiences and military injuries of the athletes. This knowledge makes them better able to assist each of the team members as they prepare for the Games.

Bergeron has also found that training for the Invictus Games has allowed him to grow and reach the next step in his rehabilitation journey.

“I’ve gotten to the point of acceptance of who I am and how I am different from other people because of my military career and injuries. I’m able to say, I’m still here. I’m here and I’m capable.”

The final lines

Bergeron has been retired from the CAF for over a decade now. For the first few years, he says his focus was on building back his mental and physical strength. Now, after having some time to reflect on his career, plus the opportunity to train and compete for Team Canada at the Invictus Games, he has come to an important realization.

“I was successful in becoming an airborne soldier. Today, I live on a farm. It seems to me that I have accomplished many things that I dreamed of as a child.”

With courage, integrity and loyalty, Jean-Sébastien Bergeron is leaving his mark. He is one of our Canadian Armed Forces Veterans. Discover more stories.