Mike Trauner - Veteran & Para-Athlete

Seventeen years ago today, I died twice.

The IED blast in Afghanistan didn’t just take my legs. It broke my body with fractures and covered me in burns. My heart actually stopped beating two separate times while surgeons fought to keep me on this side of the curtain.

But physical pain is one thing. The pain of a Crew Commander leaving his men behind is something else entirely.

I was in charge. My job was to lead, to protect, and to bring everyone home. When the dust settled and the medivac chopper lifted off, I wasn't just leaving the battlefield; I was leaving my crew in the dirt while I was flown to safety. That guilt weighed heavier than any kit I ever carried. I felt like I had abandoned them when they needed me most.

While I was fighting for my life in Germany, my wife was back in Canada receiving the phone call and knock on the door that rips a family apart. She listened to a voice tell her I was critical, broken, and might not survive the night. My family lived in terror, waiting for the phone to ring again.

I survived dying twice. I survived the amputation of my legs. I survived the burns. But I also survived the guilt of the "what ifs."

Today, I stand tall (on titanium) for my wife who held the line at home, and for the men I served with.

17 years later. Still fighting. Still leading. Still here.

Pro Patria
~ Mike 🇨🇦

It’s the International Day of Persons with Disabilities!

This year’s theme is "Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress."

But how do we actually foster that inclusion? It starts with small, consistent actions that lead to big changes.

Here is how you can help advance social progress today:
✅ Check your spaces: Is your business, website, or event truly accessible?
✅ Amplify voices: Share content from creators and advocates with disabilities.
✅ Challenge ableism: Speak up when you hear exclusive language or see barriers being created.
✅ Hire inclusively: recognize the incredible value and talent that persons with disabilities bring to the workforce.

A disability-inclusive society benefits everyone. Let’s build it together. 👇

How are you championing inclusion in your community or business today?

Let us know in the comments!

HI everyone, thank you for all your birthday messages, Yes another long year and another number added to my age, but I feel stronger than ever! I hope you are all doing well and hope to get in touch with each and every one of you soon ... 2026 will be the best yet!!

Stay close, I’m not done yet.

I appreciate you all.
~Mike 🇨🇦

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who attended yesterday’s event. It was an honour to stand before you and share my story. I’m truly humbled by the warm welcome and the thoughtful conversations that followed.

If my journey resonated with you, I’m grateful. Resilience is not something we’re born with—it’s something we build together through hardship, support, and the willingness to keep moving forward.

Thank you for listening, for reflecting, and for reminding me once again of the power of community and perseverance.

— MCpl (Ret’d) Mike Trauner MMV, CD

With Remembrance Day around the corner, I find myself being asked "How and Why?"... a lot.

There is a simple answer I can give you, and a slightly complex one. The complex answer is that a combat soldier will do whatever they feel they have to do to survive to the end of combat and return to whatever they are fighting for. Many times it changes who we are to the point that our loved ones don't recognize us as the individual who left. At the end of the day, I've done what I felt I had to to get back to my family and life that I was serving to protect.

The easier answer is actually a little unfair. You get lucky. No matter how well you keep low, no matter how diligent you are to keep your weapon at high ready, or your head on a swivel, no matter how determined you are to go home, sometimes s**t happens. Shrapnel doesn't care who you have waiting at home. An IED doesn't care how well maintained your equipment is, or how good a shot you are. A bullet doesn't ask you how many times you've survived breaching a building to clear a room in a HOSTILE environment. I cannot honestly say I am the most deserved person to come home, and I didn't manage without my own scars. But there are some friends I wish could raise a glass with me who weren't any less prepared or careful than I was. Combat isn't fair.

The 2025 POPPY Campaign launches Friday (Oct 31st), I know wearing a poppy is a personal choice. Some people embrace the symbol. Others don't.

My loved ones will wear a Poppy in remembrance of our men and woman in uniform who gave the ultimate sacrifice, life and limb and for those who have been spiritually and mentally broken.



~ MCpl (Ret) Mike Trauner MMV, CD

As we approach Remembrance Day 2025, the chance to engage with, learn from, or express gratitude to a Second World War veteran is becoming increasingly rare.

✨ Honouring 101-Year-Old Joseph Thomas Baxter ✨

In 1942, Joseph Thomas Baxter answered the call to serve his country, joining the Royal Canadian Air Force as a volunteer. As a Leading Aircraftman (LAC), Joe played a vital role in the Administration of the Bombing and Gunnery Schools, part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) — a program that trained thousands of aircrew members who went on to defend freedom across the world.

From managing operations to supporting the training of air-tail gunners, wireless operators, and navigators, Joe’s dedication helped strengthen Canada’s contribution to the Allied war effort.

At 101 years old, Joe continues to inspire us with his service, courage, and unwavering commitment to his country. 🇨🇦💙

Thank you for your service, Sir.

✨ WE DID IT! THANK YOU ALWAYS!!! ✨

Support My Ride for Volta Luso Canadian Charitable Society.

This Sunday, I’ll be riding 80 kilometres in support of Luso, a charitable organization that provides a safe, supportive, and caring environment for individuals and families living with physical and/or developmental disabilities.

Luso’s programs make a real difference in the lives of so many by creating opportunities, promoting inclusion, and offering support for families who need it most.

I’m asking for your support—whether big or small—every donation helps Luso continue their important work. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

👉 https://lusoccs.akaraisin.com/ui/2025VoltaLuso/p/d53f4ee7197046b292fd6b507171b2c3

Goal - $250

Thank you for helping me pedal for a cause that truly matters!

Renos for Heroes

Mike Trauner - 2025 Volta Luso Charities Support My Journey I am participating in the 2025 Volta Luso Charities to raise money for a great cause. Please sponsor me and help make a difference. Together,

Thank You to Our Volunteers!

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who came out to support our ParaCycling Training Camp. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm made a huge difference in creating a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment for our athletes.

From helping with logistics and guiding riders, to cheering on athletes as they pushed through challenges, your dedication ensured that this camp was a success. The athletes were able to focus on learning, training, and growing because of the support you provided.

This camp would not have been possible without you—thank you for being an essential part of our team and for helping us build a stronger, more inclusive cycling community.

Ontario Cycling
Town of Petawawa
GearHeads Petawawa
Garrison Petawawa Garnison Petawawa

This past weekend, I had the privilege of leading a training camp for new and developing Ontario and Quebec ParaCycling athletes. Over the course of three days, the athletes worked hard to build their skills, challenge themselves, and grow as a team.

We focused on key areas of development, including cornering, climbing, obstacle navigation, drafting, and endurance. The highlight of the weekend was a 15km individual time trial, where each athlete put their training into practice.

Day 1 – Friday, September 12, 2025

• Morning Session: Athletes completed a 25km medium-pace ride followed by a 4km hill climb challenge to test strength and climbing efficiency.

• Afternoon Session: The group worked on cornering technique, starting slow and gradually increasing speed as confidence grew with their equipment. Later, at the Pembroke Airport, we transitioned into group riding and drafting skills.

Day 2 – Saturday, September 13, 2025

• Morning Session: The focus was endurance. Athletes were divided into two groups—Group A completed a 38km ride, while Group B covered 26km.

• Afternoon Session: At the RCD parking lot on CFB Petawawa, we ran advanced skills training. Athletes navigated an obstacle course, first individually and then under friendly competition to simulate race conditions. This was followed by high-speed 180-degree turn practice, building confidence for real race situations.

• Evening: The day wrapped up with a team BBQ—an opportunity to relax, build camaraderie, and celebrate progress.

Day 3 – Sunday, September 14, 2025

• Morning Session: Athletes warmed up individually before completing a 15km individual time trial. Everyone pushed hard and showed great effort.

• Wrap-Up: We closed camp with a group debrief, celebrating strengths and identifying key areas for continued improvement and development.

Overall, the athletes showed tremendous growth, resilience, and teamwork throughout the camp. Their commitment to learning and pushing their limits sets a strong foundation for future training and competition.

* Vids to follow

Ontario Cycling
Town of Petawawa
Ontario Para Network
Garrison Petawawa Garnison Petawawa
FQSC - Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes