Warrior Games provide outlet for wounded veteran athletes

By Andrea TakashNovember 14, 2014

Isaac Francois competes in cycling event
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Isaac Francois competes in the shot put and discus event
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Isaac Francois participates with his fellow teammates in the Invictus Games in London
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When you meet Isaac Francois for the first time, he draws you in with his big smile and firm hand shake, hiding any pain that he feels.

A husband and proud father to a 2-year-old and 4-month-old, Francois serves as an assistant to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District's Contracting Division Business Oversight Branch. In his spare time, he participates in the Warrior Games, which holds Olympic-style competitions for wounded, ill or injured service members from across the military, both combat and non-combat related injuries.

Francois served for more than nine years in the U.S. Navy, but his service was cut short after he discovered he had compartment syndrome -- a potentially life threatening condition that can cause numbness and swelling.

"While I was deployed to Afghanistan, I started feeling extreme pain in my legs," Francois said. "I went to see a doctor, and he diagnosed me with compartment syndrome. He wanted to perform the surgery in the field, but I waited until returning to the U.S."

Seven surgeries later, Francois medically retired from the Navy and transitioned to civilian life in December 2013. During his transition, he met with a case manager who told him about the Warrior Games.

"I needed an outlet and a place to go where I could be with people who have been through the same thing," he said. "It has been a great stress reliever."

Before the Warrior Games, Francois said he never really competed in sports, but now he participates in all five events: track, swimming, cycling, shot put and discus, and shooting.

"I ran track in high school, and being from Haiti, I have always swum, but not at competition level," he said. "But cycling is my favorite. I get on a bike, and it takes energy. It keeps my mind busy."

After winning the tryouts for the Warrior Games' Navy Team, Francois went on to compete in three more U.S. games. He most recently competed in the Invictus Games in London. More than 400 people from 13 countries participated in this 10-day international warrior game, which was supported by Prince Harry of Wales.

"Team USA did outstanding in London. We won a lot of medals," he said. "Unfortunately I was injured in track, and I couldn't swim or cycle. I still had a great experience."

With five competitions under his belt, Francois said he is still having fun at what he calls a "healthy competition."

"We aren't trying to prove anything," he said. "We challenge each other to do better than what people think we can do. We cheer each other on, but at the end of the day it is still a competition."

Despite the competitive nature of the games, Francois said he is motivated by watching his competitors.

"I am truly inspired watching the guys from Special Operations, who have the most severe injuries and are just trying to finish an event," he said. "When I see a guy who is missing a leg competing in the same event as me, I think if he can do it I can do it."

In addition to working full-time and training for various sporting events, Francois also is finishing up his bachelor's degree in business at the University of Maryland. He said he hopes one day to be a contracting specialist.

Jeff May, chief of Contracting Division's Business Oversight Branch, also hopes that Francois stays here and makes a long-term career in contracting. May recognizes Francois' ambitious character and desire to learn. These personality traits, along with Francois' diverse background, benefit the contracting workforce by encouraging others and building a healthy office environment, May said.

"Isaac has a grounded sense and brings a lot of life experiences to the job," May said. "His professional demeanor and solid work ethic are great assets for the branch. We are happy to support him with his commitment to the Warrior Games. These games are part of the overall Wounded Warrior program, which the district continues to support through hiring efforts."