In this moving collection of first-person accounts, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces take us inside life in the military and share their personal stories of courage, perseverance, and sacrifice.

What does it mean to serve? Bestselling author Jody Mitic brings together veterans and active military personnel from across Canada to tell us, in their own words, what it means to answer the call of duty.

Meet the World War II bomb aimer whose plane engines failed over Hamburg during a raid, the naval signalman who patrolled heavily bombarded waters in Southeast Asia during the Korean War, and the unarmed peacekeeper who found himself standing on a road riddled with mines in Rwanda. From the young recruit who marched over thirty kilometres on what turned out to be a broken leg to prove her mettle, to the three brothers in arms who endured a summer of relentless fighting in Afghanistan, this collection captures the pain and sacrifice, the risks and rewards of standing on guard for Canada.

Featuring stories of courageous rescues, bravery in the face of conflict, and camaraderie at home and overseas, Everyday Heroes is an authentic and stirring look inside the hearts and minds of the men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces. These stories will make you proud to be a Canadian.

Jody Mitic is a twenty-year Canadian Armed Forces veteran and Sniper Team Leader. A sought-after motivational speaker, he is a respected advocate for wounded veterans, people with disabilities, and amputees. He founded the Never Quit Foundation and currently sits on the Board of Directors of Won with One, an organization devoted to helping physically challenged athletes realize their dreams. He currently serves on Ottawa City Council. Jody lives in Ottawa with his wife, Alannah, and two daughters, Aylah and Kierah. Currently, Jody is soliciting stories from Canadian veterans and active military personnel for a new book. If you have a story to share, visit CanadianSoldierStories.ca for more information on how to submit. Find Jody Mitic on Facebook and @JODYMITIC on Twitter.

Jody Mitic's profile page

“Moving first-person accounts. . . . No one can describe military life as vividly as those who served.”

Toronto Star

“History is made by heroes like these: courageous, humble, and Canadian. From the skies of World War II to the treacherous sands of Afghanistan, from medics battling Ebola in Sierra Leone to the accidental morgue manager after Swissair 111, these thrilling, intensely personal accounts will take you to places you never dreamed you’d go.”

Genevieve Graham, bestselling author of Tides of Honour

“These men and women are . . . ordinary folk from across the country, the backbone of our military. . . . [They] are worthy of being called everyday heroes, even though none would claim that title.”

Winnipeg Free Press

Praise for Everyday Heroes

“With the humour, modesty, and kindness to be expected of Canadian servicemen and women, Everyday Heroes enlightens and informs. This broad-ranging collection provides a uniquely personal entrée into Canada’s enduring commitment to global security, from World War II to today.”

Lieutenant-General (retired) the Honourable Roméo Dallaire

“Everyday Heroes shares touching and personal stories of service and sacrifice, as told by the veterans themselves. A must-read if we are to live up to the words ‘lest we forget.’”

Hon. Erin O’Toole, PC, CD, MP, former minister of veterans affairs