Melissa joined the Air Force in 2003, serving at Malmstrom Air Force Base. In 2002 she was diagnosed with Bilateral Thoratic Outlet Syndrome, which has had an effect on her day to day lifestyle. She will be competing in Track running, Rowing and Power Lifting.

Ashley Coles suffered a head injury while serving with the Army. During his recovery period, Coles developed a love for various adaptive sports. He will be representing the British Armed Forces in Athletics and Indoor Rowing.

Despite an injury that required her left leg to be amputated below the knee,  Patricia Collins know as Patty,  has been training to qualify for four events at the Invictus Games. “Sports has been a part of my life and lifestyle since I was in grade school,” she said. “Becoming a physically challenged athlete has done nothing to change that mentality.” Patty is excited for the opportunity to represent the United States at the Invictus Games, and has been selected to represent her country in Athletics, Road Cycling and Swimming. She is also planning to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

David Connolly served in the Australian Defence Force. He will be competing in Sitting Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball.

Monica Contrafatto is a Corporal and is the only female competitor competing for Italy. While serving in Afghanistan, Contrafatto was injured resulting in the loss of her legs. She is now serving in the Army General Staff, and will be competing in Swimming and Wheelchair Basketball.

Susan Cook left foster care at the age of 18 and in the same year joined the British Armed Forces. The Army became her whole life and new family. However, in 2009 due to an injury her world changed and she was forced to forge a new path. Spurred on by a comment made by Tanni Grey-Thompson during the Paralympics, Cook took up Wheelchair Basketball and in her first season played 2nd diversion games. She also immersed herself in Athletics and Cycling.

Brad Copelin enlisted into the Australian Army in 1987. In 1996, Brad transferred into the Army Reserve and commenced training at the Victoria Police Academy. During his police service he worked at various metropolitan and country Police Stations. Brad returned to the Regular Army as a Sergeant in 2001, serving with in various leadership positions in Sydneyand Darwin. In December 2005, he was promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two, until his retirement in December 2011. Brad has been awarded a Meritorious UnitCitation (with Star), Soldiers’ Medallion for Exemplary Service, Provost Marshal-Army Certificate of Merit and two other commendations. Brad is now the owner of Learning and Development Solutions; a consulting and learning agency which specialisies in RPL assessments for military members, and is looking forward to competing in Swimming, Indoor Rowing and Athletics.

LTC Cotty graduated from The Citadel in 1994, where he received his commission as an Infantry Officer. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division as an Infantry Platoon Leader, and as a Team Leader assigned to 7th and 3rd Special Forces Group. During his service, he suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, Cranial Nerve Palsy, and endured ongoing shrapnel removal. He will be competing in Cycling

Daniel Crane was serving with the Air Force when he injured his right arm. This resulted in nerve damage leading to a complete loss of function. However, this has not held Crane back. Immersing himself in the world of sport, he has pushed himself to the limits and has now been selected to represent to the USA in Archery, Athletics and Swimming.

A Captain with the Royal Engineers, Robert Cromey-Hawke was injured during a tour of Afghanistan in 2012 leaving him with brain injury and a damaged back. The injury to his brain led to a permanent loss of hearing, unstable balance and dizziness. Cromey-Hawke, is due to be medially discharged in October 2014. A keen triathlete, Help for Heroes facilitated his return to sport, he is a member of Team True Spirit, and this year took part in the Cotswold 113 triathlon as well as the Ironman UK using his adaptive equipment. Cromey-Hawke will be representing the British Armed Forces team in Cycling.

In October 2009 Nathan Cumberland stood on an IED, which resulted in him losing his left leg below the knee, the right leg above the knee and various lacerations on his body. Not letting his injuries hold him back, Cumberland started exploring the use of sport as part of his recovery and completed two Help For Heroes bike rides using a hand bike. He also took part in various Athletics and Powerlifting events and will be representing the British Armed Forces team in both sports.

James Cumming, was serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland when an accident during an SAS selection resulted in a slipped disk in his neck. This also led to nerve damage leading to a paralysed left arm. Since his injury, Cumming has been using the power of sport to help inspire others in similar situations. During his road to recovery he joined fellow wounded, injured  and sick servicemen on a 445-mile bike ride from Edinburgh to London, supported by Help for Heroes. Being immersed in the world of sport is nothing new to Cumming, he has always been a keen sportsman playing semi-professional rugby before joining the Army. In his spare time before the injury, he played squash, became a qualified skier and a climbing instructor. Following his injury, Cumming was very frustrated at not being able to keep fit or train like he used to, considering he had been incredibly fit previously. One day, he decide to try and ride his bike to see if it impacted on his injury. When he found out it didn’t, he rode more and more to help him get over his injury and deal with his anger and frustration. He now cycles 4-5 times a week both indoor and out. Cumming is immensely proud to have been selected to take part in the Invictus Games and sees it as a ‘thank you’ to all those who have supported him over the last few years. He will be competing in Cycling.

In 2010 Kai Cziesla was injured in action by an improvised explosive device, leaving damages to his knees. “Through sports I got back a lot of quality of life. I am able to set new goals”, he says. Cziesla is able to try and reach these goals by reaching for Gold in Cycling.