The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for physically disabled veterans founded by Prince Harry. For the opening day, the George W. Bush Institute put together a symposium focusing on invisible wounds.

  • George W. Bush Institute hosts symposium about invisible wounds of war
  • Wounded soldiers say Invictus Games help with focus, stress
  • Prince Harry says Games aim to empower, restore self-esteem

Israel Del Toro, a Master Sergeant for the U.S. Air Force, was burned during an explosion in Afghanistan, more than 80 percent of his body was affected. And while those are wounds you can see, there are some you cannot.

“Obviously they see my visible wounds and they focus on that a lot and, yeah, it’s important to address those visible wounds, but sometimes they forget about what’s going on in my head,” Del Toro said.

One of the biggest problems noted during the symposium is the misperceptions behind military injuries.

“If he thinks he has an injury, he thinks I can get this fixed. If he thinks he has a disorder he’s going to say, people will shun me,” President George W. Bush said. “I am not going to tell my commanders I have a disorder because they’re not going to treat me the way they treated me before.”

Those who have been involved with Invictus Games before say the games have not only helped them focus and alleviate stress but also lets them express themselves.

“I’ve been given a voice, and I want the opportunity to give everybody a voice and be able to change the narrative,” said Lance Corp. John-James Chalmers, a former Royal Marines Commando. “Our story with some elements of tragedy within it, is a story of triumph at the end of the day.”

Prince Harry says the Games are meant to empower and restore self-esteem in wounded warriors.

"The stigma surrounding mental health is a big issue,” he said. “I don't have necessarily answers but I know for a fact, the people that I speak to… Just being able to talk about it early on is a huge deal.”

Despite being disabled, Del Toro fought to be re-enlisted as he wanted to continue serving his country. For him being part of these games is coming back up from hitting rock bottom.