The Polaris RZR XP that I never won

Post date: Jul 23, 2012 8:30:46 PM

How would you use a Polaris RZR XP 4 900?

For this combat veteran turned full-time single dad of two boys, the Polaris RZR XP 4 900 would be the family adventure vehicle that we have dreamed about for years. It would also be a means with which to help others. Between combat deployments and providing a stable home for my family, so much has gotten lost in translation. Helping others with their recovery continues to be my “vehicle” to recovery. 

As a passionate promoter and coordinator of various groups dedicated to helping wounded warriors, the Polaris “Phantom 4” would be a welcomed resource. I would set up outings every chance I could, to reach out to veterans who would benefit from the therapy of the great outdoors. This would help build comradery and peer support for all, but also give us the sense of belonging. Whatever the outcome, my own therapy is to continue helping others overcome their own life challenges.

The RZR XP 4 900 would take us to camping spots in the national forests and all over California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and beyond. My 9-year-old would improve his pocketknife skills and learn, alongside his dad, to not only be a better fisherman, but also a better person. It would help us blast through sand dunes that we could only watch others play on before. My 6-year-old would smile and invite new friends to ride with us instead of saying “Daddy, Daddy, look! Did you see that off-road vehicle? I wish we had one of those!”

This vehicle would be a major conversation starter about how rewarding it is returning from combat and overcoming challenges on so many different levels. We would explore popular trails as a family, while helping others blaze new trails in their own healing process. With the support of Polaris and the Wounded Warrior Project, my family will learn the value of time spent together while helping other warriors recover lost time with their families.

There is a small window of time to enjoy and nurture our children, and by the grace of God we have been given a second chance to open that window. The complexity of single parenting, economic times and the effects of combat has not only made it more challenging and stressful for my family, but has also forced my kids to grow up so much faster than most. Winning this contest would help me enjoy this precious time with my boys, while they gain a deeper understanding of how important it is to give back. The Polaris RZR XP 4 900 would help us change the world as we see it, one adventure at a time.

What would it mean to you to win a Polaris RZR XP 4 900?

Some people consider winning the lottery the perfect dream, but for me, winning the Polaris RZR XP 4 900 would be the perfect reality. My world revolves around raising my two boys and the needs of wounded warriors that are greater than my own. I realize the importance of my reality and the road I belong on.

Surviving and healing from the wounds of combat is a journey in it’s self, as the road can get very dark. With the support of family, friends and others leading the way, that road becomes an adventure. With the Polaris “phantom 4” I would not be able to hold back my tears of joy as I watch the smile emerge from warriors’ faces as we blast down that trail of recovery.

As I grow wiser, I strive to give my boys the foundation that they need to be successful. My journey has taken me places, prepared me and made me a better guide for my boys. That moment of my boys having the time of their life, as we ride together in the “Phantom 4” is that guiding light that I’m heading in the right direction.

My reality changes all the time with the journey of others around me. Not only do strive to help them but watching them succeed is my longing. For me to be able to stop and enjoy life, not only with my family, but with warriors in the great outdoors, in a RZR XP 4 900, is my perfect reality.  

The “Phantom 4” is my adventure vehicle for my family and friends. I would go from udder speechlessness, to almost frighten screams of excitement, to humble gratefulness if I had won it. My perfect reality is adventures, relaxation, excitement and the strength of my family. But MY perfect dream… the warrior that is in greater need, winning the Polaris RZR XP 4 900!

by Michael Wood