Road Warrior Foundation

Road Warrior Foundation Provides Free “Adventure Therapy” to Veterans in Need

You know that feeling when you step outside in the morning, take a deep breath and smile because the day ahead is going to be filled with something incredible? It doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, it’s pure magic because you know you will be breaking an all-toofamiliar cycle of sameness. That smile, my friends, is called optimism.

The Road Warrior Foundation specializes in providing optimism. Or in their words, “Adventure Therapy” for U.S. Military Veterans.

Founded in 2013, Road Warrior Foundation takes wounded, ill or injured U.S. Military Veterans on incredible adventures…likely on a different level than what you think when you hear that word. In fact, take what’s in your head and multiply it by a few times. Why? Because the Foundation’s title sponsor is BRP, which if you’re not familiar, makes Can-Am 3-wheel vehicles, Can-Am off-road vehicles, Sea-Doo personal watercraft, Ski-Doo snowmobiles, and more.

Whether it’s a one-day escape or a multi-day, crosscountry ride, Road Warrior Foundation takes Veterans in need out in the wild with groups of other likeminded individuals. They actively find people who share a common bond over experiences and life circumstances, who are all on a similar path, and then they disrupt that path.

The groups of riders may start out as strangers, but by the end, after being challenged in a structured environment full of camaraderie and fun, they become a unit. And that’s the point. The most recent Road Warrior Foundation adventure was the organization’s marquee annual event called the Road Warrior Ride, which centers around Can-Am 3-wheel vehicles. Eight Veterans were selected by way of an application process to participate in the 1,000-mile ride that left from Orlando, went up through the beautiful Smokey Mountains – including the world famous “Tail of the Dragon” that has 318 curves in 11 miles – and ultimately ended at the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Hall of Fame Museum in Columbus, Ohio.

Several of the Veterans in the group were new to riding, but that’s the benefit of riding a Can-Am 3-wheel vehicle – just about anybody can get on and go. Prior to the ride, Veterans with little or no riding experience are put through the acclaimed Can-Am Rider Education Program. In most cases, a couple days later they’re licensed and ready to hit the open road.

Adrian P., United States Air Force Veteran, Birmingham, AL

I found out about Road Warrior Foundation through Instagram. I came across their profile and had been following them for a while. I finally decided to apply, and am incredibly thankful I did after being selected for this year’s Road Warrior Ride.

I had some experience riding a long time ago, but after getting injured on active duty, I decided to stop altogether, and that was more than ten years ago. Road Warrior Foundation put me through a rider training program by my house, which helped refamiliarize me with riding and reminded me how fun and enjoyable it is.

I’ve never been the extraverted type, so I was a bit uneasy leading into the ride wondering what the people would be like and if I’d fit in. There was some comms beforehand with Road Warrior Foundation staff and one of the other veterans, which helped, and after meeting the group in Florida, it didn’t take long to realize it was going to be great. We all had a lot in common and it was easy for me to be myself – there was no pretending to be somebody different.

I loved the ride. I was able to take things I was dealing with emotionally and work them out in my head. All of us felt that way. Our experiences were different, but going through the same things, we were able to connect on a different level and learn from each other during the ride and then when we hung out in the evenings.

Every Road Warrior Foundation adventure is 100% free of charge for Veterans. Most of the group’s events focus on powersports,but they also do golf outings, hunting trips, car racing (check out the 24 Hours of Lemons if you’re not familiar) and more.

No matter the RWF adventure, something every participant has in common: a thirst for adventure and a desire (and need) to inject some fun in their lives.

The Road Warrior Foundation is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that’s run by Veterans, for Veterans. To learn more, and to apply for a future event, visit www.roadwarrior.org.