Mike Hammons, an Army veteran from Florence, was featured in a new video that teams Polaris RZR with country superstar Brantley Gilbert and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), to spread some cheer this holiday season to the veterans and their families.
Hammons, along with Marine veterans Brandon Marchioni, of Cincinnati, and Dan O’Connor, of Virginia, were invited to High Lifter’s Off-Road Park in Louisiana with their families. The families were under the assumption that they were only helping with a promo video, but found themselves treated to a day of off-road riding with Gilbert and a private acoustic set. Later that evening, each family was surprised with a RZR XP 1000 of their own.
The event was a token of appreciation by Polaris RZR and Brantley for the veterans’ service and families’ sacrifice.
“The vets give so much for all of us,” says Brantley, a double platinum country star. “To be able to team with a company like Polaris and have fun all day on their RZRs, then send the vets home with one? To me, that’s how we pass it on, and make the holidays special for those unseen heroes.”
The promo gave the Hammons clan a rare opportunity to travel together as a family.
Hammons served for five years including a tour in South Korea where he suffered a serious injury to his foot. After enduring several surgeries, the damage to his foot could not be repaired and was severe enough to leave him unable to work.
“This experience was a once in a lifetime event,” says Hammons. “The folks with DAV, Polaris, High Lifter, and the man himself, Brantley Gilbert, couldn’t have been more welcoming, gracious, giving and caring. We all laughed together, cried together and got muddy together.”
Matt Boone, RZR marketing manager, says the RZRs are about spending time with family and making memories.
“Partnering to support DAV’s mission for all veterans and providing the gift of a new RZR is our way to create unforgettable memories together,” says Boone.
Marchioni, who lives in Cincinnati, participated in the event along with his wife Amber and their two young children. He served four years, including a tour in Iraq.
Polaris also surprised the Marchioni children with a youth-sized RZR model.
“I have had many memories in my life that will never leave me. Because of DAV and Polaris, this weekend is a memory for me and my family that will be one of the happiest, never to be forgotten moments of our life,” says Marchioni.
DAV National Commander David Riley says he couldn’t think of a better way to start the holiday season.
“We’re excited and grateful that Polaris RZR and Brantley Gilbert have partnered with DAV to bestow such a wonderful opportunity to several deserving heroes and their families,” says Riley.
Marine veteran Dan O’Connor and his wife were also selected to attend. O’Connor served in Vietnam where he was severely wounded. When O’Connor returned home, he was in a serious accident which led to the amputation of his leg.
“The outpouring of love for my wife Debbie and myself, and the recognition as a combat Vietnam veteran from DAV and the staff of Polaris, was overwhelming,” says O’Connor.
O’Connor began racing hand crank wheelchairs to aid in his recovery. He then became the cycling coach for the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment to help other injured service members prove that they can overcome their disability.
“There’s nothing better than being with family during the holidays,” says Gilbert. “It was my pleasure to share a day with service folks that have given up so much for our country. I hope we were able to make this holiday season just a little more special for them and their families. And at this time of year, being able to give back to DAV is an amazing place to start.”