For the first time, seasoned Nevada volunteer drivers take the Wheelers for the Wounded guest Vets over the Rubicon Trail. 4×4 masters, the WFTW organizers and other volunteers provide guests with this unique opportunity. In this full-length feature HD video, join the group on this all-day fun run and a weekend R&R for Veterans.
2014 Wheelers for the Wounded Rubicon Run Includes Jake Munoz and Other Nevada 4×4 Drivers
In June 2014, Wheelers for the Wounded (WFTW) grew from a California based organization to the inaugural event involving Nevada 4×4 volunteer drivers. Jake Munoz and members of the Sierra Stompers join with other Nevada 4×4 masters for a briefing by organizers Kevin Carey and Dan Hiney, prelude to Saturday’s Rubicon Trail run for the guest Vets.
Organization founders Kevin Carey (left) and Dan Hiney (right) found an optimal way to support Veterans and provide a known recreational outlet that has lasting value!
At top, Jake Munoz of the Sierra Stompers stretches before the Saturday run. A highly active 4×4 driver, Jake is also a Vet. With seven major spinal surgeries, Jake Munoz volunteers to drive in this June 2014 WFTW Rubicon Super Event. The run is the first to involve Nevada volunteers…At bottom is the Saturday morning bag lunch line before heading out on the Rubicon Trail. The TDO 4×4 Club works hard to see that all volunteers and guest Vets get quality meals over this three-day weekend event!
At top, Jake Munoz drives his specially built Jeep flatfender 4×4* over the rough stuff. This vehicle is purpose built for trails like the Rubicon and keeps Jake safe in the wake of his spinal injury history*. At bottom, organizers Dan Hiney (driving) and Kevin Carey (spotting) tackle the trail with the volunteers and Vets. Jake, Dan and Kevin are each Veterans.
*Use the search box to find “Jake Munoz” with more information on Jake’s surgeries and the flatfender 4×4 Jeep®.
After a hard day on the Rubicon Trail, the guest Vets and Nevada volunteer drivers return to the South Fork Campground. The tri-tip dinner prepped by the TDO 4×4 club is stellar, and the vets hear from Gunny Rios about Veteran flights to Washington, D.C.
The meals were each ready on time and offered quality food for the Vets and volunteers. At right, 79-year-old Bing is the first Korean War Veteran to become a WFTW guest. (WWII Vet Francis Resta preceded Bing.) Bing’s service in the U.S. Marine Corps entitles him and other Vets to a grand time on the Rubicon Trail! Vets from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, the Afghanistan conflict and other U.S. service experiences are all welcome guests at these Wheelers for the Wounded 4×4 runs.
PURPLETOP Garage is well known at Northern California and along the Rubicon Trail. At the June 2014 Wheelers for the Wounded Rubicon Super Event, Nevada 4×4 volunteer drivers hosted the Vet guests. Mark Elliott, owner of PURPLETOP Garage, came from the Sacramento Area to support this event and Vets. The PURPLETOP Garage features custom suspension for trail 4x4s. Mark also designs and builds 4×4 accommodations and equipment for disabled Vets and others with physical challenges. Meet Mark Elliott in this HD video interview at the Sluice Box on the Rubicon Trail!
Mark Elliott’s purpose-built Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 (left) plies the Rubicon Trail at the June 2014 WFTW Rubicon Super Event. Mark supports Vets and trail running activities at the Rubicon and other Sierra trails. At right, several of the participant drivers, Vets, the organizers and Mark Elliott pause at the granite bowl for a photo on the tail end of the day’s run over the Rubicon Trail!
Without the help of volunteers, these WFTW Rubicon Super Event runs would not be possible. The organizers, 4×4 clubs and individual four-wheelers volunteer their time, material resources and fuel to the Wheelers for the Wounded cause. Drivers commit to a three-day weekend plus their travel time to the event. Like this June 2014 WFTW HD video event coverage, 4WD Mechanix Magazine supported and filmed the 2010, 2011 and 2012 WFTW Rubicon Super Events (each available through the magazine’s search box). These Vets deserve our support and an opportunity to enjoy our very best and most exciting public lands. The Nevada 4×4 volunteers have formed a Nevada chapter of Wheelers for the Wounded, and 4WD Mechanix Magazine looks forward to continuing this coverage at Nevada-based events!
