Michael’s Ride 2012 was ‘big success’

Michael Dawson Woodard was a wonderful young man with an incredible zest for life. He was well liked by his friends and loved dearly by every member of his extended family.

He arrived at Fishburne Military School (FMS) at a time in his life when he could take full advantage of everything the Corps had to offer. He blossomed into a well-rounded and confident young man and graduated from FMS in 2007.

In April of 2008, Michael died suddenly in an automobile accident in Morgantown, W.Va., where he was attending West Virginia University, leaving behind grieving family and friends.

Determined not to let Michael’s wonderful life and sudden death go “softly in the night,” punctuated by a period, a comma was added instead and hence Michael’s Ride was born.

The ride began in October 2008. Its sole purpose was to honor Michael’s memory and his love for the Corp by raising contributions to support the Student Assistance Fund at FMS to aid other young men to grow in mind and body as Michael did. From its inception 100% of all contributions have gone to the Assistance Fund.

In the 2008 I cycled alone from FMS in Waynesboro Virginia to Richmond Virginia, a one day 100 mile trip, as Michael would have had it. In 2009, I was joined by my son and Michael’s brother, Thomas Woodard, who flew in from Wyoming to support our remembrance. In 2010, Thomas and I were joined by Col Jim Tubbs and MSgt Mike Anson, faculty members at FMS

We are gratified by the support that has been given to Michael’s Ride by friends, family and strangers. Each year contributions have increased along with the prayers and well wishes of many. To date we have awarded over $9,000.00 in scholarships to enable three FMS cadets to complete their Fishburne experience.

On behalf of our entire family, I want to thank each of you who have supported Michael’s Ride from its inception, whether that support is in the form of contributions, well wishes or prayers. I am also looking forward to riding with many of you as we continue to expand and grow this wonderful scholarship program.

You all will remain part of our remembrance for Michael.

From one seed springs hope eternal.

Sincerely Yours,

Mario Woodard