Testimonial By: Kathleen S. McGowan
"In the course of my life, I have been so very much blessed to have met, trained, collaborated with, spoken to within my audiences and mentored, far more people than what I could ever count. I am even extra blessed, because with many of these individuals, a beautiful friendship between us has been built over the years. For this I am so very grateful!
Each and everyone of these individuals, being their own unique and beautiful selves hold a special place in my heart. A place that continues to remain precious and dear to me and will continue to throughout the years to come.
Also, in the course of my life, I have learned that if 'one day' you are especially blessed to have a person come into your life that is truly an "Inspiration and Light" to all those they meet... 'That day' is an extraordinarily blessed day for you. Such an extraordinarily blessed day happened for me when Rod Hutchins was introduced to me, many years ago.
Rod is an absolute Inspiration and Light in the lives of those who meet him. He is a man of integrity. When he says he's going to do something, he follows through on his word. He speaks the truth and is transparent. Rod is an excellent communicator. He is patient, kind, understanding and of utmost importance, he is constant in his behavior, he is so because his foundation is that of 'Spirit' and he is of pure heart.
Rod is a true Visionary. A Visionary that executes masterfully in Spirit and manifests the Vision that his is blessed with.
Rod elevates lives through his Servant-based leadership. He is a presence that inspires others to Live life fully in "Their Race at Their Pace" and to "Strive daily to meet their next and Higher-best self."
Rod's journey in life truly is inspirational! From his near death-bed due to the Guillain-Barre' syndrome/virus and associated complications, his temporary quadriplegic state, chronic pain and his 21 surgeries and procedures; Rod's continued faith, hope, drive, positive attitude and resilience to be a 'Light of Hope" to others... it absolutely beyond remarkable!
I am truly blessed to be a friend, partner and mentor to Rod. I am highly honored to be a Veteran Dream Team member assisting Rod to prepare for his return to Kona, Hawaii in 2021, not only to complete the IronMan course in "His Race at His Pace", but even of greater importance, to realize every aspect of Rod's Mission Statement...
"To Elevate Lives through Servant-Based Leadership.
To Facilitate…Heart-Guided Growth, Awakening of Innate Gifts, and Fulfillment of Dreams through Collaborative Synergistic Mentorship and Life-changing Friendships.
To Foster and Grow an Environment of Safety, Understanding,Clarity, Heartfelt Acceptance of Genuine Authenticity, Vision,Healing and Wellness.
To be a Presence that Inspires Others to…“Live life fully in “Their Race at Their Pace”, and Strive daily to “Meet their Next and Highest-Best-Self”.
To Listen to God’s Inspired direction through Spirit.
To be a Presence that Lights the Path on the Journey of Life Transformation and Higher Purpose Realization… In All Those Whose Lives We Touch, Worldwide.
To Be Thankful To God, Always."
Thank you Rod for blessing me by having you in my life. Thank you for seeing me and for honoring both my journey and me. I am so very blessed to be working together along side you; unifying our visions, dreams and goals as to "Elevate and Heal Lives throughout the World."
Thank you for being the amazing Man and 'Man of Vision' you are and for sharing your extraordinary journey with others around the world."
May God protect and bless you always!
Blessings,
KATHLEEN S. MCGOWAN
TEXAS, U.S.A.
Testimonial By: Ben Mayianda
"I am so honored to meet and know Rod through his inspirational story. He is worthy to be emulated because he gives hope to change the mindset to those who think it's impossible. He also helps us understand that 'disability is not inability.'
Rod's story really shows that it doesn't really matter what anyone thinks about you, it only matters what you think about yourself. That we should be comfortable with ourselves when we are showing kindness, understanding, seeing the good in others and grateful for what we have. Rod also teaches that we feel uncomfortable if we're judging, criticizing, fault finding, blaming. Either way, it is our choice to be the creator of how we feel about ourselves.
Rod's story has helped me conquer the fear and insecurities that live within me, that tell me on a regular basis - "No you can't. Who do you think you are? Don't embarrass yourself. You're too old," etc.
Through Rod I have learned to stay close to my higher nature. The quiet inner voice that knows you're more than capable of anything you put your mind to. These are just a few reasons why I would love to partner with Rod to change lives in Africa.
God bless Rod and those around him."
BEN MAYIANDA
AFRICA
Testimonial By: Godfrey Buwemba
"Rod's life is a tool kit to promote understanding, trust and rejuvenation of everyone's life through personal story telling. "Just because you know my name doesn't mean you know my story." Rod has opened up his life to inspire me as well as others, nationally and internationally. His life experience has reignited our lives and we have hope again.
Through telling his story, Rod has helped me to understand the power of personal story-telling and life experience. His story creates love, understanding, acceptance and respect. He is a gentle man that allows you to ask him questions, while seeking better and deeper understanding of his life experience which is worth sharing. By spending time and listening to Rod, I have come to a place of respect, and acknowledge him as a great mentor. I now choose to create a stronger relationship with him to help me have a meaningful life, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually that I can help myself and others.
I choose to be part of the Veteran Dream Team; the team which brings dreams into reality and where dreams come true."
PASTOR GODFREY BUWEMBA
AFRICA
Testimonial By: Becky Sampson
"I had the privilege of meeting Rod Hutchins close to 8 years ago when a mutual friend of ours introduced us because of the common desires we both had in serving people. From the first time I met him, I could tell he was a genuine, caring man of integrity. With all the ups and downs of life, Rod has been a true friend and business associate. The thing I notice most about Rod is his genuine concern for those people in whom he meets.
When he first told me about wanting to do the Iron Man Course in Kona, Hawaii, I had known about his many years of struggle he had with his health, and questioned his ability to be able to physically accomplish this goal. I have since learned that when Rod puts his mind to something he accomplishes it. When he says he is going to do something, he will. His mentorship and friendship has meant the world to me and countless others in whom he has met along this journey.
As the Iron Dream Team, we went to Kona, Hawaii to support Rod on his first Iron Man course in June 2018. It was an absolute privilege and an honor to be asked to be a part of such a momentous moment in his life. I know this has been a goal he has had for 24 years. Most people would have just chalked it up as a loss of a dream, but not Rod. As I watched him endure the grueling task of completing the Iron Man Course, I saw the pure grit and dedication of a man who truly knows what it means to be mentally strong. He had every opportunity to give up and yet he didn’t. He was humble enough to allow his team to support him, the where with all to know his limits, and still he pushed himself mentally, spiritually and physically.
Rod is by far one of the most positive, kind, generous and loving people I know. His ability to pull teams of experts in their respective fields together for a common goal, is uncanny. He is a true leader in all sense of the word. He is a rare find among the many people I know. I am proud to know him and be a part of his journey as a Dream Team member and friend. I have seen other’s lives change and be inspired by his example of tenacity. Despite the obstacles he has had to face, he faces them head on. His desire to help others accomplish their goals is inspiring not only to me, but to so many others he has met along the way. I am grateful to be a part of this journey and look forward to what miracles are ahead, as Rod and the Veteran Dream Team now prepare to go back to Kona, Hawaii and support Rod once again in 2021."
BECKY SAMPSON
HAWAII, U.S.A.