A bit about Rod...
Growing up, we lived in Frisco, Breckenridge, Boulder, CO and Springfield, MO. Rod is a scratch golfer, went to the Olympic Trials for Taekwondo in 1988 and 1992, and won a few State Break Dancing Championships. He competed in the Police and Fire Games and with 85 countries in attendance, he came in 2nd against a two time Olympian.
He is very outgoing and has never met a stranger. He thrives on building people up and he loves making fun of himself.
Rod worked at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission where he trained future law enforcement professionals on everything from communications to firearms to emotional intelligence and defensive tactics. Rod was also a 20 year veteran as a juvenile corrections officer. When it comes to being strong, physically, mentally, and emotionally, you can't get much stronger and we are thankful for that.
On November 30th, Rod and his better half, who we refer to as "OUR" Lizzy, were involved in a roll over motor vehicle accident. Rod sustained a spinal cord injury which partially severed his spinal cord and left him with a broken neck and paralyzed from the chest down. Lizzy broke most of her ribs and both of her feet. Lizzy is on a whole different level of tough than most people and quite a martial arts guru in her own right.
While going through the toughest struggle of his life, Rod's spirit shines through and he still continues to encourage and selflessly uplift others. He knows very well that people around him are having a hard time with his situation and yet he has done as much as possible to continue being the "strong one" and making people laugh.
The video below titled "Rodney's Own Words" says it all.
ROD'S SPA DAY!
NO ONE DOES IT LIKE ROD!
NO ONE DOES IT LIKE ROD!
THANK YOU TO MY BROTHER, CHARLIE FOR GIVING ME A BUZZ AND CLEANING UP MY GOATEE SO I LOOK SUPERFLY. I HOPE THERE IS NO FIGHTING OVER WHO GIVES ME MY NEXT SPONGE BATH!!!
NO ONE DOES IT LIKE ROD!
NO ONE DOES IT LIKE ROD!
NO ONE DOES IT LIKE ROD!
ABOVE ARE ROD'S ANGELS.
WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED?
THESE LADIES ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, STRONG, TOUGH, AND KIND LADIES YOU WILL EVER MEET. THEY ARE DEFINITELY EARTH'S ANGELS.
THE PHILBECK'S LOVE THEM
OUR MARIA
NO ONE DOES IT LIKE ROD!
OUR MARIA
EVERYONE DESERVES A MARIA IN THEIR LIFE. SHE IS TOO KIND AND COOL TO EVEN EXPLAIN.
WE LOVE YOU, SUNSHINE
A MESSAGE FROM POPS!
My name is Mike Philbeck. I am Rodney’s father. Rodney is every parent’s dream child. Everyone who knows Rod loves him. When you meet him, he has a way to make you feel special, but most of all, he cares.
He is bigger than life.
I want to thank all who have sent prayers and donations. Rodney would be the last to ask for help but the first to give it. We just need to get him well. It’s going to take us all. Rodney will do his part; we must do ours; and God will do the rest. Below is a link to Rod's go fund me page. Thanks to all from a loving dad, Mike Philbeck.
Golf is in the Air!! Rod's 4th hole in one. Pops 12th hole in one. Someone has some work to do!!!
Firing up the team for some hand to hand combat training !!!
Magazine Cover, Yes?
Firearms Instructor, Philbeck
Had a great hike in the hills above
Palm Springs. This was about 3 months before my accident and i just took a moment to thank God for all of my blessings. I feel more blessed today after being reminded how fragile life can be so Carpe Diem, my friends.
A very smart person once said "you can't wait until life is not easy to be happy" and i plan on living by that philosophy. Try and get this smile off my face. You will need to bring 40 grit!! :)
Rod "sporting" his silver medal after competing in the Police and Fire Games in NYC in Taekwondo in 2011. He was over 40 and there were 85 countries competing. He came in second to a two time olympian.