$1 Million to Ride With Wolf

What does it cost to hang with CNN star Wolf Blitzer and act like a cable newsman? How about a cool $1 million? At least that's what Dave Liniger, chair and cofounder of RE/MAX, paid this month for CNN's "Warrior One," the cable's Iraq war Hummer that Blitzer helped auction off at the famous Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Auctioning the Hummer, refurbished by the TV show Overhaulin', was the idea of those who operated it in Iraq. Their goal: helping raise money for the Fisher House Foundation, which builds "comfort homes" for families of hospitalized military personnel. CNN sent the full $1 million to the charity.

1) Here's a great shot of the winning bidder and the gang! From left to right: Scott McWhinnie, CNN videographer who was embedded with the troops and used Warrior One in Iraq in 2003; Jim Walton, president, CNN Worldwide; Ken Fisher, chairman of the Fisher House Foundation; Dave Liniger, winning bidder; Gail Liniger; and CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

2) Warrior One pulling up on the auction block at Barrett-Jackson–with a huge crowd behind it!

3) Just before the bidding begins, Wolf Blitzer surprisingly takes the microphone away from Craig Jackson, CEO of Barrett-Jackson, to talk up the Fisher House Foundation.  

4) The bidding begins at Barrett-Jackson for Warrior One.

5) Warrior One departs for its new home in Colorado.

Photo Credit:

Ted Pio-Roda, Cable News Network