Jeepers are an interesting bunch. You've seen them. Rolling down the street or highway in a caravan or convoy (my friends prefer the term Jeep-a-van) while the passengers in the cars passing by wish it was them. There could be a few or hundreds. Just today I was in a group of almost 200 going on the annual Suds Run to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston, Texas put on by my great friend Penny Peggy Pam.
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One could liken Jeep Wrangler owners to those groups of people who have something in common: lots of energy. Loads and loads of energy. That energy is put to good use.
Jeep Wrangler Owners Give Themselves
You see, Jeepers are a different breed. Most aren't rich, they own Jeep Wranglers (2018 Wrangler debuts online). Most who modify their ride do it a piece at a time as they can afford the next part. But that doesn't stop them from giving. And give they do! A lot of these guys are quite handy with a wrench and so when it comes to turning a wrench they are eager to help. For instance, the lift I put on my 2012 Wrangler JKU. My two buddies Mike and Jason offered their help and we made a day of it. Including the best fried catfish I've ever had! Putting the lift on was a cinch when you have a couple extra hands especially ones who have done it before. My cost? Nothing. I saved a couple thousand dollars because two of my friends knew what it means to be a true Jeeper.
They Give Their Money
But it isn't just that. These Jeepers somehow manage between the Jeeps they own and the responsibilities they have to give back to the communities they are a part of. Like today and the Suds Run. These almost 200 people donated 6700 pounds of laundry detergent and over $13,000 in money to help their fellow man. People they have never met. The benefit... to help those families who are dealing with a child suffering from a terminal or severe medical problem be able to feel human with a clean change of clothes while all their time is focused on that of their dying child.
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Somewhere between the lift kits, bumpers, lights, winches, and every other modification you can think of, they are digging deep in their pockets to help. I've seen hundreds of Jeepers on charity runs benefiting major events like breast cancer awareness/Susan B. Komen, Saafe House battered women's shelter, pet food and adoption, the groups who's passion it is to go and recover people who have gotten their vehicles stuck in one way or another (S.O.R.T.), and the biggest I have seen, Jeepers spending DAYS evacuating victims from Hurricane Harvey where they were sleeping in their Jeeps, providing meals, giving rides, and traversing high water to make rescues. I have even have a couple friends who left their dry homes to go help others and several days later they get home only to find their home was also destroyed by flooding. Now that is a selfless act! Not a dime was given to these amazing people, nor would they take it. It wasn't about that. They were given this gift so they gave of themselves. They did it because it was right. They did it because it was their responsibility. I call it loving their neighbor as themself.
Wrangler Owners Pay it Forward
Those who have been given much, much will be expected. I can't tell you how many times I have had someone help me add some modification or other to my Jeep. My lift, tires and rims, bumpers, lights, wiring, winch, disconnects, CB, etc. And everyone who had helped me (all different) I asked what I owed them. Their answer was something like, "nothing, just help someone else when they need it". With the exception of an actual shop, I don't think they could take money. I can't. It's just feels... wrong.
Also see: Both The Excitement and Skepticism of The New 2018 Jeep Wrangler
So I help. I turn a wrench like the ones who helped me. They turn a wrench like the ones who helped them. And so on and so on. Now don't get me wrong, we like it. It's fun. It's manly. The Jeep Girls dig it. We score major brownie points! LOL! Totally worth it.
Why Some People Don't Get It
Not everyone can be a Jeeper though. It takes a special breed. Read my previous article on the two types of Jeep owners to see what I mean. But it is funny the looks we get from those who don't understand it. Those who can't feel it. See, Jeepers don't do things small. That's why you see a few hundred Jeeps rolling down the highway going to a charity event. Anyone can give and that is great. But a true Jeeper gives and let's their Jeep be the icon. It's about the charity, it's about showing off their Jeep, but the Jeepers know it isn't about them. They know it is something bigger.
Don't Miss: The Jeeps and Their Owners Who Everyone Forgets: The Unsung Jeepers
Tell me your story. I want to read your comments. Did you rescue or get rescued during Harvey? Post it below in the comments section for discussion. How have you helped or been given help? What did they want in return?
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I like participating in the
I like participating in the toy rides for children, when we do it with Jeep Wrangler owners around Christmas time.
Im from Kansas city Mo and
Im from Kansas city Mo and I Like to be part of a Jeeper Club ,I do own a 2011 jeep wrangler (Sahara) 4 doors and Me and my Family enjoy a lot that Baby
Most definitely. When I
Most definitely. When I started building my XJ Jeep friends were always willing to come over and give me a hand or a part or a tool etc.
I was in the Suds Run- it was
I was in the Suds Run- it was my first ever. It was a great experience! I also had to save my husband during Harvey, as he tried to go to work on the morning of August 30th. It was dark (5:30am) and he drove his Cadillac CTS into a flash flood. I tried finding someone nearby in S.O.R.T., but no one answered and he called again and told me I needed to get there NOW. So I left. It was one of the scariest things I've ever done. I know the water was up to my grille. I drove in to where he was (on HWY 96 right past the Silsbee exit). He got out of his car and sloshed water into my Jeep (I don't have a lift, but 33's). I had to then back out to where the water was lower. That's what was really scary, because it was dark and I couldn't see anything. We made it out and home safely. The road was shut down the next day and was closed for about three weeks as part of a bridge had washed out. We did not see his car for those three weeks because drones could not make it that far. I finally tracked the car down at a local wrecker shop on the day we met with the insurance adjuster. We couldn't get inside, only in the trunk. Harvey was definitely an experience, as we are from Maryland and have only lived in SETX for a year and a half, but we were so impressed how the entire area came together to help one another. I'm a member of several Jeep clubs in SETX, and it was amazing to see the selfless acts of the Jeepers. It definitely makes me proud to be a JeepGirl! <3
The most gratifying events
The most gratifying events are group did (CT JEEP LIFE) was to take the athletes to the opening ceremony in a jeep parade for the Special Olympics.. it was a special day for all of us.
#Jeepwave
That sounds really awesome! I
That sounds really awesome! I follow a couple of Special Olympians. I'd love to have been a part of that.
This past Saturday a large
This past Saturday a large contingency of local Jeepers adorned our rigs with American flags and Veterans in need of escort and rode in the Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade. Then some of the group headed over the Children's Hospital to present another jeeper with a sick child the proceeds of a raffle they did at a group meet and greet. Jeepers are the BEST!!!
I love my XJ's we have 3 and
I love my XJ's we have 3 and a Wrangler TJ. We have had so much fun as a family doing the wrenching for ours and others. We have also had a blast with Jeep meetups for all kinds of events.
I borrowed a boat from a
I borrowed a boat from a friend of mine and traveled to Houston during hurricane Harvey to help evacuate residents. It was amazing to see so much water. It was definitely an experience I will never forget.
Aside from the revolving help
Aside from the revolving help of others wrenching, one day during the winter of ‘15 I specifically remember. It was pure whiteout conditions here in NW Indiana. Visibililty was a maximum of 80’. Cold cold cold. I told the wife we needed to drive around and see if anyone needed help. She obliged only because she wanted to hang out on the day off of work. I wanted to get out. After about 4 hours I pulled about 15 cars out of ditches and snow drifts. One specific minivan was occupied by an entire family, little children. Some offered cash l, which I declined, others just shook my hand. I wasn't out to make money, I just wanted to help those in need. Maybe they’d help someone and pay it forward.
I’ve recently became a jeep
I’ve recently became a jeep girl, and I would love to put together a group of Jeeps in my area to support a charity. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I’m from Pennsylvania and I’m not sure if there are any Jeeper groups that support charity’s up this way.
Susan, I joined Chesapeake
Susan, I joined Chesapeake Jeep Club and we do ride and events all over PA, DE and MD. Check it out on Facebook. Also there’s Wicked Jeeps, PA Jeepers and a bunch of other clubs to join.
Hi, I live near Lancaster. I
Hi, I live near Lancaster. I run a non-profit, and I'm a Jeep gitl! I would love to do something like this if there's anything around!
why must you equate "jeepers"
why must you equate "jeepers" with wranglers? there are lots and lots of people who own jeeps that contribute. while I am in no way discounting what wrangler owners do, please remember that Jeeps, and those that drive ALL of the various models, are worthy of this same recognition.
Well, I actually didn't
Well, I actually didn't equate Jeepers as only Wrangler owners. The article was about Wranglers and referred to the owners as Jeepers. As for remembering there are other Jeeps out there...I've owned 2 GC's, a Cherokee, and a CJ-7, aside from my JKU. I know first hand how other models get left out. But this article was not about them. But thank you, you have given me an idea for my next one! =)
Jeep was around for over 60
Jeep was around for over 60 yrs before the JK ever came to be. I am the proud owner of 10 American icons between 1948 and 2000. With the resurgence of the Jeep brand, many people are hardly aware of our long Jeep heritage of 75+ years.
I'd be proud to join with
I'd be proud to join with other Jeepers to assist others. I'm a disabled combat vet, worked for Sheriffs Dept., owned a small hobby farm. I own a 2015 Willys Wheeler W. ...phone is 716 592 0168....thanks much....Bill
Get thee to Facebook! There
Get thee to Facebook! There are bunches and bunches of clubs around. Shop for a good fit (or fits). You can learn more about your Jeep if you are looking for that, meet new friends and, new trails!
Hi y’all. New to the jeep
Hi y’all. New to the jeep family here. Picked mine up in March of 2017. Haven’t helped or been helped in anyway. Willing to learn though!
I was a fellow jeeper that
I was a fellow jeeper that drove 5 hours to help with the rescue and I’m glad I had i Also had a fellow jeeper open her house for a couple of days for the people that came down with me
Not Harvey, but IRMa. I went
Not Harvey, but IRMa. I went down and got my jeeps after IRMA. (NO IM NOT RICH I'm just determined to keep living) FEMA set up their food assistance at the fair grounds which were all MUD I'm talking 3 feet of mud. Tow trucks were charging 60-200 each car they pulled out of the mud. I went home got my 5 day old 2017 JKU , a tow rope, and my son and went back down to the fair grounds...for three days we pulled over 100 cars out of the mud, even in pouring down rain, transported Law enforcement to traffic issues, transported elderly, and disabled to the FEMA tent, helped people find their cars, and had fun doing it. ... not bad for a hospice patient who gets a little life back while out in her jeep.... if you want to know more search "living my jeep life while fighting for my life." #LMJLwFFML
Yes you are correct about us
Yes you are correct about us being a different kind of breed . I didn't get to make the suds run this year cause the jeep was in the shop getting the rearend redone .during Harvey we were out from day one with all county Off-road recovery out saving people and animals during the flooding . From pulling boats full of people across high water to rescuing people stranded in high water and from there homes the jeep didn't stop in till after the water receded then the rearend broke the pinion and could go no more
All the people we help and the appreciation that they showed made it all worth what it cost me to fix the jeep we are hoping to get her out of the shop so we can go to the festival of lights and watch all the kids cheer when the Jeep's come by
As a JK Wrangler owner since
As a JK Wrangler owner since 2012 and a Jeep owner since 2005, there have been many times where helping someone get out of some sticky spot comes along. Always nice to be capable to help. And when driving our other car, we have been helped too. Jeep owners always seem to 'check in' with you when you're stopped for whatever reason. Lots of help when needed when it comes to mods and accessories. Love the Jeep life.
As a JK Wrangler owner since
As a JK Wrangler owner since 2012 and a Jeep owner since 2005, there have been many times where helping someone get out of some sticky spot comes along. Always nice to be capable to help. And when driving our other car, we have been helped too. Jeep owners always seem to 'check in' with you when you're stopped for whatever reason. Lots of help when needed when it comes to mods and accessories. Love the Jeep life.
I have had my jeep wrangler
I have had my jeep wrangler for 17 years and still love driving it. I love how other wrangler drivers will wave when we see another wrangler coming down the road.
I have had my jeep wrangler
I have had my jeep wrangler for 16 years love it when I pass another jeep wrangler and I get a wave!Don't know if I could drive anything else.