No Name Column
Off-Roaders Are Good People
In our July issue we passed along a story from Debbie Economos, a member of the Tidewater 4Wheelers Club about her experience visiting wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. This month, we share excerpts from yet another story of the off-roading community coming together to help someone out. — Denis Snow
A (“Project”) Second Chance
Our “Miracle Marine’s” story…
On March 26, 2005 came the posting of an urgent call for help through prayers on the Florida Jeepers Off-Road Association (FJOA) website forums by one of it’s members, James, saying that his younger brother, also an FJOA member, Aaron had been in a terrible rollover accident in his YJ and was in very bad shape.
He was in the trauma unit on a respirator in critical but stable condition. He had severe head trauma with bleeding and swelling in the brain.
On the 28th Aaron had surgery to insert a drain to attempt to relieve the pressure from the swelling. This didn’t work and on the 29th, the doctors did a last ditch effort to save Aaron’s life as they removed a large section of the skull to allow the brain to swell outside his head. Aaron was also put into a medically induced coma to keep him completely immobile and cut down brain activity.
Three months later he’s out of the hospital, back on his feet and about eight weeks away from being able to drive and fully function in life again! Through all of this, he earned the name “Miracle Marine” (he served 5 years in the Corps)
There is only one thing missing now… he doesn’t have a Jeep, and is very anxious to get one again. This brings us to the other part of the second chance story.
The idea came up that FJOA, with the help of its members and sponsors, would find a Jeep and have it ready for Aaron when he was able to drive again. The Jeep donated by a local used car dealer in Ocala was in bad shape with a blown motor, broken transfer case among many other problems.
The next few weeks saw some tremendous efforts by many people giving their time, money and spare parts; working weekends and traveling many miles to help build this rig for Aaron. One person came all the way from Maine to help out. We also had many kind sponsors and vendors who donated parts. The Jeep was given to Aaron at a large picnic held in his honor and he will be on the trails with us in only a matter of a few more months, as his recovery is ongoing.
We at FJOA have known since our humble beginnings that the Jeep family is a very special group. And now knowing that the entire world of Jeepers is so closely knit together and willing to put forth such an effort for a man that they never met, and many never will meet, is almost incomprehensible.
Aaron’s family, and all of us at FJOA thank everyone for their help. The list of people and businesses is too long for this story, but you can find them and the complete story of Aaron and this Jeep at www.floridajeepers.net in the “Off Topic” forum, and the “Project – Second Chance” forum.
- Brent Huffman, FJOA
Newsbits
“Tri” Before You Buy
With the Master Downloader (for all newer model GMs, Fords, and Dodge diesel trucks) you can receive a free trial download. The Master Downloader, plugs into your truck, downloads the horsepower, and you drive away with extra horsepower at no charge. This sample horsepower is time-sensitive and your truck will revert back to its original “stock” performance and settings after a limited amount of time. Once you have felt the increased horsepower and improved fuel economy you’ll want to get the system permanently. Go to your nearest 4 Wheel Parts Performance Center to get your trial download today.
Two Dollar Jeeps, Do People Really Win This Stuff?
Each year, the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. (CA4WDC) buys a brand new Jeep, sets it up with every cool aftermarket option you could think of, and then gives it away. This February 2006, CA4WDC will be at it again with a 2005 Jeep TJ. Rolling on a Rubicon Express lift and 35-inch BFGoodrich tires, this dream Jeep sports ARB lockers, Warn winch, Hanson Bumpers, Kilby onboard air, Tuffy boxes, Currie Anti-Rock, Superior Axles and an Atlas II t-case: All for a $2 raffle ticket, and you don’t have to be present to win. For information on how to get in on some cheep Jeep action, call 800-4x4-FUNN or surf the web to www.cal4wheel.com.