The news from Chrysler is that Jeep® will be producing a new multipurpose vehicle which will be available for reenlistment in active military duty. It is good to see the Jeep get back into the service and continue on with its long military tradition. The Jeep J8 is powered by a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Now comes the big question, will a diesel JK Wrangler ever hit the US market?

With all the recent advancement in diesel technology you have to wonder when Jeep is going to catch on to the diesel craze and offer a diesel JK. It has already happened in the UK and Alex Kefford was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at the British JK Diesel and test it on the trails and tarmac. The steering wheel may be on the wrong side, but the diesel technology and 30 mpg is right on the mark.

On the Fall Crawl, we got a chance to ride along with Scott Hatch and explore the road less traveled. Expedition wheeling at its best, we got a first hand look at the trail network established by the North East Assoc. of 4WD Clubs. At this year's Fall Crawl there were 130 participants and 26 trail leaders from 18 different clubs from all across New England.

So as Veterans Day approaches I can't help but reflect on the military history of the Jeep®. As a troop transport, as a scout car, as a medical evacuation vehicle, the little Jeep answered the call and went above and beyond the call of duty.

My Dad was the first person in my family to ride in a Jeep back in World War II, you could say that it was the trail ride that started it all. You see, at the time my Dad was just another wounded soldier on a Jeep on the way to an aid station. Jeeps increased the speed in which the soldiers were brought back to the aid station, and in turn, speeded their return to the front. That is what happened in my father's case, he got all patched up just to get wounded again, earning him another ride in a Jeep. My Uncle Phil, my Dad's older brother, kidded him that he never learned how to duck in basic training. A special thanks to Bill Rhodes for contributing parts from his book, "Which Way is the Enemy?" Happy Veterans Day.

Bill Sheridan
Publisher

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