You’re tooling around OC and you see this jeep.
No, this one incredibly specific and unique jeep.
The one with hand-stenciled black-camo graphics, 2” suspension lift, 2.5” diameter aluminum shocks, an eight-speed transmission, electronic-disconnect sway bar, Rubicon metal bumpers, enough other bells and whistles to keep the neighbors up through several New Year’s Eves, and super-bright HID lights on the bumper and cowl to wake them if they should fall asleep.
Oh and 35” Toyo Open Country M/T—for “Maximum Traction” or “Mud Terrain,” whichever—tires mounted on stealth black wheels.
That jeep.
Custom Charity
When you see it, thank Ron Flint, social enterprise business development specialist at Tuttle-Click Tustin Jeep.
The “Hero Jeep” backs events for Semper Fi Fund, a nonprofit providing programs for wounded U.S. military veterans.
Flint likes cars, likes customizing them, likes selling them to collectors, and giving the proceeds to charity.
His first was a Dodge Viper sold to a collector for $250,000, half of it net profit, which went to Victory Junction Camp in North Carolina, which provides nature experiences for kids with medical disabilities.
After 30 years in cars he has relationships with suppliers, original equipment manufacturers and others. A slew of big brands that make the kinds of parts on this jeep.
This jeep.
Semper Female
Flint comes by his charity work honestly; he married in.
His wife Betsy Flint, is a force of nature in OC nonprofit circles for more than three decades, starting with the founding of Orangewood Children’s Home and moving to the Samueli Foundation, working with OC philanthropist Susan Samueli making grants to nonprofits and educational groups.
Ron Flint’s tagged along to a great many charity events—the galas, the golf, the gatherings—hobnobbing with both charity and corporate execs. Everyone driving a Titleist wanted to help people. Charities knew the effective, fervent work of doing so; the business folk weren’t as sure.
“Corporations are happy to join in an effort if it’s a good cause and they don’t have to do too much,” he said.
He also learned nonprofits weren’t always skilled at getting their message heard (see story, page 9).
“They need to be able to reach people,” Flint said. “They need a way to engage their audience.”
The HID headlights ‘Tuttle-Clicked’ on: companies want to help, nonprofits have great stories, Flint customizes cars.
“What if we make the vehicle itself the story-telling device?” he said, envisioning a customized vehicle, moving down the road, making impressions.
Flint found Semper Fi Fund, founded 15 years ago by a group of military spouses at Camp Pendleton.
Drive Time
He customized a plan; the dealer donated a jeep—that jeep—a 2019 Rubicon.
Dealership founders Jim Click and Bob Tuttle are philanthropists happy to help. General Manager Al Dimont came aboard.
The jeep “invite[s] folks to get involved and help make a difference,” Dimont said.
Flint’s automotive industry contacts ponied up for the work: Fiat-Chrysler unit Mopar sent parts; Fox added the shocks, and Brea-based Black Rhino provided the wheels. Cypress-based Toyo Tire USA Corp., of course, kicked in those tires which, “help contribute to the toughness and good looks of this unique vehicle,” said Tim Chaney, marketing vice president.
The jeep was filling up.
Tuttle-Click technician Jose Tena did the work. San Clemente artist Chris Dunlop—in automotive circles he’s “Pinstripe Chris”—created the camo pattern under a matte finish.
In Like Flint
The powerful result, now road-ready, raises awareness of Semper Fi and veterans issues.
It was at Camp Pendleton during a concert where actor Gary Sinise’s Lieutenant Dan Band played. Sinise’s own foundation backs veterans, first responders and their families.
The jeep is for sale at $83,000. Then they’ll build another.
Flint sees a buyer as custom as the car: military or ex-military, perhaps.
“This jeep is designed with a personality and a purpose,” he said. “It’s fully-loaded and real.”
The buyer, he said, “is going to drive it … every day.”
Adapting, Overcoming
May 8, 2010.
USMC Gunnery Sergeant Anthony Rios was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Marjah, Afghanistan. Extensive injuries included a shattered leg, traumatic brain injury and PTSD.
As he recovered, Rios was introduced to adaptive sports and now competes seated in volleyball, shot put, discus and archery, as well as sled hockey, swimming, hand-cycling, and both racing and rugby in his wheelchair.
“But my blessings aren’t in my athletic abilities,” Rios said. “They’re in my ability to articulate my struggle.”
He said Semper Fi Fund “was there at my bedside” as soon as he opened his eyes stateside. Amid “lifelong struggles” the fund continues its support, strengthening his family, and Rios speaks and competes internationally on behalf of the group.
He’s pursuing a degree in social work at California State University-San Marcos.
Marines are taught to “adapt and overcome,” he said.
“Without Semper Fi this would have been exceptionally more difficult.”
