The Faces of Jeep interview with Halley Williams
FOJ-[Natasha]: “Why did you choose Jeep?”
Halley: “My mother always told me since I was 3 years old that she pictured me in a Jeep, all thanks to the movie Terminator. She said that I reminded her of Sarah Connor. I worked at a Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep dealership when I lived in Fairbanks, Alaska. While working there I started to see the true appeal of the build of Jeeps, and I knew that someday I would own one. Sadly, I didn’t get my Jeep until about a year after my mother passed away. She was my inspiration to get something that spoke more of who I am and my character. When I named my Jeep, I wanted to incorporate something that would be in honor of my mother, and be a part of me. I came up with Comet, because my mother named me after Halley’s Comet.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “How long have you been wheeling?”
Halley: “I have been wheeling off and on since 2003, before I got my license. But Jeep wheeling has been going on constantly for a little over a year now.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “What modifications have you done, and which companies would you suggest to others?”
Halley: “So far the only enhancing modifications I’ve done to my Jeep has been a Mopar lift 3.5″ and BFG All Terrain 35″ tires with 18″ wheels. As well as an aftermarket oil pan/transfer skid plate. My 2016 JKU Sahara Back Country Edition came stock with a lot of great off-roading features such as rear lockers, skid plates, rock rails, and steel bumpers. The other modifications I’ve made have been mostly cosmetic or for recovery tools. So far the only company that I can personally say that I recommend from experience is SpiderWebShade.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “Where all have you traveled and what kind of wheeling do you prefer best?”
Halley: “I have traveled all over the country in my Jeep, and I’m currently on a cross-country trip around North America. I’ve also been hitting up many Jeep Badge of Honor trails to try to earn a few badges as I’m traveling. So far I’ve earned 6 on this trip, and hope to earn at least 3-4 more before I return home. I honestly have driven on all types of terrain; mud, rocks, trails, snow, and sand. My favorite kind of terrain is rocks because of how much of a challenge it can be, and how much more technical it is to make it from point A to point B. My favorite kind of wheeling is with my fellow Jeepers, new or old.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “What are some of your favorite Jeep events you have attended?”
Halley: “So far I’ve only attended a few events, Jeepin Beach Jam ’17(Panama City Beach, FL), Jeepin’ with Sheriff Judd ’18 (Bartow, FL), And Deep South Jam ’18 (Georgia). I have skipped quite a few this year to do my trip around the country.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “Tell us about one of your most memorable Jeep adventure moment?”
Halley: “To be honest, most of them have been memorable. Each time I overcome an obstacle, where there was question as to whether or not I could do it. But the most I think was my last trail ride, on Firebreak Five in Tillamook OR. The trail is one of the Jeep Badge of Honor trails, and is labeled as a 5-8 difficulty. As I took on that trail by myself, when I came across one of the obstacles, I knew that I could take it on. I know that my confidence was from the Jeepers that I’ve ridden with that have helped me in learning what I needed to make it through. And the feeling I had when I got to the top, I can’t even describe. I was just ecstatic and smiling from ear to ear. My biggest disappointment was that no one was there to enjoy the moment with me.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “How has Jeep influenced your life?”
Halley: “Owning a Jeep has helped me find myself again. I have been through a lot of loss in my life over the last 4 years, from both my parents passing and a divorce. For me having my Jeeps has helped me keep a very positive outlook on things and find a new zest for life. I’m thankful for all of the amazing people that I’ve met in the Jeep community. I’ve made some of the most amazing friends along the way and I wouldn’t change it for anything. The great Jeepers I’ve met have the same passion for life and support each other unlike any other group I’ve ever been a part of.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “What is the best part about being a woman in the off-road community?”
Halley: “I think the best part is having the element of not just being kick-ass off-road, but being a woman doing it. It causes more of a stir and shows that we can do anything that men can. “We wheel like you, only prettier”. I’ve also found that most women in the off-road community are supportive of each other and do everything they can to uplift and encourage the growth that comes along with being in this lifestyle. I love all my Jeepster Sisters!”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “What are some of your biggest accomplishments?”
Halley: “I think one thing that I’m the most proud of is how much I’ve helped some women in building their courage to take on the trails and show them that they can do it too. I’ve seen a lot of fellow JeepHers out there that want to do more, but are just not quite sure. I love being that extra voice in their head, telling them that they CAN do it. I’ve also volunteered for a Poker Run to help earn funds for the 4 Wheel to Heal nonprofit organization. I fully support any program that helps our nations veterans during their recovery, and integration back into the civilian world. I look forward to helping their organization more and other great Jeep programs.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “What tips would you suggest to a new Jeeper?”
Halley: “Trail rule #1, never lose sight of the person behind you. Never leave a rig behind. Make sure you always hit the trails with someone experienced, and make sure to have at least the basics in recovery tools. I also would have to say, ride with someone you feel confident following, and always listen to your spotter. They can see things that you cannot, and could be the difference between driving home, and getting towed home. Any modifications that you think you want to do, always make sure that its something that will actually benefit the way you drive your Jeep.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “What are your future goals for yourself?”
Halley: “I would like to continue learning more about off-roading and find a Jeep program that I want to become a part of to benefit our community.”
FOJ-[Natasha]: “Thank you for sharing your Jeep journey with us. We wish you save travels through your journey across the USA and an amazing 2018 wheeling season.”
Photo from Halley Williams, Questions asked by FOJ-Natasha Kokkinis & Answers from Halley Williams
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