4WD & SUV: What changes in the environment and on the trail have you witnessed since your first run on the Rubicon?MS: Deliberate trail destruction by renegade hard-core wheelers who want the trail only for themselves and others like them.
4WD & SUV: Do you sense that the four-wheel enthusiasts' attitude about the trail, environment and four-wheeling has changed?MS: Yes, both good and bad. Through the years, I feel we (JJUSA) have changed the image of four-wheeling into responsible family events.
4WD & SUV: What changes need to be made to correct the problems the Rubicon Trail has experienced?MS: Education and strict law enforcement.
4WD & SUV: How long have you been involved with Jeep, and what is your relationship with the company?MS: In 1954, Jeep started participating on the Rubicon, and for 22 years I have been an off-road consultant to Jeep.
4WD & SUV: What's your personal opinion about Jeep, and where do you see the company headed in the future?MS:Jeep has a lot of limitations but not real competitors - a Jeep is a Jeep.
4WD & SUV: Do you recall your first ride in a Jeep, and was there anything memorable about it?MS: I first saw the Jeep on movie tone news in 1940. It was love at first sight. My first ride was in 1954 when I was in the USMC.
4WD & SUV: What is your favorite Jeep?MS: My Expedition Jeep, a CJ-7, and, of course, the new Rubicon.
4WD & SUV: Can you tell us about your off-road training courses?MS: I started the LASD (Los Angeles Sheriff's Department) training with Sgt. Steve Bellino 22 years ago and have since trained more than 3,500 law enforcement officers in the U.S. and Canada. I started training with the U.S. Army's special forces, including elite Delta units in 1992 on the Rubicon trail. I have built more than 150 four-wheel-drive test courses in the U.S. and throughout the world. I have also constructed Jeep 101 courses and other extreme 4WD courses at Chrysler's proving grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, in addition to courses at the USMC base in Quantico, Virginia, and at U.S. Army bases.
4WD & SUV: What brought about Jeep Jamboree USA?MS: To expand the Jeep Jamboree nationwide.
4WD & SUV: Where is Jeep Jamboree USA headed in the future? MS: The future is unlimited, as 39 Jamborees are planned for 2005. People want to take part in organized events that offer off-road training and travel into areas not possible by car. In our Jamborees, they get to see all areas of this great country only accessible with their Jeeps. These events are great friendship builders and strengthen product (Jeep) loyalty. Jeep owners are similar to Harley owners in that Jeeping is a lifestyle.