Living the Jeep Life

Army Sergeant Jeremy Hopper, served in Afghanistan and was injured in the line of duty.  Like Clint, Jeremy was dealing with a traumatic brain injury.

When Clint heard Jeremy’s story, he got the idea to redo Jeremy’s Jeep YJ. Working closely with the charity “4 Wheel 2 Heal” Clint helped to get companies like Xtorm 4×4, Rigid Industries, Poison Spyder, Rock Krawler Suspension, Bartact, Forbidden Jeeps, Jeepetos 4×4 to donate parts to rebuild the Jeep.

“Clint always wanted to help and was a very social person who loved his Jeep and loved the Off-Road Community.  He loved our organization 4 Wheel to Heal and often helped us network within the community.  Over the years we attended many events together and I have, and cherish, many memories with him,” and John Pursar, president of 4 Wheel 2 Heal.

Through Clint’s connections and know how, he and a few friends were able to rebuild the Jeep from the ground up.

It took almost a year and a slew of donated parts to fully transform Jeremy’s Jeep. Even with Clint going to and from the hospital regularly, he found the time to put his time and soul into a Jeep for a veteran he had just met. At the end of the build Clint decided to name the Jeep the Helihopper because of Jeremy’s military background working with helicopters and other aircraft.

Jeremy was so touched and surprised by Clint’s and everyone else’s hard work, that he presented Clint with one of four American flags he was given to present to someone they feel has earned to fly our nation’s colors.

After Clint and many others had finished the Helihopper build, his popularity in the Jeep community took off. Clint developed a strong social media presence which attracted a lot of attention to Clint and his Jeep. He started getting offers from sponsors, giving him various parts to use on his build, until he eventually landed deals with big companies like Rigid Industries Lighting and Poison Spyder Customs.

Clint’s Jeep was built from the ground up and wouldn’t have been possible without his sponsors, his passion to learn, and his addictive personality.

His Jeep became an iconic poster-rig for Jeep communities around the country. Soon Clint was traveling across the U.S. to attend events and was living a dream Jeep life.

One of Clint’s 17 thousand Instagram followers was Moshannon Valley High School student and Houtzdale resident Sam Demko.

Sam was familiar with a location that Clint wanted to explore, so when Clint reached out on social media looking for a guide, Sam offered to show him around. Sam met Clint at the off roading spot and they quickly formed a strong friendship.

So strong that Clint was willing to give the keys of “The Enforcer” to a kid going to prom.

“I was talking about Prom and he was like ‘Oh, take the Jeep to Prom’ and I wasn’t sure if he was joking around. When Prom came around I texted him and asked, ’Hey do you think I could take the Jeep to Prom?’ and he responded ‘Hell yeah, take the Jeep! Have a blast, it’s all yours.’ He literally lended me his Jeep for a week,” said Demko.

Most custom Jeep enthusiasts don’t even allow fingerprints on their Jeep.  Clint Wilson would give you his for a week.

Even with all of his fame and popularity in the Jeep community, Clint also made time for his high school friends as well.

“Clint and I met in high school. He was always so happy and people considered him as the ‘class clown.’ We grew a strong bond in and

out of school as we were always doing random things even if it meant driving around looking for deer. He was always the most positive person and always did everything he could to make myself and everyone around smile. Clint loved to participate in events such as toys for tots or any benefits regarding children and adults. He was the most caring and giving person I’ve ever met,” said high school friend Kassie Dipko

Clint had become undeniably famous and always had a friend wherever he went. Clint had acquired the name, The Enforcer.

The now notorious title came from Clint’s personality. Clint was always looking out for others, and this meant if he noticed someone disrespecting someone, he would step into action and “enforce” the situation.

When Forbidden Jeeps owner Doug Povey suggested that Clint name himself and the Jeep “The Enforcer,” the name stuck and was quickly adopted between the man and his machine.