Owensboro Off-Road Jeepers is a Facebook group that unites Jeep owners throughout the region. While it’s a place for camaraderie, the group also tries to give back to the communities as much as possible.
Originally bonded by their love for their Jeeps at the Sunset Cruisers monthly meeting, they wanted to find more people that love the unique vehicles. When they started the Facebook Group in October 2018, they had about 30 people; now they have more than 1,200.
When they aren’t meeting up at local establishments, group members try to serve in any way possible — whether it be at an opening of a local store or transporting POW/MIA veterans.
Robyn Huff, one of the group founders, said that last year three names of dead soldiers from the Pearl Harbor Attacks were rediscovered. They were residents of Western Kentucky and being flown in from Louisville, so she along with some members of the group made the trip from Louisville to escort the bodies.
“That was very humbling, and I get a little upset, but it was beautiful,” Huff said through near tears.
While on the way back, Huff recalled driving through Lewisport and seeing lines of people on the side of the road. She was touched by the dedication of the community to honor the soldiers even after 80 years have passed since the attacks.
In Owensboro, group members try to set up displays and gatherings at local businesses to help catch onlookers’ attention. Last month, they went to McCallister’s Deli and Preservation Station and stacked their jeeps on top of each other, and essentially just hung out.
And while they often gather in Owensboro, many in the group do not call it call home.
Huff, who was born and raised in Owensboro and works in town, lives in Butler County. Many of the other members have similar stories. Members can be found in Henderson, Pleasant Ridge, Whitesville and many other places.
“People in the group are from nearby states that just hear about us from word of mouth. We do have some that will travel to meet us. And we do ride with some Paducah Jeep Clubs down in Land Between the Lakes,” Huff said.
And they’ll go wherever the meeting calls because, as she said, that’s what Jeeps do — they travel.
The group is open to all Jeep owners, and most style their Jeeps with their own personalities. Huff said she admits she will likely know the vehicle Jeep before she knows a new member’s name. Nonetheless, she said the group is meant to be welcoming to all walks of life.
“We’re Jeep people. We’re good-hearted people, and we’ll do anything for you,” Huff said. “So it makes you feel good just knowing that’s part of our group.”
