Posted by apb in the tropical rainforest on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 11:34PM :
I have been advised by my lawyer not to discuss the fact that I have recovered my "stolen" M35.
However, here is an abbreviated After-Action Report:
The person who would not release it is in Paris. A team of friends joined forces yesterday to extract the truck.
Cast of characters:
Benj. H., former VN era USMC rifleman and still stoned and crazy. Former Verizon lineman. HOG rider. Has run out of skin to tattoo.
George L., Former US Army NG wheeled vehicle mechanic. Currently a rebuilder of foreign antique sports cars. He's 5-foot nuthin, but can press a 9.00 x 20 tire and rim over his head.
John S., former US Army Signal Corps, former telephone company microwave/radio tower technician, currently a County Police Department (civilian) radio technician.
Pete K., former Sea Bee, currently a self-employed construction company owner.
Tom McG., former Navy Medical Corpsman, once assigned to a Marine Company and currently a volunteer Advanced EMT.
Benj. H. "borrowed" a Verizon truck, and drove into the yard on Friday. He determined the following:
House vacant.
No chains through wheels.
No chain on steering wheel.
No loose or missing steering or suspension parts.
Fuel OK
Brakes OK
Batteries OK
No trip wires or alarms.
Tires inflated
No chocks, or other obstacles.
Pete K. and one helper stood-by in the street, with a 6-wheel 2001 Dodge 3500, with one yard of wet sand in bed for ballast. This was in the event that the truck would not start, and required towing.
Tom McG. stood by as flagman at one end of block. He claims that he wanted to treat "just one more sucking chest wound before I die." Luckily, no shots were fired during the extraction.
George L. gained access to truck via adjacent yard, and climbed aboard. Tried starter. Truck started!
By prearranged signal, George drove truck out of circular driveway, (traffic was halted by flagmen) and direct to ferry, with rest of team following in various vehicles.
Ferry crew had been alerted by radio tech, John S., via Marine band VHF, so that a rapid departure was possible. He had been monitoring police bands for possible interference by the blue people.
Crew dismissed, with thanks. The Director of Service Awards of the SIBTA will be recommending that the entire team receive a Unit Citation, for exemplary service.
Truck is now in an undisclosed location.
Report ends.
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