The mock convoy made a big impression on me. My favorite memory is as follows. There was a problem with one of the trucks, so on the way out to Waikele and other points on the day's itinerary, the fully outfitted convoy (signs, faux soldiers, canvas covers draped over the faux nuclear weapon racks--the works) dropped by Val's U-Drive, just off Nimitz Highway, in the Mapunapuna industrial area. Val's was located at a sort of intersection/open area in the industrial area, so the convoy just circled around the edges of that area and stopped.

Jim strode into Val's U-Drive, wearing his faux uniform, his mind concentrated on the problem with the truck, and started talking to the manager about the problem. I remember the manager's jaw just dropped. He was absolutely stricken, shocked by what he saw was being done with his trucks. We exchanged trucks; the signs, faux soldiers, canvas covers, and faux nuclear weapon racks were transferred to the new truck; and off we went.

Looking back, I am surprised the manager did not try to get his trucks back, then and there.

(I told this story to Jim, but he does not remember it. I think he was completely unself-conscious, totally concentrating on the problem at hand. He cut a fine figure that day and was one of our most outstanding faux soldiers.)

I see that the truck in the picture has "Budget" behind the cab. Did we rent trucks from more than one rental place? Was Val's the agent for Budget? Do I incorrectly remember our renting from Val's U-Drive? Val's U-Drive merged with U-Haul of Hawai`i in October 1989, and they still have a location in the Mapunapuna industrial area. No doubt they are standing by, ready to outfit our next convoy.

Onward,

Michael