Veteran's vintage truck stolen, meant to be auctioned off for charity

MULGA, Ala. (WBRC) - Mike Greenwood, a disabled Vietnam veteran, has a deep passion for vintage trucks, which fill his shop in Mulga. He dedicates considerable time and effort to restoring these classic vehicles, making the recent theft of one particularly troubling for him. A teal green 1953 Willys Truck, which was intended for a charity auction, went missing overnight, leaving Greenwood in disbelief.

The theft was discovered when his UPS driver alerted him to the shop's open doors. Greenwood found that the lock had been cut and the truck had been rolled away, with the thieves leaving behind minimal evidence, aside from a knocked-over air compressor. "It was unexpected," Greenwood said, expressing his anger and frustration at the loss.

The stolen truck was not just another vehicle; it was meant to raise funds for Vietnam Agent Orange victims and Navy River Boat Crew members, causes that resonate deeply with Greenwood. As a Navy River Boat veteran himself, he is acutely aware of the sacrifices made by his fellow soldiers, and he hoped to raise around $20,000 at the auction to assist those in need.

To aid in the recovery of the stolen Willys, Greenwood is cooperating with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office while also appealing to the community for help. The truck is distinctive, bearing the serial number AZ275981, and it may still have an expired 2010 Alabama tag reading 1A59V38.

In addition to spreading awareness, Greenwood is offering a $1,500 reward for any information leading to the recovery of the truck. His plea highlights the importance of community involvement in solving crimes and supporting local veterans.