Tom Oplt uses the scrounged together shower system.
Tom Oplt
While Tom Oplt’s official job in the U.S. Army was heavy equipment repair and welding, Oplt also was a scrounger.
His best “find” led to a washing station to help keep everyone and their uniforms clean.
Oplt, 73, of House Springs served in the Army in Vietnam from March 27, 1968, to March 26, 1969.
During that time, he was able to scrounge up the wringer washer. He also made wash lines and set up a laundry station.
“I told everyone the washer and wash lines were for everybody to have clean clothes,” he said. “Even the officers ended up using them.”
He also acquired a water tank and built an outside shower for his unit.
“While there, I got to mount a mini-gun on an APC (armored personnel carrier) tank for the infantry unit,” he said. “I was thanked by a lieutenant colonel for the job.”
Oplt also qualified as sharpshooter with an M14-16 and expert with an M60.
Oplt put his military training to work when he got back home. He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic, operator and welder.
