Klinger was half asleep when the radio woke him. It wasn't easy to understand the person speaking, but it sounded like Colonel Potter.
"Major," he yelled, "I think we've got Colonel Potter on the line."
Margaret picked up the phone, "Colonel Potter?" "Sir, I can barely hear you." "Just north of little Osan." "Flat tire." "Did you say 2 jeeps?" "For wounded?" "Sir….Colonel….Colonel Potter?" but the line went dead.
"Klinger," Margaret yelled, "Get in here. Colonel Potter's ambulance is just north of little Osan. I think they are still moving, but they have a flat tire."
"Major," Klinger asked, "What do we need?"
"We need two jeeps to get wounded here as soon as possible. I'll get Able and Baker in here," she began, "Klinger, who are the best drivers around here?"
"Ma'am," Klinger responded, "Corporal Phillips raced stock cars. Private Wright owns a gas station."
"That should work. Klinger, go get them and tell them to put on EVERYTHING they can to try and stay dry," Margaret said.
"How do we keep the wounded dry?" Klinger asked.
"Tear down the VIP tent. Cut it in half," Margaret responded, "That should help. We just don't have any extra gear for rain protection."
Klinger started to leave the office, when Margaret said, "Klinger get 2 or 3 people to help you tear down the VIP tent. Bring it into Post Op and we'll cut it up, there."
"Yes, Major," Klinger ran out of the office.
Klinger found Phillips and Wright in the mess tent and gave them Margaret's orders. They left. Klinger ran over to supply where Zale, Rizzo and Fulmer were playing poker.
"Card game's on hold, gents," Klinger began, "Major Houlihan wants us to take down the VIP tent and bring it into post op."
"Why?" asked Rizzo.
"Colonel Potter's ambulance has a flat. We're gonna have 2 jeeps sent out to pick up the most seriously wounded and bring them back here. The VIP tent will be cut in half, so each jeep has something to keep the soldiers dry." Klinger voice rose, "Let's go!"
Rizzo, Zale, Fulmer and Klinger raced to the VIP tent.
"I've always wanted to do this," Klinger yelled over the rain, "Just wish a VIP was in it!"
"We expecting a VIP?" asked Fulmer.
"Not in this weather. What warm and safe self-important officer type would want to visit us, now?" Klinger yelled.
Margaret had brought Nurses Able and Baker to her office, and explained what was happening.
Phillips and Wright put on anything that could protect them from the rain, and then got two jeeps from the motor pool. They came into Margaret's office.
Klinger ran in from post op, "Major, would you like the honor of cutting the VIP tent in half?"
She thought about it for about two seconds, and then told Klinger he should take care of it.
From Klinger's grin, Margaret felt she'd made a good call.