UPDATE: So after being contacted by Wal-Mart corporate both by messenger and email, the rep stated I'd be contacted directly by the store within 3 business days. That never happened. No contact from the store.
I emailed the rep back to explain I hadn't been contacted, and their solution was that I contact the store directly. You mean contact the same management team that implemented this contract with the towing company then lied about it then explained they didn't care? That management group?
Seems like I was correct from the beginning...this Wal-Mart does not care about veterans! And it all starts at the top.
Initial review:
Don't believe the rhetoric, this Wal-Mart doesn't care about this country's veterans!
Apparently, the Wal-Mart here at 3302 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78223 near Brooks city base is in business with Martinez Eagle One towing.
On Wednesday afternoon, my friend visited Brooks City Wal-Mart. It was around 1p.m when he finished shopping and returned to his truck; he experienced some mechanical issues apparently so he left the truck and caught a ride home. Everyone's seen the news stories where Wal-Mart allows travelers and travel trailers to stay a night or two in their parking lots around the country so he figured it'd be fine til he could get back with some help.
This fella is a retired combat vet who spent 27+ years in the U.S. Army. He served 6 combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and retired in Spring '16. He's also 100% disabled, and has disabled veteran plates on his truck. He lives in Adkins now so he frequents this area and this Wal-Mart.
Friday afternoon, I get him back to the Wal-Mart--his truck is gone. He's anxiety-riddled thinking someone must've stolen it. He goes inside to see if any manager can help with information. As I wait outside, I figure maybe it was towed? Could it be? Would someone tow this disabled vet's truck from Wal-Mart?
While the management team inside is swearing no-one called a tow truck, I call Growden St impound--that's the city's lot. The gent who answers the phone says, yep, it was picked up and gives me a number to call.
The tow company, Martinez Eagle One, was a nightmare to deal with over the phone. That's an entirely different review.
On the ride over my friend explains what transpired inside the Wal-Mart, how the managers on duty all swore they hadn't called, each said it wouldn't have been an issue anyway for at least 48 hours. Something here does not compute.
Now, this tow yard is behind a gate so there's no just pulling in. He calls, the same unsympathetic woman I'd spoken to initially says it'll be 5 minutes til someone will get to the gate. We wait 15, still nothing. I can see the office about 100 yards off the road.
While we're waiting, I call Wal-Mart because there are logic holes between the story he's relayed, and the info I was provided by the tow company. I get a member of the mgt team, Priscilla, on the phone and ask the critical question..."so no-one called a tow truck, but you folks have a contract with this towing company, right? So they just cruise your parking lot?" Yes is her response.
My friend takes the phone to tell her how disingenuous they'd been lying by omission when he'd asked earlier. She explains she could really care less. She clearly doesn't care about this veteran of foreign wars. As for her assertion they don't tow for at least 48 hours, we discover Martinez Eagle One picked up the truck Thurs at 0430 which means that truck had been in that lot maybe 15 hours. It cost my friend $280 to get his truck back.
Martinez Eagle One and Wal-Mart, you both should be ashamed. Neither of you will see another dime from either of us. This review will be sent to Wal-Mart corporate, and to the city's news rooms as well. Shame on you! read more
