I just haven't had the time or the energy to face the chore of sorting, selecting and organizing the photos into a narrative to tell the story properly. But better late than never, I guess...
I posted about the vehicle in #14, below. It's not a tank, but the story at the last link reports that some agencies have acquired actual surplus tanks--usually in rural areas. And while LASD says it doesn't want to have surplus military vehicles that look too militaristic, it apparently doesn't have a problem with militaristic vehicles procured from a civilian supplier instead of the military. 
As for the coffee story, the Ronald McDonald's house donation was the only reason I mentioned that man at all. Negative stereotypes about people on Skid Row always seem to prevail. We don't hear enough about how people who are down and out can be very caring and giving, often sharing what little they have to help someone else in need. I couldn't help being struck by that as I watched the man put his last coins into the donation box...
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