Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, at 3:48 p.m. (PT), we received a request for help with an offroad recovery in Oregon. The requester, Phil Breen, submitted the following information: “This is my family farm. It’s the last property at the end of Bishop road in Helvetia. It’s a 2020 Tundra TRD 4×4. High centered stuck in mud/grass/water. There is a tree big enough to tie off too about 80 feet away. I don’t have any photos but would go get some tonight/tomorrow. I’d like to get it out sooner than later but know the rain doesnt help . It does look like we should be getting some better weather later in the week if that makes a difference. I was able to drive my truck through this area once and went back for a second lap and got stuck in my ruts. It’s been in there since Sunday and my basic efforts have failed. I’m not with the truck. But can be whenever works for you. Thanks so much! / I’m not with the vehicle / I can help cover the cost of fuel.”
Our administrator, David Mrak, contacted the requester and verified the contact information provided, GPS location, and current situation before sending the request to local volunteers. In this particular recovery, we contacted volunteers within a 10-mile radius.
From the group of contacted volunteers we had Heather and Michael Reed with Nicholas Chamberlain all joining efforts to get this done. We have very little information on the actual steps of this recovery. But Nicholas sent us a quick note and a video we share below. He also mentioned on the lobby they battle the sinking ground, and Mike’s jeeps did the job, while Nicholas winch also rise to the occasion.
From Nicholas
Always air down first. Always, always, always. It makes the most difference. Use a snatch block and double the line up first. I should’ve been more assertive with my knowledge of recoveries and gear. I need to work on that. When in doubt, think it out. The yard was still absolutely flooded, and the only way up was steep. We should’ve waited until it dried out more. I feel really bad about the situation, but I’m glad I could at least help. There was nothing my Excursion could do. A front- and rear-locked Jeep got stuck—we just would’ve had an 8k bus stuck if I went down there. But my 12k hitch winch did come in handy.
We want to thank all volunteers involved on this recovery. That was an awesome job!
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