Community Corner

'Got Osama' Van Spotted In Smithtown With New Plates

Looks like Hauppauge resident Arno Herwerth got his wish. Back in 2011 Herwerth reportedly wanted to update his "GETOSAMA" license plate after it became dated when the United States killed the most wanted terrorist in the world. He lamented in a CBS news article at the time that "GOTOSAMA" was already taken but perseverance must have paid off in his case as a van looking almost exactly like Herwerth's was spotted in Smithtown sporting the updated plate.
The van sports what looks like a homemade red, white and blue paint job complete with stars and stripes. It's the kind of minivan that one imagines Uncle Sam might drive around recruiting troops. One one side the back window says "Got Osama" and on the other "Seal Team 6 Groupie Van" is emblazoned over the tinted windows. An American Eagle sits, wings proudly spread out in place of a typical hood ornament.
While we could not locate Herwerth in the Uncle Giuseppe's shopping center where the van was parked, it's clear that the retired New York City Police officer won his fight to get his desired plates.
Have you seen this van around town? What do you think about it?


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