Towing Issues: Towed Car Info, storage fees, towing company

Question
My car was towed while I was overseas in the military. And the towing fees plus the storage fees have accumulated over five grand. I talked to the DMV and under the Sailors and Marines Act, they could not sell the vehicle while I was overseas. I just wanted to know if I gave the towing company consent to auction the vehicle, will I still have to pay the storage fees for the time it was there. And will I be able to remove some personal items such as clothing, etc... from the vehicle before they auction it?

Answer
I believe you should have some recourse since you were activated. What state are you in and are you aware if they sent a registered letter notifying you that the vehicle had been towed and was in their possession? As for the storage, what type of vehicle was it and how long has it been in storage? As for the personal property, they should understand but I can tell you more once I have a little more info.