Returning Grayslake soldier to be surprised with a car

When Adam Trost went for two tours of duty in Iraq, the U.S. Army soldier left behind family and friends, and his beloved 2004 Subaru STi sports car.

Having spent all his savings on the high performance import, Trost treasures the electric blue two-door. "It's his baby," said his mom Sarah Montori.

The car needed engine work, but a lack of money and his military service postponed the repairs.

And now, while the 25-year-old Grayslake man is fighting in Iraq, Montori has arranged for not only the repairs to be done, but for a complete makeover of the little speedster. Volunteers have donated time and money to restore the car to almost new status.

A surprise unveiling is planned when he returns home in mid-November.

"He's going to be completely overwhelmed," Montori said.

Once folks hear the story of Trost's service in Iraq, they feel compelled to help, Montori said.

Trost's unit was hit by a roadside bomb about a year after he arrived in Iraq.

"His motorpool was hit hard," Montori said. "The underside of his truck was completely blown out. Adam was thrown from the vehicle. The driver and another soldier weren't as fortunate."

It wouldn't be the last time Trost was in harm's way. A second incident happened just last month.

"His unit was clearing a building, making sure there were no enemy forces inside," Montori explained. "They were walking up some stairs when they got ambushed from above."

Montori said her son was shot in the chest. "It hit him right in the sternum, but the Kevlar vest stopped the bullet and saved his life," she said. "It knocked him out cold, which was good, because they thought he was dead and left him alone."

Like any mother, Montori said it's frustrating and heartbreaking to have a son at war.

"He called home not long after being shot and was crying like a child," she said. "It's so hard because I can't do anything for him. I can't hold him. I can't be with him. All I can do is pray."

Back home, mechanical labor on the car is being done at no charge by Ian Roesner, owner of Northwest Performance in Lakemoor. The parts are being paid for by donations.

"When the Montoris told me about what happened to Adam, I just couldn't sleep," Roesner said. "I wanted to help in anyway I could."

Roesner said he's replacing the turbo charger, clutch, struts, springs, tires and more.

The car will be repainted, the windows tinted and the interior detailed at other shops. That work is being paid for by donors as well. Roesner estimates the makeover will cost nearly $12,000.

A fund has been set up at Harris Bank, 1712 N. Richmond Road, McHenry. Checks can be made to the Suby Hero Campaign. Roesner said he's taking donations through a PayPal account at his business. For details, call (815) 276-2292.

The Vine, Martini and Wine Bar, 151 Center St., Grayslake, will donate to the cause 15 percent of every dollar folks spend there Monday, Oct. 26.

Montori said she can't wait to see the look on Trost's face when the veil is lifted off the car.

"He asks about the car all the time," she said. "He's going to love this."