Grayslake soldier's car gets extreme make over

U.S. Army soldier Adam Trost was nearly speechless as he was cheered by hundreds on his return home Sunday after two tours in Iraq.

"Holy smoke!" he said exiting his mom's SUV. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe this. This is amazing."

The 25-year-old's emotions were getting the best of him as he hugged and high-fived the well-wishers in downtown Grayslake.

The hero's welcome would have been sufficient, but Trost was also given something completely unexpected.

Family, friends and complete strangers gave his beloved Subaru STi sports car a complete makeover while he was off fighting in Iraq. The car was unveiled at the conclusion of tributes to Trost's service.

The battle-hardened soldier was brought to tears when he saw the car. Putting his hands on his mouth and then his head, Trost wept at the generosity of his friends.

"Everything I ever dreamed of with this car has happened," he said. "I don't have words. I don't know what to say."

Trost used all of his savings to buy the car, but it needed repairs he couldn't afford before he left. Trost returned to find his little speedster completely remade from the tires to the taillights.

Trost's mom, Sarah Montori, organized an effort to restore the car. Volunteers and donors poured nearly $25,000 worth of work into the electric blue, 400-horsepower four-door.

The car's interior is completely new. It was equipped with new wheels, a high-end stereo system, major engine upgrades, a new turbo charger, struts, springs, a new paint job and more. The mechanical labor was donated by family friend Ian Roesner, owner of Northwest Performance in Lakemoor. Cash donations came from individuals and local businesses.

His tours in Iraq were tough. Trost was thrown from his truck after being hit by a roadside bomb about a year after he arrived in Iraq. He wasn't injured, but the driver and a fellow soldier weren't as fortunate.

That memory became vivid during Sunday's ceremony. His eyes swelled with tears.

"I'm so overwhelmed, I just don't know what to say. Everyone here is so amazing and I'm so grateful," Trost said. "I'm fortunate to be here, but one of my buddies wasn't as fortunate."

Trost was in harm's way again last September when he was hit in the chest by an enemy bullet while clearing a building. His Kevlar vest saved his life, but Trost was knocked cold by the force. Losing consciousness proved valuable as the enemy thought he was dead and left him alone, Trost's mom said.

Trost's dad, Paul Trost, 44, of Winnebago, said having his boy home safe and sound is a huge relief.

"This is like a ton of bricks getting lifted off me," Paul Trost said. "Knowing your baby is back safe is the greatest feeling."

Realizing it was impossible to thank everyone who played a role in the car's restoration and the hero's welcome, Trost kept things simple as his eyes filled with tears.

"I want to thank my mom, my dad, my fiance and most of all God," he said. "I will never forget this day as long as I live."