Staff Sergeant Kelly Foster of Pearland, Texas served in Iraq to protect his community, and now, that same community is rewarding him.

Foster purchased a classic 1965 Ford Mustang after his first tour of duty in 2005. The car, which quickly became his pride and joy, was expensive to restore. He could only afford to purchase one or two parts at a time.

When a pair of local car enthusiasts heard Foster’s story, they decided to chip in. Unbeknownst to Foster, Margaret and Timor Martin gathered enough money for $20,000 worth of repairs on the Mustang.

The Martins both come from military families and feel it’s important to show respect for troops.

Margaret said it was a community-wide effort to raise the funds.

We got some friends of ours together and everyone pitched in…We wanted to kind of pay it forward for someone who has served this country.

When the car was complete, Pearland residents gathered to surprise Foster with the impeccably repaired car, which he thought he was picking up after one or two minor repairs.

In response to the generous gift, Foster, who grinned from ear to ear, said he was “speechless.”

H/T: USA Today

Read more: http://elitedaily.com/news/world/strangers-surprise-iraq-war-veteran-by-repairing-his-vintage-mustang/799108/