"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him". - Abraham Lincoln

The month of July was just like any other month until Marty and Lisa Garza turned on the TV to watch the local news. As they watched, there attention was drawn into the story that was unfolding before them. Lupta Bonilla, a local resident was being interviewed by KRGV News Channel 5. She was a soldier's mother whose son was on his second tour in Iraq. Her son's name was SGT Anthony Bonilla, serving with 1-33 CAV based out of Fort Campbell, KY. She was pleading with the viewers to watch out for her son's truck, a GMC Sierra, which was stolen out of her driveway. The truck had meant everything to her son. It was his first and only truck… it was his baby. For eleven months Anthony had dreamed of returning home to his family and working on his truck again, only to have someone snatch away his dream just before he was due to come home. Marty and Lisa were greatly affected by what they saw and wanted to do something to help this mother, and give something back to her son who had sacrificed so much to serve his country.

Marty owns and operates Truck Toyz Performance out of McAllen, TX. Truck Toyz is nationally recognized for their work in the custom truck arena and is backed by Marty's many years of experience and innovations in the monster truck racing circuit. Marty and Lisa saw this as an opportunity to give something back, and show their deep appreciation for those who volunteer without question to go into harm's way for this country.

For nearly two months Marty and Lisa attempted to contact the soldier's mother through Channel 5 News, but kept hitting dead ends. In the interim, Marty was working with Boggus Ford out of McAllen, TX to get a truck donated so he could begin the modifications and present it to Anthony when he returned. Finally after many phone calls, and months of persistence, Marty and Lisa were able to talk to someone who put them in contact with Lupta, the soldier's mother.

After talking with Lupta, Marty found out just how devastated Anthony and his mother were over the events of that evening. Like any mother, Lupta would do anything for her child. If she could snap her fingers and have Anthony's GMC Sierra back in her driveway, she would. However, every cloud has a silver lining and everything happens for a reason. Little did Lupta know there were two caring people watching that original broadcast that night in July, and these same two people were not going to quit until they contacted her and made a difference in this soldier's life. During the course of the conversation, Marty learned that Anthony had just purchased a 2004 Ford F-150 to replace the GMC Sierra that was stolen. Not one to be deterred, Marty immediately began synchronizing the efforts of his crew for the buildup of the 04 F-150. Kevin Wolter, the shop manager, worked non-stop for weeks on end coordinating with industry and local organizations for the project. Kevin's tireless efforts and dedication were directly responsible for the participation of 11 organizations that collectively contributed to make Anthony's dream a reality again. The plan was to close down the shop for one day and have Lupta bring Anthony in under the guise of purchasing wheels and tires for his new truck. Marty and his entire crew were going to totally transform this truck inside and out. This was setting up to be a scene straight out of "Overhaulin". If anyone can totally transform a truck to that extent in one day, it's the crew from Truck Toyz Performance.

After one day of non stop work, Marty and his crew totally transformed Anthony's stock F-150 into a show worthy and functional 4x4 with top of the line components. The effort that everyone put into this truck was truly extraordinary, but more importantly, it came from the heart.

Modifications: 

• Full Traction 6" Suspension Lift
• Mickey Thompson 35x12.50R17 Baja Claws
• American Racing 17x9 Vector Wheels
• Viper Alarm
• Westin Bull Bar
• KC Slim Line Lights
• AMP Research Powersteps
• Carriage Works Billet Grille
• Edge Evolution Programmer
• Line of Fire LED
• Borla Custom Exhaust
• Custom Embroidered Interior
• Tinted Windows
• Truck Toyz Ltd. badge by Billet Badges

"I don't have the words to tell these people how much I appreciate it and to thank them for what they are doing… and recognizing him… and thanking him for his service" - Lupta Bonilla

It was a very emotional moment for all involved when the keys were finally turned over to Anthony. Anthony came home after serving his second tour in Iraq. One of the things that he was most looking forward to was coming home, and just working on his truck. One night in July 2006, someone took that dream away from him. In October 2006, Truck Toyz Performance gave it back.

"…there was not a dry eye in the shop when we gave him his truck back" - Marty Garza

Anthony is currently back in Fort Campbell, KY serving with his unit and thoroughly enjoying his new truck and "keeping it clean". He told us that none of his friends could believe what Truck Toyz Performance had done for him. People like Marty, Lisa, and the Truck Toyz crew are truly few and far between.

"It makes me proud to know that there are people who appreciate what we are doing" - SGT Anthony Bonilla

Special thanks to the following manufacturers and organizations that played an instrumental role in making a difference in this soldier's life: 

• D-Tronics
• Full Traction Suspension
• Croft Truck Accessories
• American Racing
• Salazar Insurance Company
• Texas Tops
• AMP Research
• Boggus Ford
• Genco Services
• 3 Star Muffler
• Green Beret Surplus
• A-1 Window Tint

We here at Truckblog are extremely proud of Marty, Lisa, Kevin and the rest of the Truck Toyz crew. Marty is the type of guy who wears his heart on his sleeve and does things because he feels it's the right thing to do. SGT Bonilla's dream was made a reality as a direct result of his efforts and selflessness. It's no wonder that he owns and operates one of the best performance off-road and suspension shops in the industry.

Thank you Truck Toyz for what you do and for supporting the brave men and women in harms way serving our great country.

Standing from L to R: Danny Chapa, Marty Garza, SGT Anthony Bonilla, Steve Marino, Valentin Ollervidez, Richard Sandoval, Fidencio Mendoza, Justin James, Marco Garza, Mr & Mrs David Salazar, Lisa Garza with daughters, and Blas de la Garza

Kneeling from L to R: Romeo Deleon, and Kevin Wolter

"We must always remember that America is a great nation today not because of what government did for people but because of what people did for themselves and for one another." - Richard Nixon