Help Restore a fallen soldiers car and surprise his daughter

First let me say I was not prepared, nor did I ever expect my little project to have this much support. I thank you all truly from the bottom of my heart.

Objective:

To restore a fallen soldier’s vehicle after 14 years and gift it to his daughter as a surprise going into her senior year of High School.

About My Husband:

I met him when we were both stationed at Fort Cambell, KY in 2007. Quadi Shareem Hudgins was born on June 30, 1984. He was Killed In Action on April 2, of 2011 in Babil, Iraq, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his position with indirect fire. Indirect fire refers to mortar or artillery shells or rockets fired from afar. He was deployed with Maintenance Trp 3rd ACR Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) TX. He was 26 at the time. He was born in Philadelphia but grew up in New Orleans where he graduated at Sara T Reed High School.

Throughout his whole Army career, Quadi was dedicated to becoming an All-Army boxer. He had big dreams of becoming a professional boxer. When he wasn't on duty you could find him in the gym, pounding the punching bag, training to win his next boxing title and go pro.

He was the person who never stopped or gave up until he accomplished his dreams. He projected that same energy into his work, into his soldiers, into his life and into his friends and family.

He put his family, soldiers and work before himself. He was a role model and a great dancer and an extraordinary boxer who gave it his all every day. No matter the obstacle, he found a way to get back up after being knocked down many times.

* Quadi came home on R&R and got to celebrate her 3rd birthday with us. Unfortunately when he had to go back a week later is when we received the devastating call. We are just thankful we got to see him one more time before he passed.

We have one daughter together, she will finish driving school and in June she will have her license. I've kept his 2003 Chevy Trailblazer throughout the years. I was not the best at starting it up because every time I got in it, I start balling and the memories get the best of me. I want her to be able to drive it, and my goal is to try and restore it. It has sat for 14 years It was his first car, and I would like it to be hers as well. This vehicle means a lot to her. For those who have been following the updates you can clearly read her text messages and feel her love for her father. They had the closes bond; they were literally inseparable. I want to give it to her for a senior present before school starts next year. She has no idea about this. I lied and said that I had to sell the truck in order to get money to help afford a car for her to drive. When in reality the truck is sitting waiting to have a diagnostic done at (Integrity Automotives in Killeen, TX). His truck has sat in the driveway since 2011 just to give my baby something to look at and feel and remind her of him. She loves his truck... I do not know what this diagnostic bill will look like, but I promised myself that with every breath and bone in my body I will make this dream a reality. She has come so far (her own business-NH PETSITTERS and a part time job while in school). I can't wait to see the look on her face when she realizes I never sold it.

A message to the community:

I thank you all for supporting, motivating and encouraging me to keep going.

To know that the community is willing to help make this dream a reality is the most beautiful thing that I could ever ask for in life.

I do not ever ask for help so I didn't know how much to raise. So I consulted with a few mechanics and they gave me a number to work with until we know the actual condition of the vehicle and what all it will cost to fully restore it.

All proceeds will go towards a full restoration of her dad's vehicle (Body work, Paint job, Wheels, parts & labor) and any funds left over will be gifted to her on a gift card for gas/oil changes and senior year necessities.