In Old Chevy Truck, Returning Army Veteran Finds New Life

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A car or truck can mean more than a mode of transportation; it can mean personal freedom, independence and home.

Army SPC Adam Fields fell in love with a junkyard Chevy three months before leaving his home in Tennessee for deployment.

"The minute I saw it, I wanted it," Fields told WBIR 10 in Knoxville.

He bought it before departing, knowing it would be some time before he saw his truck again, let alone fix it. He soon left for Italy, and then last July, Afghanistan. While deployed, he discussed the truck constantly with loved ones back home.

"About a year ago, when he left, he said, 'Okay, I need to get my truck fixed, I need to get my truck fixed.' That's all we've heard for the last year," Fields' mother, DeeDee Hawkins, said.

To surprise Fields, the family took the Chevy to Melton Collision Center for basic repairs. The Chevy was in bad shape, in need of mechanical and bodywork to remove caved-in panels and even bullet holes in the cab.

When the mechanics at the shop heard the family's story, they donated hours of work to bring new life to the Chevy, repairing the damage and even giving the truck a paint job and new tires.

Fields was speechless.

"I'm amazed I really didn't think it was the same truck when I saw it," said Fields.

His truck was more then just a vehicle; it was a reminder of the life that was waiting for him back home.

"I've been looking forward to driving this truck for the whole deployment," said Fields. "Fresh air, just being able to just go anywhere and do anything I want. Not worry about someone trying to shoot me or blow me up."

SPC Fields is now moving on again to his new assignment in Georgia, only this time the truck is going with him.