A war veteran with a love of classic cars recently received an unusual homage: the surprise mint-condition restoration of his beloved 1965 Ford Mustang.

Retired Staff Sgt. Kelly Foster of Texas had his Mustang in the shop, where he had been paying to have it fixed bit by bit. A couple who was also there to get a classic vehicle repaired heard his story and wanted to thank the Iraq war veteran, KHOU-TV reported.

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

She and her husband, Tim Martin, both come from military families.

"We feel like these guys are underpaid and underappreciated," she said. "They are not taken care of the way someone who is willing to put their life on their line should be treated."

Along with 35 or so of their friends, the Martins funded repairs that brought the 1965 Mustang back to pristine condition for around $20,000, according to KEYE TV.

"I'm extremely surprised. I had no idea this would happen," Foster said after being surprised with the restored vehicle, according to KHOU-TV. "I'm speechless."

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