Colorado Companies Team Up To Surprise A Returning Afghanistan War Vet With An Upgraded Diesel Truck

Dec. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- Chuck Howell, who manages an automotive shop called Truck Transmission and Turbo in Wheat Ridge Colorado, was discussing with his friend John about John's son (Marine Sergeant Brian Douglass) while in the gym earlier this year. Brian has been overseas in combat zones nonstop for years working as a dog handler.  A Colorado native, born and raised in the Denver area, Brian reported to boot camp just days after graduating from Ralston Valley High School in 2003. Trained as a dog handler, Brian’s first deployment was in 2005 in Iraq, and he was currently serving his second deployment in Afghanistan.

John mentioned to Chuck that he would like to do something to thank his Marine son-in-law for his service by upgrading his 1998.5 24V Dodge Truck. Chuck decided to create an 'Over-Haulin' type of project using donations by local Colorado business to fund a surprise project build on Brian's truck that would be waiting for him upon his return to the US. Brian's father-in-law tricked him into thinking that his truck was being taken to the shop for routine repairs.

Chuck contacted the below-listed companies and began collection parts and donations to make the build happen. As the money and parts came together, Chuck's team at Truck Transmission and Turbo upgraded the Dodge and prepared it for the surprise. Brian's truck received various upgrades and updates such as a new turbocharger, manifolds, oil sumps, gauges, and power upgrades thanks to the donations from the local sponsor companies.

Once the upgrades were done and Brian arrived home from duty he was brought to Truck Transmission and Turbo to discuss what was being "repaired" on the truck and what other maintenance items were needed. As Brian was brought outside to the truck a crowd of supporters was waiting to surprise him and the finished truck was revealed. Brian was sent home to enjoy his new ride for a short time before his next tour of duty overseas.

Project Tribute Contributing Sponsors:

Truck Transmission & Turbo
4295 Kipling Street
Wheat Ridge, CO. 80033
(303) 867-1000

Armbrust Pro Gym
4240 Kipling St # B
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
(303) 456-0076

ATS Diesel
5293 Ward Road
Arvada, CO. 80002
(800) 949-6002

Nika Energy
286 Sawyer Drive # A
Durango, CO 81303
(970) 259-2701

L&H Auto Body
4790 Independence Street
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
(303) 424-2565

Mile High Tree Care
12205 W. 52nd Ave
Wheat Ridge, CO. 80033
(303) 292-9393

Colorado Window Systems
P.O. Box 1200
Brighton, CO. 80601
(303) 227-0559

Visit: http://www.homeofprojectbrian.blogspot.com

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ATS invents, designs, manufactures, and sells over 600 of the world's most innovative diesel truck performance products for towing, off-road, recreation, or racing. ATS has products for GM Duramax, Dodge Cummins, and Ford Power Stroke diesel trucks.