A Volunteer Vet Receives A Gift Of His Own

CHICAGO (CBS) – A disabled Iraq war veteran is rewarded for his volunteer efforts in a big way after his fundraiser makes an about face.

On this Veteran's Day, a toast to service for our county.

Minooka military man Sergio Lopez floated an idea a few weeks ago at the Twin Rail Pub, to raise a glass and money for associated firefighters of Illinois. The group provides wounded vets with new cars.

"Everyone here is an absolute patriot," Lopez said. "And I figured, you know what? This would be a good place to ask for a little bit of help."

Bartenders tapped into action.

"Every person that came to sit at the bar would pull down a t-shirt and be like hey, this is for a good cause, buy a t-shirt," said Kristy Kromm, General Manager.

More than $1,000 later, there was another big surprise.

"I honestly did not think it was going to be this huge," Lopez said.

Sergio Lopez was presented with a car of his own.

The volunteer vet, disabled from his second tour in Iraq, had no idea he would receive the fruits of his own labor.

"The price that I paid, I know that it will be well worth it, because my fellow veteran and I have the support of our country and that is very important to me," Lopez said.

Lopez has gratitude and confidence for the road ahead. The program has given 12 veterans cars, like Lopez's, since 2009. The organizer told CBS 2 that Lopez was chosen because he is such an active volunteer.

Lopez's 2016 blue Camaro does not have any special driving features because he is able to navigate with his prosthetics. Other cars received through this program are outfitted to help those with disabilities.