July 16, 2007

Custom car for soldier still needs more work

By Dawn Treglown

CENTRE — Local resident Anthony Martin Rawlins hoped to present his soldier son with a newly-restored car this summer, but that dream may be put on hold for a while.

In April, The Post ran the story of Rawlins' dream to restore a 1970 Ford Maverick for his soldier son, Anthony Martin Hoke, Jr. He asked for donations or sponsors to help finish the paint and restoration project.

Rawlins said his son lives in Kansas and is a full-time soldier in the U.S. Army. Rawlins wanted to surprise his son and present the car to him when Hoke visited this summer. Unfortunately, any traveling plans for Hoke may be put on hold, as Rawlins learned that his son may soon be sent back to Iraq.

“Last I heard, his unit is due to go back out to Iraq, probably by mid-month,” he said.
Rawlins said Hoke has already served in Iraq twice.

Rawlins said he is very proud of his son, and he wants his son to have a car that makes him proud.

Since April, several people and businesses have helped sponsor Rawlins' project, he said.

Those sponsors include Wal-Mart Supercenter, which donating the stereo, speakers and sound system; Manly Motor & Machine Shop of Centre, who built the heads for the engine and performed other machine work; T & S Welding Co., Inc. of Centre for building the fuel tank and spoiler for the car; Posey's Upholstery of Piedmont for installing a new head liner; XPress Glass of Centre for removing glass and chrome from the windows and reinstalling the glass with new gaskets and chrome trim work, and Sign Shop of Centre for painting the names of sponsors on the car once it's completed.

Dorothy Covington of Gadsden also donated $50 for Rawlins' endeavor.
Rawlins said the names of all sponsor of parts and labor will be painted on the car, along with the names of anyone who donates $200 or more for the project. He added that Covington's name will also go on the car.

“She was my first sponsor,” he said, smiling.

Rawlins worked on the car as much as he could before asking for help to finish it.

“It looks like I will have a little longer to work on this, but I still need help to complete it,” he said.

Items or work needed to complete the project include new front and back chrome bumpers, a dash pad, floorboard carpeting, final body work, paint and floor pans. Monetary donations will also go toward other amenities such as neon ground-effect lights.

“I hope people will still want to help. I want to give it to him when he gets back from Iraq,” Rawlins said.

Rawlins said his son still doesn't know about the car and he looks forward to the day he can surprise him with it. He said anyone wanting to help with the project or donations may call him at 256-927-3871.

“I'm sure he will love this car, especially knowing that so many people helped make this dream come true while he was risking his life for us,” Rawlins said.