Fallen Marine’s SUV restored as a gift to his son

MILLSTADT, IL (KTVI) — It’s the best birthday gift ever for a Triston Walsh, 16, of Millstadt, Illinois.

The gift is from his father, Marine Sgt. Nick Walsh, killed in action nearly 12 years ago.

It was Sgt. Walsh’s 1991 Ford Bronco.

Less than two months ago, the vehicle seemed to be a lost cause but when Triston’s mom dragged him to the Mertz Motors car dealership on his birthday, Saturday, the Bronco looked brand new.

Triston thought he was going there to look at another car to buy.

Even with a military color guard and crowd of family and friends there, Triston had no clue what was about to happen.

Triston’s dad was killed by a sniper in Fallujah, Iraq in 2007.  He was 26.  Triston was 4.  Brother Tanner was just a baby.

Sgt. Walsh loved his ‘Eddie Bauer’ Bronco so much he planned to give it to his son this very day.

“I’ve known this truck for so long,” Triston said.

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