NJ: Welcome Home for PFC William Bowers

Posted in July 19th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, New Jersey Ride Reports
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Ride Report for Ride Captain Judy Peoples

The welcome home for PFC William Bowers on July 8, 2012 started out at Prospectors on RT 38 in Mt. Laurel .
There were 30+ bikes and a few cages along with the Mt. Laurel fire department and police department to welcome our hero.
At about 3:15pm I gave the pre ride instructions and thanked the Mt Laurel police and fire dept. We welcomed all new riders.
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With fire trucks leading, followed by big flags, the rest of bikes, then cages we left Prospectors at 3:30pm and proceeded to heroes house (with Mt Laurel police helping with traffic). When we arrived at heroes house where hero, family and friends where waiting, we made some noise to welcome home hero.
Dave from yellow ribbon club was in attendance and gave bio at hero’s house. Peeps presented hero with challenge coin and Taz presented hero with Gunnies wine.
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I would like to say a special thanks to Congressman Jon Runyan for riding with us.  I would also like to thank the Mt Laurel Police and Fire dept. for helping us to welcome home our hero.

Thanks All,
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SEPA: Welcome Home Escort SSG Mike Wexler

Posted in July 18th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, Pennsylvania Ride Reports
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Ride Report for Ride Captain LeeW
What better way to celebrate the 4th of July than by helping Clair and Paul Wexler welcome their son Mike home from Afganistan. We gathered at PHL , waited for Mike to arrive and then headed out for Jamison PA. Pa State Police led us up 1-95 where we were met by local Police on Street Rd and got us thru dozens of traffic lights as we gave our Hero the escort of his life which he so deserved! Upon our arrival, we presented Mike with our coin and certificate from AHW , and then Wayne presented Mikes Father Paul for his prior service in the 3rd ID . A big family party was getting underway so we said goodby and left the family their privacy to enjoy their time with Mike. I have a good feeling we’ll be seeing Mikes Mom and Dad at future Welcome Homes as they are very supportive of our Troops. WelcomeHome Mike and thankyou for your service!
Respectfully Submitted, LeeW RC
Pics Courtesy: BikeRider
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SEPA: Welcome Home Petty Officer James Gerdaitis

Posted in July 17th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, Pennsylvania Ride Reports
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Ride report for Ride Captain LeeW
Saturday the 14th was special for the Gerdaitis Family as their Hero Jimmy was finally  home after being deployed to Afganistan since December. Warriors Watch rolled up to Jimmys party at the Cherokee Club in South Philly led by Phila Fired Dept ,A  Heros Welcome,  our own Phila PO “Duff” as well as some others, and of course our Hero’s family was outside to greet us all. A very appreciative group tried to invite us in for refreshments but we politely declined stating we had yet another mission to head out to,  so  we took some photos, hugged our Hero  and said goodby.  Welcome Home Jimmy and Thankyou for your service!
Respectfully Submitted, LeeW  RC
Photos courtesy: Cookie
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N.IL: Welcome Home Spc Nathan Rogers

Posted in July 17th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, Illinois Ride Reports
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Ride Report for Ride Captain Glenn De Vries
The WWR had the honor of sending off Spc Nathan Rogers in 2010 and was called upon to Welcome him home from his stay in Germany and deployment to Afghanistan.
We staged at the same parking lot as when we sent Nathan off, but this time Nathan surprised us and came to the staging area. We welcomed our hero home with hugs and thanks yous and then were on our way to the party being held in his honor.  The Hometown police led the way with lights and sirens blairing.  Letting everyone know that a hero was home.  When we arrived at the VFW, there was a crowd cheering and waving flags welcoming home Nathan. Presentations were made, banners were signed and photos were taken to remember this joyous occassion.
Spc Rogers and his wife were only home for 1 day and then were onto his next assignment of being stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Thank you Nathan for volunteering to protect our freedom and good luck on your promotion.
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SEPA: 1000 WHEELS FOR BRIAN LORENZO, PHILLY HIGHWAY PATROL

Posted in July 14th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, Pennsylvania Ride Reports

The phone call was the kind that I dread. A friend on the Philadelphia Highway Patrol told me that they had lost another officer, Brian Lorenzo, slain by a drunk driver as he rode home after completing his shift.

By every account, Brian was one of the truly good ones. He was a decorated, 23 year veteran of the force. A beloved husband, father, brother, with many friends who loved and admired him.

After a service in Philadelphia Brian was to be buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem. Our goal was to line the final leg of the route, Hulmeville Road, with as many riders standing next to their motorcycles as possible. Brian Lorenzo was an avid and skilled rider, an instructor and captain of the elite Philadelphia Highway Patrol Drill Team.

As hoped the outpouring from the biking community was strong. Many clubs and hundreds of individuals came out, and it is our hope that the sight of this gave the family, and the Highway Patrol officers, some small measure of comfort in knowing how many people care about their loss and honor Brian Lorenzo.

May God grand the family and friends comfort, and peace and rest to Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol Officer Brian Lorenzo.

Sean Carpenter Photos Here

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NJ: Honor Mission Police Officer Reeves

Posted in July 13th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, New Jersey Ride Reports

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Ride Report for Ride Captain Jinksey

Close to 50 motorcycles, members of the WWR, Nam Knights, American Legion Riders, Disabled American Vets, and Cumberland County Riders turned out to honor Millville Police Officer Christopher Reeves. Officer Reeves was killed in the line of duty Sunday morning. The Motorcycles and riders lined both sides of Chestnut Ave in Millville at the entrance of the cemetery forming two flag lines. The command to attention was given, all stood tall and saluted Office Reeves as his casket passed by.

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ECPA Welcome Home / Escort PFC Timothy Keeler

Posted in July 10th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, Pennsylvania Ride Reports

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Ride Report for Ride Captain Dirty Dog

On Saturday June 30th. Warriors’ Watch Riders gathered together to welcome home PFC Timothy Keeler.  We had been contacted by his parents Ronald and Connie to see if we could help welcome Tim home to Bethlehem, PA.

Tim had been stationed over in South Korea where his unit was on high alert.  He serves as a 13P Multi Launch Rocket Operative.  He has received many medals to date, including the Army Achievement Award, National Defense Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism, Korean Defense, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Deployment, and 2 Unit presidential awards, among others.

Tim had been craving some pizza from Cici’s which gave us the perfect opportunity to surprise him and escort him home.  Our original plan was to greet him in Cici’s parking lot.  Plans got changed when we saw the excellent support from Bethlehem Township Fire Department.  (Four firetrucks don’t lend themselves to “stealth mode”!)  We quickly revised plans to have his family drive him through our flagline at our rally point where all were waiting to give Tim a welcome home escort to remember!  Family and friends were on hand at the rally point to make sure that the family had video and photos as well as to participate in our mission.

We made our way through Nazareth and Bethlehem Township to our Tim’s neighborhood.  We presented Tim with our WWR honor coin, A Hero’s Welcome certificate, as well as a flag that had been flown over our nation’s capital.  It was an honor to meet Tim and thank him for his service.

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N.IL: Welcome Home Cpl Josh Smulski

Posted in July 9th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, Illinois Ride Reports

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Ride Report for Ride Captain Glenn DeVries

Warriors Watch Riders was invited to Welcome Home Cpl Josh Smulski and welcome him home we did.  We gathered at the staging area, bikes, cages, Elmhurst Fire Department and Elmhurst Police Department.  We were led by the Fire Department to Joshs’ house where a party was being held in his honor.  The neighborhood definitely knew what was going on and came out to join in the festivities.  We were greeted by friends and family along with our hero.  Hugs and thank yous were given to Josh, along with presentations and signing the banner.  Pictures were taken and mom invited us all to stay for food and drinks.
Thank you mom for inviting the WWR to join in this joyous occassion and thank you Josh for volunteering to protect our freedom.
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NJ: Welcome Home, Kody Schneider

Posted in July 9th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, New Jersey Ride Reports
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Ride Report for Ride Captain Fuzzy
It was a sight to see. 40 + bikes and riders dressed in their Sunday best (denim and leather)! Because WWR and the Nam Knights were goin’ to Church!

We were on a mission to surprise Lance Corporal Kody Schneider as he exited the Luther Church of Our Saviour with his family. Of course they knew what was about to happen, but by the look of surprise on our Hero’s face as he came out of the front door we knew we had accomplished our goal. He actually darted back inside to regain his composure, but came out grinning ear to ear when the heard the roar of “Welcome Home’s coming from all of us. The street was completely blocked by the bikes,cages, a shiny black limo for Kody and his family, and Haddonfield and Haddon Township Police Departments.

After shaking everybody’s hands and receiving hugs and well wishes Kody graciously accepted our offer of an escort for a little tour around town. What he didn’t know was that this little tour would end at the Westmont Fire Co. where all of his family and friends would be waiting for him for a celebratory barbecue in his honor.

As we pulled up to the firehouse we could see all of the firemen and woman standing under a huge flag, saluting our Hero as he drove underneath.
This is a sight I will never tire of seeing.

We delivered Kody and his family into the hands of the waiting Yellow Ribbon Club and once again they did not disappoint.  A very humble Hero accepted Citations from Camden County, a coin and Certificate from the Nam Knights and a coin from the WWR.  You could easily see the love and pride in the faces of Kody’s mom, Sandy and father, Kurt as they stood next to him during this ceremony.

Thank you for inviting us to be a part of this very special occasion. We were honored to be there. But most of all…..
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE KODY
WELCOME HOME!


Ride Report submitted by Fuzzy
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NEPA: Granville Build Brigade Escort

Posted in June 30th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, Pennsylvania Ride Reports
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Ride Report for Ride Captain Carl Strachan (bikerking2)
Homes For Our Troops is building a specially adapted home for wounded warrior, SSG Earl Granville. On Friday, June 29, 2012  we had the honor of escorting him to the site of his new home building.
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We met at the Scott Twp. Municipal Park, with 12 bikes, 1 cage, 5 Fire Trucks, 2 ambulances, and 4 police cars.
The escort was 4 miles, led by the Scott Twp. Fire & Police Depts. At the end of the escort, 2 tower ladders held the American flag over the road, and we were greeted with the school band.
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After a  brief opening ceremony with key personel and home builders , construction started for this hero’s new home. I would like to thank the riders, the Scott Twp. Fire & Ambulance, Justus Fire Co.and the Scott Twp. and Mayfield Police for their great support.
A few of us even stayed to volunteer for the afternoon!  It was great to be a part of this very special day.
Respectfully submitted:  RC, Carl Strachan (bikerking2)
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N. IL: Welcome Home Cpl Mark Bradley USMC

Posted in June 29th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, Illinois Ride Reports
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Ride Report for Ride Captain Pastor John L. Drake
Returning from his second tour to Afghanistan Mark was welcomed home by his Mom and Dad and his families close friends.  The Country Club Hills Fire Department and Police joined in to celebrate his return.  With sirens blaring neighbors were waiting as we escorted our hero to his home. Mark told the CBS 2 reporter he wished every soldier could get a welcome home like he received.  A big thanks to the Police and Fire Department of the Country Club Hills and CBS 2 news for showing the welcome home.
Pastor John L. Drake
Central States Coordinator
Founding member
Warriors Watch Riders
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SEPA: Welcome Home Cpl Jeremy Messner

Posted in June 28th, 2012
by in All Past Ride Reports, Pennsylvania Ride Reports

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Ride Report for Ride Captain AeroPilot

It was a cool early morning on Saturday June 23rd as the Warriors Watch gathered at the Firebase along with anxious parents, Rick and Colleen.  Soon, they would see their son again after his most recent tour in Afghanistan.  A special treat today would also be that Uncle Steve would join us and ride with the Warriors Watch Riders.  After a 2 1/2 hr ride, Steve made it to the Firebase in time to let his legs stretch during the ride briefing before saddling up again.  That shows just a taste of how thankful and supportive this family is for Cpl Jeremy’s service!

Corporal Jeremy Messner was on his way home after two tours as a LAV Gunner, and has completed 4 years in the United States Marine Corps, and will be home for a few weeks before returning to his assignment.  Little did he know or expect what was in store for him upon his arrival.

A few Warrors Watch riders and A Hero’s Welcome accompanied Rick, Colleen, and Steve up through the terminal to the gate in order to greet Jeremy and his wife as they arrived.  The excitement began to build as the status board indicated that the plane was at the gate, and soon people came thru the doors.  Then, Mom spotted him down the hallway and her face lit up with excitement!  She was quick to give him a long awaited hug after he passed thru the gate and into her loving arms.  Jeremy was surprised by the Hero’s Welcome Banner and our presence!  After a moment, we walked with him down the terminal where he was greeted further by a great turnout of Warriors Watch Riders who were on the steps with the traditional flag line to greet our Hero.  Jeremy was taken back for a moment when he saw them all, and he paused at the top of the steps before getting onto the escalator and greeted by each of them.

Moments later, the group was ordered to start their engines and off we went, leaving the airport and escorting our Hero home with his wife and family to Birdsboro.  An hour and ten minutes later, Birdsboro police and fire departments joined us as we entered town, supporting us with lights and lots of sound!  As we turned onto their street, you could see the support of the family and local neighbors as they lined the street with flags and signs on each side.  Jeremy was greeted by many friends and those that care about him while everyone parked and gathered around.

WWR Presented CPL Messner with an honor coin, thanking him for his service and devotion to his country, community, and family.  Maria from AHW, then presented him with a certificate and star on behalf of a grateful nation.  Jeremy thanked us for the amazing welcome home and stated how much it meant to him.  Everyone gathered around and we were able to squeeze in the camera frame for a traditional welcome home group photo.

Special thanks to those in the WWR that work behind the scenes, AHW for Fire Coordination, and of course, our guardians for the day, the Birdsboro Police and Fire Department.

Respectfully Submitted,

AeroPilot

Photos by Sean Carpenter and Rob Schaffer

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