Ride Report posted for Capt Boom

This short notice ride was a pleasure to captain and put together for a fellow Marine returning from Iraq after his second tour there at the end of his active duty enlistment. It turned out to be a fantastic sunny and warm day, allowing good participation, and a wonderful day for Michael Cesal’s welcome home open house.

LCpl. Cesal has completed his four year enlistment with two full length tours of deployment to Iraq as a Motor Transportation gunner and driver.  He deployed with First Marine Division for both deployments and was stationed in California between deployments.  He was involved in “more than a few” firefights during house to house searches for insurgents and investigation of IED sources.

Riders Assembled at the Phillips 66 on the corner of 75th street and Janes Ave.  This was easier to assemble the 15 riders and 2 cars here than the Jewel parking lot, and the manager expressed his appreciation for the additional business on a slow Sunday afternoon.  With the arrival of three Woodridge Police cruisers to escort the riders to the Darien home of LCpl. Cesal thanks to Woodridge Police Sgt. Stefanson and the three additional Woodridge Police Officers.

After notifying Noreen Cesal, LCpl. Cesal’s mother, of our pending arrival, the welcome home entourage proceeded East on 75th Street and South on Lemont road for the 4 mile route to his home.

LCpl. Cesal, and his 50 guests and family were out in front of his house as we arrived due to the noise and excitement of the police cruisers with lights and sirens, the bikes “making noise”, and  the variety of bike and car horns sounding off.  

LCpl. Cesal was presented with a Warriors Watch Honor Coin, mission beads and the meaning of the beads, and a Warriors Watch mission statement letter.  Michael and his dad ride motorcycles and were very appreciative of the welcome home, while also expressing a desire to join up with WWR to honor those who are following Michael home. 

 Michael and his family expressed appreciation for the Police who also parked and welcomed Michael home, one LEO was a Marine and two were Army Soldiers, and expressed their appreciation for being allowed to assist and participate in the welcome home (even though a majority of the ride was outside of Woodridge).   The Warriors Watch remained and celebrated with the family and friends for 1/2 to 1 hour.