Ride Report posted for Bobcat
Since her husband was at Fort Dix and wasn’t sure of exactly when he would be released, our hero’s wife, Shannon, asked if we could stop by their home on Friday night and say hi.  We, of course, said we could do better than that.  We asked Shannon to take the Capt. out to dinner Friday afternoon and told her we would meet them in the restaurant’s parking lot.  She then decided to setup a block party for our arrival in their condo complex.  This was all done with the Capt. home as he got released early.  No mean task since he was around all the time and she had a hell of a time calling or emailing.  But somehow, it got done and the Capt. had no idea.
 
We had a beautiful late afternoon to go out and welcome home a Hero.  We rallied nearby the restaurant until it was time to depart for the pickup point.  As we arrived, there were 2 Downingtown police cars waiting and the parking lot was pretty full.  We found a place to set our flag line.  As we waited for the Welteroths to leave the restaurant, 2 State police cars showed up as well.  The Welteroth’s car was parked about 100 feet away from our flag lines.  Shannon told me later that as they walked to their car, the Capt. noticed all the flags and asked her if she knew what was going on.  She told him she didn’t and said that she wanted to drive home.  She started to pull out of the parking lot then turned so she could drive between our 2 flag lines.  Then the Capt. got it.  He was thoroughly surprised and delighted.  After they stopped, he got out to accept our mugs and hugs for a job well done.  This 2 tour soldier stood there and thanked each one of us for our support when we were there to thank him.  He’s a class act.  Charlie Becker of A Heroes Welcome presented him with their certificate of appreciation and I presented him with our honor coin.
 
We formed up for the escort ride and left for their home in Phoenixville.  The Downingtown police took us to the edge of their jurisdiction and just as the State police were to take over, they suddenly took off at a high rate of speed.  They must have received an emergency call and we were on our own.  The ride was uneventful and the East Whiteland police picked us up as we entered their jurisdiction.  They did a fine job of helping us through 3 very tricky lights and left us with a straight shot to the Welteroth home. 
 
As we pulled into their road, the Kimberton Fire Co. had a ladder truck out with a very large flag hanging over their street so we could drive under it.  It was a beautiful display of patriotism.  The neighbors and A Heroes Welcome lined the street up to their house as we pulled in with throttles cracked and horns a-blowen.  The Capt. exited his car and was swallowed up by everyone who had come out to honor him.  Shannon told me that he was blown away by the escort and welcome he received.  I don’t think he’ll forget this day.  Well done all.
 
We were told that there was a Korean War vet present.  Kel rounded up a coin and we all went to thank him for his service.  He was a POW of the North Koreans for 2 and a half years.  He was obviously touched and told us that he thought what we do is amazing.  There they go again, thanking us for being there to thank them.
 
We were also told of a neighbor who was a 2 tour Vietnam vet and had a pretty rough time of it.  He said that he was the only survivor of his company and was badly treated when he returned.  We all walked to his house to welcome him home and let him know that there were many, many Americans that appreciate his service and are very proud of him.  From the discussion that he and Kel had, I imagine they chewed some of the same Vietnamese dirt.  Welcome home soldier and well done.
 
It was an honor to meet these two heroes of wars past.  It was also an honor to welcome home Capt. David Welteroth, a hero of wars present.  What a day.
 
A special thanks to A Heroes Welcome for adding their classy touch to a very special event.  Thanks go out to the Downingtown PD, the PA State Police, the East Whiteland PD and the Kimberton Fire Co.  You all went above and beyond to welcome home this American hero and thank his family for their sacrifice.
 
Submitted by Bobcat