Ride report posted for Oopsie:

One could not have asked for better weather for September in N. IL. The sun was shinning brightly as we staged in Kildeer for the escort mission for (E-9) Michael Kinnerk. Michael was on a Compassionate leave Welcome Home after serving since 1991 earning the Bronze Star. Michael came home on this leave due to his mother’s passing away.

There were 9 bikes and 3 cages at this early morning surprise welcome home. Michael’s plane was on time, however had to circle O’Hare due to traffic so the mission got a little bit of a late start.

Michael’s brother Joe knew where we would be staging with a flag line ready for our heroes welcome. Needless to say, Michael was so surprised to see the flag line and receive the “Hugs, Handshakes and Thank You” from all present on this mission.

After chatting with Michael he is an avid motorcycle rider. He was asked if he would like a ride on one of the bikes for his escort home to McHenry. Of course the answer was yes, so he and his oldest daughter got to ride on the bikes escorted by our wonderful LEO’s.

Upon arrival at Michael’s parents home, he arrived to many cheering family, friends, neighbors and Mayor Sue Low. Mayor Sue presented Michael with a framed Proclamation the same as one that will be on display in the City Hall along side all of our service men and women that have served from McHenry. This was very touching for the family and everyone present.

Michael was then presented a booklet of all the “Well Wishes” from the mission thread, along with a set of Honor Beads and Challenge Coin, by RC Oopsie. One could clearly see he was humbled and happy that a bunch of strangers would do this for him.

As Michael’s father, Dan, served in the Korean War and an ex LEO, was also presented  Challenge Coin and set of Honor Beads for his service. The family were so happy to see Michael and father Dan honored as they should be for their service to their country.
 
We would like to thank all of our wonderful LEO’s for always providing us with such wonderful escorts. Also to all those that somehow got off work, went in late or did what ever you could do to make this a great day for Michael and his family. And last but not least to our wonderfully supportive Mayor Sue Low who goes well above the call of duty to make it to every welcome home for our heroes. You’re the best, Mayor and everyone knows it.

We thank the Kinnerk family for inviting us to Welcome Home Michael and making us feel like a part of your family too.