It was a lovely Autumn day in N.IL with 30% chance of rain for later in the evening. Today we would be doing a surprise Welcome Home at SPC. Brian Pierce, at his family home. A party had been prearranged, in his honor, at the McHenry VFW Post 4600 for 6:00pm and we were to be the escort to the VFW. Brian had just returned from Afghanistan and is with the 33rd Brigade135th Chemical.

The Warriors’ Watch Riders, approximately 15 bikes and 6 cages, the McHenry PD, and the Mc Henry Fire Department staged at a nearby park. After the ride briefing, we then drove to the family home with bikes roaring, sirens blaring and horns honking. Many in SPC Pierce’s subdivision knew a hero was receiving his welcome home and were standing outside their homes cheering. As we got closer to SPC Pierce’s home the skies displayed evidence that it just might rain, but with a forecast of 30% we knew, if it did, it would be over with quick. As we neared the home many neighbors were outside ready to get into the excitement for Brian.

We arrived to find Brian and his family outside looking for the nearby fire. One of Brian’s brothers told him there was a fire nearby. So Brian and his family ran outside to see where it was. But, Surprise Brian, gotcha! All he saw was a bunch of strangers jumping out of vehicles, off their bikes and yelling “Welcome Home!” One of the bikes had the song “Welcome Home Faithful Soldier” playing and soon Brian knew there was no fire we were here for him. The smile on his face was “priceless.” To see him so happy will be etched in our minds forever.

After all the “Thank Yous, Hugs and Handshakes” RC Oopsie presented him with a Challenge Coin, Booklet of all those who posted to his mission thread and set of Honor Beads and thanked him for his service. Then it was time for our wonderful Mayor Sue Low to present Brian with his framed Proclamation. A copy of which will be hung int he City Hall of McHenry, as are all those who have served from McHenry. We also learned Brian just celebrated his birthday. So with a quick passing of that news to one another an announcement of “Just one more thing, Brian”, we all sang Happy Birthday to him. Once again that beautiful smile appeared and he thanked everyone.

A family and group picture was taken as the sky was looking pretty much like it was certainly going to rain. No ifs ands or buts about it.

It was time to mount up and head for the VFW. (Those clouds weren’t looking very friendly now.) Brian was given the choice of riding in the family vehicle or on one of the bikes. It did not take but a second for him to reply “bike!”  Big Joe provided the helmet and ride for Brian. Needless to say the rain that had been holding off couldn’t wait any longer. It started out as a mild (30%chance) to a regular deluge, by the time we arrived at the VFW. A wet Brian got off the bike with the same big smile he had when we arrived at his home. This was the first time he had ever been on a bike and a little rain was not going to spoil it for him.

A flag line of VFW veterans waited out in the rain to receive Brian, all soaking wet but with smiles as well. There were many soaked people but you would not have known it from all the hugs, smiles and Welcome Home Brian outside in the pouring rain.

Inside the VFW, Brian was once again honored for his service by the VFW and American Legion. Both organizations presented him with membership cards and speeches. It was time for one last thing before we left, Brian to sign the Welcome Home Banner. His would be the first signature on this the newest of 3 already filled banners.

We thank all those who helped make Brian’s welcome home as great as it was. Our LEO’s, Fire Department and Mayor Sue once again our sincere gratitude for your important part in these welcome homes. They would not be half as nice if it were not for your participation.

Welcome Home Brian! It was an honor to be a part of your celebration.

RC Oopsie and Uffda