This is a mission post prepared by Mama “J” – Spike’s fiance’.  As you read this report, you will understand why Spike’s future bride (wedding date 12/12/09) is the author…
 
Jeff “Six-Pack” was to RC this mission and asked Spike to assist.  As is typical, Spike spoke with the mom of this Seaman prior to the escort.  We were asked to escort her son from a local eatery to their home in Livermore, CA.  We staged at a local gas station at 1630 hrs. By the time we were ready to roll, there were 27 bikes and 3 cages as well as a Fire Engine headed to the restaurant.  We parked behind the restaurant and “Six Pack” called Mrs. Reifelie to alert her we were waiting.  During our wait, the Pleasanton Fire Captain (his son, Josh Gatkin was a recent WWR Welcome Home escort) came by to say hello & join our escort.  We waited for quite some time and finally the young Seaman came out with his girlfriend, mom and dad.  As is typical, Spike shouted “well, well, well – you’re a Navy man?  GO NAVY BABY and WELCOME HOME”. 
We proceeded with our typical hugs and mugs and welcomed him home.  His girlfriend and mom were wearing sunglasses (dark and at night) and I thought to myself – “that’s odd”…  Spike told the parents to fall in line behind the lead bikes and all the riders left to get on their bikes or in their vehicles.  The fire engine took off down the street first and Spike, as RC with the lead bikes took off on a slow pace behind the fire engine.  With Heidi (our daughter) in tow, I pulled my car around the other side of the street to block traffic for the bikes.  No one was moving and I noticed the fire engine pulled around the corner and stopped in the middle of the street.  Something was definitely wrong and I began to worry.  Finally, Six-Pack was standing in the middle of the street and told me to pull around the corner, get out of the car and come join him.  As I rolled around the corner I noticed Spike was exiting his bike also and walking towards the group.  My stomach fell because all I could think of was one of our riders had crashed on their way to the mission.  I began to tremble and I noticed Heidi grabbed my hand, so I knew she was thinking the same thing.  Snapshot had her camera set-up on the tri-pod and told me it was big and very important so just stand over with Six- Pack.  As Spike, Heidi and I gathered together to brace ourselves for some very bad news we were informed that the mission was a farce (Judid H. Reifelie are the letters in Heidi – Julie and Fred – Spike’s real name).  This was a surprise party for us in honor of our upcoming wedding!  UNBELIEVABLE – 27 BIKES, A FIRE ENGINE, THE FIRE CAPTAIN AND CAGES FOR US?!  Shapshot got all of this on video…  We mounted up again and the Fire Engine led us to the Livermore Veterans Hall where some 60+ friends were there waiving flags, hands and cheering!  We were hugged and mugged as we entered the hall.  Tables & chairs were set-up with a huge signature banner from all.  This was a pot luck dinner and there was so much wonderful food prepared!  Six-Pack escorted us up on stage where he replaced his leather for a sport coat as he emceed the event.  Six-Pack spoke about Spike and his accomplishments.  He then called up several of our friends representing various VSO’s who all wished us well in our marriage.  They presented us with certificates, coins and flowers as they spoke.  At the end, Spike was called up to say a few words about Heidi and I.  That’s when the tears began to flow!  Spike talked about his wonderful daughter Heidi, who is now also mine.  He explained that her mom had passed at a very young age, how she’s been riding with her “Papa” since she was two and pushing wheelchairs at VA homes since she was 4.  It was evident to all how proud Spike is of Heidi and of who she is becoming.  Spike then turned to our friends to explain how we met.  He said that after his wife’s passing he didn’t think he could love again – especially since he was raising an infant daughter.  Spike AND Heidi are convinced his wife and Heidi’s mom sent me to them (which warms my heart & I believe it).  After the festivities, we joined the others to eat.  Heidi and I were then escorted to another room with all the ladies for a Bachelorette party.  Spike was led to a separate room with the guys for his Bachelor party.  I was given a lovely “bride” ball cap to wear.  Heidi and I enjoyed so many beautiful gifts from our precious friends.  We laughed a lot and Six-Packs wife Sandi was our Hostess.  She had us play games and we laughed some more.  Once the party was over, I left the room to find Spike.  He stepped out of his party wearing an AC/DC t-shirt, a spiked dog collar and hot pink leash, a ball & chain around his ankle, a ring pop on his finger and a very “colorful” tie around his nick.  I could only imagine how his party went down!  Spike told me later that he was told to wear everything that was given to him that he could but he drew the line at the edible panties.  This was the most amazing and incredible night we have ever experienced and we were all blown away by the outpouring of love and support from our close friends – our family!  THANK YOU ALL!!!