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First, thank you LCPL Huot for your service and stepping up to keep me and my family safe here at home. Thanks also to your parents for bringing up such a nice young man.  What a mission!  Snow cover all week, then last night the temps go up and no more snow just a ton of rain.  We met at Interboro High School which, as far as I could tell, had so many vehicles that we filled 3/4 of the parking lot.  We may have had at least 75 people, maybe more.  We had our ride briefing and then set our flag line that covered the  length of the parking lot on both sides of the row.

Barney Huot lead his son on his motorcycle along with our Hero and then his family behind them.  I presented him with our honor coin, wished him luck, then the Leathernecks MC presented him with one of their coins.  At this time I just got out of the way and let this very large crowd hug and mug our Hero.404177389n

Our escort arrived at the Prospect Park Police Department along with the Chief of the Norwood Fire Department and they led us to the highway.  I think we were running a little ahead of schedule because there was no LEO at the entrance to I-95, but in true Warriors’ Watch fashion we moved forward with the mission anyway.  What an awesome sight it was in my rear view mirrors!  We made our way to the Delaware state line and again no LEO, so we just trudged on.  For as many vehicles as we had, we managed to change lanes when necessary and kept together without much trouble.  As we continued the weather just got worse the guys on bikes were getting pounded.

As we approached the Delaware tolls, traffic was getting very heavy and, as Ride Captain, I made an on the fly decision to break off the escort at Rt-896 before the toll booths.  Barney and I were discussing it on our bikes on the fly and he agreed.  Without LEO support and with the bad weather, I felt it was the right call.  As we pulled off on the exit ramp our hero waved goodbye.  Everyone had large smiles and I believe everyone was very satisfied with our effort.  Mom had a big grin and Dad kissed me.  Most of us took the back way home up Rt-40.

I now need to give out my thanks and bear with me as there are many.  First to the guys that braved the weather and rode beside me – Bonehead , Tug , Focker , Billy Bananas, Barney and Hatter,  you guys are hard core.  My hat’s off to each one of you.   Now to the many organizations – Second Brigade MC, Leathernecks MC, True Brothers Of The Road MC , Upland Garage Motorcycle Organization, Patriot Guard Riders, Bullets MC, Road Runners MC retired members and A Hero’s Welcome.  Thanks to the members of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia Warriors’ Watch chapters.  Marine Corps League, Dunkin Donuts Norwood Crew , and friends from Biker or Not.  Thanks also for our media coverage from CBS 3and Fox 29.

If I missed anyone, I am truly sorry because each and everyone one of you deserve a pat on the back for toughing out this weather.  You all make me proud to be part of the Warriors’ Watch Riders.  For those that could not attend, you missed a good one.  I’ll be home drying out for about a week!

Respectfully Submitted – Rabbit