Tracy, CA – Welcome Home  SSgt. Rachelle Renaud,  12/23/09

177661It was clear and cool as we staged at San Bruno, near SFO.  Dad, riding his Night Train, and his best friend joined us to welcome his hero home.  Four bikes and a cage made the quick trip to the PD Parking Courtyard near the terminal.

We set up at the baggage claim stairwell, and our hero slipped past us, directly into Mom’s arms!  As she turned, she began to realize there were some “strangers”  there for HER, as well.  We mugged and hugged her and marched out to the bikes after Dad and his friend retrieved her luggage, Rachelle beaming the whole way.  Bystanders took notice and thanked her as we made our way back to the parking area, too!

She was amazed at the welcome, and couldn’t believe we were doing this just for her.  We got her settled in Mom’s cage and with Dad proudly riding lead with me, set out for the ride to Tracy, about 60 miles.  San Francisco traffic turned it into a chilly 2 ½ hr. ride. Dad took the lead for the last few miles, skirting the edge of town.

Rounding the last curve, the Tracy Fire Department ladder apparatus was clearly visible and flying a 10 x 12 high above the house.  The street and surrounding yards were filled with friends, neighbors, reporters and Firefighters.  Cheers and hugs brought Rachelle home in style, this time.  After serving  12 years, 2 tours in Iraq, 18 mos. Korean DMZ, and several other high level missions, this Bronze Star and Audie Murphy Award recipient finally got a true Hero’s Welcome Home!

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Shaking and a little misty, Rachelle stared in wonder at the flag and light displays. “How did this happen? How do you do all of this, just for me?”, she asked. “A couple of well placed phone calls, and we want you to feel like a rock star.” I answered. After catching her breath, she told the crowd, “This is like a rock star times a million!!”

As I coined her and explained the symbols on the WWR coin, she told me she couldn’t help but think of her Fallen Soldiers, her troops that paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and it was like they were getting welcomed as well.  This is truly an awesome Soldier.  It was an honor beyond compare to bring this hero home.

Respectfully Submitted,
txbiker/Chrome Ghost