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This mission was on the “special side”, our Chaplain – Trevor & his brother Ron had a a special interest in Specialist Revilla.  This was their niece (their sister’s daughter).  We then found out that Rikki’s husband is also deployed and returning home in a couple of days.  We needed to ride out to San Francisco Airport (SFO) with the flight due in at about 1800 hrs.  We got to staging and waited for Rikki’s Mom, Teri.  When she arrived, we did a mug & hug, got staged and rolled to the airport with 12 bikes.  It was starting to get a little chilly with a light rain.  We parked in our usual spot (where PD parks) and headed upstairs.  We waited at the bottom of the escalator near baggage claim with our flags waving.  Fifteen minutes later, here comes Rikki and she was totally blown away!  She walked through the flag line and then we mugged & hugged her.

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Shortly after that, we grabbed her bags and headed out to the bikes and headed to Martinez.  As we rolled out of the airport, the rain started to pick-up and as we got onto the freeway, the rain vanished.  It was approximately 45 minute to an hour drive to Martinez.  As we crossed the bay bridge, the wind was cruising at about 45 mph.  You could see all the bikes in your mirrors leaning away from the wind.  We got into her neighborhood at approximately 1930 hrs. and as we rounded onto her street, we could see all the people holding flags, waiving and holding signs.  By the way, Rikki did ride on her Uncle’s bagger from the airport to home.  After we parked, Bryan Welden from Lafayette Flag Brigade who I work with on all these Welcome Homes, grabbed Rikki and brought her up in front of his large flag.  Rikki received certificates, flags, coins and a 6-pack of beer from our very own Santa “6-Pack”.  Welcome Home Rikki!

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau