Ride Report for posted for JohnD and Redbeard

Never underestimate what you can do in 23 hours.

Redbeard received an email from a Girl Scout leader asking for help in honoring a marine who recently returned home from Iraq . And this was not just any marine.

Harold Chester and his cousin, Jon Hicks, entered the service together. They went through boot camp together. Unfortunately Jon made the ultimate sacrifice on 09/10/07 while “conducting combat operations” in Anbar province in western Iraq . Which explains how our hero from Toms River, NJ ( 50 Miles away ) came to be adopted by a Girl Scout Troop from Atco , NJ, The Home Town of Gold Star Parents John and Kathy Hicks. Harold and his mother were visiting his aunt and uncle in Atco which made this all possible.

As we made our way through the woods of Atco, the crackle of Thunder roaring from the bikes must have tipped off the neighbors that something was happening because we noticed heads turning as we pulled down their road. As we stopped in front of the Hicks’ home, eight bikes and two cages was just enough to throttle up and let the thunder do the KNOCKING on the door. With the Waterford Twp. Police already being there awaiting our arrival, Harold had an EYE and EAR full when he stepped outside to see what the racket was all about. It was then that he got that Famous WWR style mugging with hugging and hand shakes. Along with him were Mom and family members, His Gold Star Aunt and Uncle and Mrs. Judi Tapper, another Gold Star Mom and a neighbor of the Hick’s family. We first met her and the Hicks during a Welcome Home a couple of weeks ago.

For the ride to the church our hero and his mother decided to ride in the Police car, with the bikes and cages falling in behind them. We had an easy ride over to the Atco Presbyterian Church where those Yellow Ribbon Club patriots and our heroes adopted Girl Scout Troop were waiting. Once again Harold was Hugged and Mugged and thanked for his service.

We all made our way inside the church basement to warm up a bit.  The Camden County Service Medal was presented by Colonel Bancroft, the Girl Scout Troop made a presentation, and a WWR Honor coin changed hands. The Yellow Ribbon Club presented the young girls with ribbons for all the work they did while Harold was deployed. And Harold presented each girl with a marine coin as a thank you.

Marine Lance Corporal Harold Chester , Thank You for your Service and Dedication, Welcome Home HERO.

As we stood around for a bit in the basement talking I have to tell you a little comment that was spoken to me by one of the CC Hog Members…. I reached over and Thanked Him for the support they have given to the Warriors Watch and his reply was…. “We are one of you“ ….. IF that does not show the caliber of Patriots that the Bikers, both Clubs and Groups have that come to support and Honor these American Heroes, I don’t know what does. There are no boundaries, no patches, and no colors…other then the RED, WHITE, AND BLUE when it comes to Honoring these Heroes.  I AM PROUD TO BE A MEMBER of a GROUP that exhibits this passion and shows it each time we do a MISSION, and not for the statement of who we ride with or for.

After this Welcome Home ended, a few bikers walked with Mrs. Judi Tapper and the Commander of the American Legion over to the Atco Veterans War Memorial which is next door to the American Legion Hall. This memorial is beautifully done and it honors four Atco residents who made the ultimate sacrifice.

As we walked through this Memorial with Mrs. Tapper, I couldn’t help but feel the absolute Pride and Love she poured into making this Memorial what it is today. IF ever you are on Atco Avenue in Atco NJ. The Memorial is on the top of the small hill next to the American legion Hall…. Stop by…. Read the Love that is etched into the Granite and Bronze plates… read the names of the Children and Loved ones that these Heroes Left behind, And then remember them the next time you do Give Thanks for the Blessings you have in your life.

Respectfully
Redbeard and JohnDelivers