usaf-capt-yara-khalil-4usaf-capt-yara-khalil-1usaf-capt-yara-khalil-2usaf-capt-yara-khalil-3

Ride Report for Ride Captain John Delivers

Twenty or so bikers gathered at the Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Shamong. Before long we headed to pick up our Hero, Yara Khalil, from La Campagnola. Yara was there enjoying her sister’s birthday dinner, so she had no idea we were waiting outside. There’s nothing like leaving a fine restaurant after enjoying a good meal with loved ones and walking into a throng of American flags, black leather, shouts of Welcome Home and hugs from everyone. Yara could have used some dark sunglasses as I think the emotions of the moment were getting to her. We were there to thank her and try to make her feel special and all she wanted to do was thank us, a humble woman indeed.

Before long we made our way, with Medford Lakes PD on point, to the family home in Medford Lakes. Our good friends from the Yellow Ribbon Club were waiting for Yara, and they didn’t disappoint. The YRC, along with family, friends and neighbors were awaiting Yara’s return. Members of Town Council spoke, her old school Principal took a turn at the microphone, Proclamations were read, Certificates were handed out, Girl Scouts presented a case of cookies, and a magic coin changed hands. Through it all Yara was ever so humble.

When it was her turn at the microphone she spoke of the Real Heroes being those who didn’t make it home and also of Vietnam Veterans being her role models. They did what their country asked and got treated poorly upon returning home. And for them to turn around and make sure today’s warriors get thanked is definitely role model material.

To Debbie, Yara’s mom, thank you for inviting us to share in the safe return of your daughter. It was truly an Honor to be there.

Submitted by JohnDelivers