Ride Report posted for RedBeard

‘The original Escort request came from Pat Adams of Philadelphia for his first cousin Paul Dean.

Cpl Dean returned from his second tour in Iraq and was at his parents home in Marlton and was going to get a “ROCK STAR” Escort from Marlton to Browns Mill where his wife Jenifer and Children Jocelyn and Jacob where waiting.

We rallied at the P.F. Chang parking lot in Marlton. Yea as usual I was running a little behind and pulled into the parking lot last. Well if you have been on a NJ mission before, you know what that means, (I was Voted RC) No problem at all… What an Honor.

As I pulled into the parking lot I was again ALMOST speechless. I don’t know if it was the pollen in the air, or the fact that the sun was shining directly into my eyes but seeing 24 bikes resting on their Kickstands with these Patriots and Warriors waiting to go Honor this Hero just filled my soul with gratitude for each and every one of them.

After a little ride brief and finding out that aside from our Heroes cousin “Pat Adams” joining us on this ride, we would also have the honor of a Hero who has orders to deploy to Afghanistan in 5 days, Tom Raio. Tom was at a prior welcome home, Joe Oyola, who is a childhood friend. Tom was riding his bike in the morning and noticed all the flags and bikes in the parking lot, he pulled in a was “MUGGED & HUGGED” and even received a Magic Coin from Bill (CCHOG). We then invited Tom to ride with us to his old neighborhood in Browns Mills. YEP, Tom was in.

We pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards our Hero Paul Dean in Marlton.

Pulling around the corner into the court at the Home was fantastic, Our Hero with his mom and dad where outside talking to a NJ State Police Trooper. I guess our Hero had no idea how many people actually did want to THANK HIM and also escort him to Browns Mills because his eyes went past wide and into saucer size seeing all the bikes and flags and yep even cages.

We “Mugged & Hugged” him there along with his parents and even did a group picture, Then mounted up and took to the road with LEO in the lead.( Great Job with setting up the LEO Bill “SideCar” ) This escort was over 1 hour long, and though some beautiful back roads. Along with the Nam Knights doing what they do, The escort went as smooth as glass. It was so very nice to see, as we pulled past a vintage car show and a fund raiser Car wash, how everyone would wave and cheer as the Motorcade of Bikes and Flags passed by. YEP I think people are starting to get the message…. BIKES with Flags Equal a LOCAL HERO being Honored.

We pulled through the town of Browns Mills and onto the street where our Heroes family and children where waiting. The thunder of the bikes revving and horns blowing made all the neighbors take notice and come outside to see what was happening on their quiet street.

Our Hero had his children in his arms faster then I could turn off my bike. It doesn’t matter how many times I see it, there are some things that NEVER ever get old, And seeing the Love in the eyes of that true and hard bond that is between a parent and their children is one of them.

I wanted to thank “Nick” Chief2201 for stepping up and doing the Magic Coin presentation to our hero. After it Nick told me it was “a wonderful feeling to be able to do that” indeed it is brother, and that is why we do hope every does get a chance to experience it.

To all those who showed up and to those there in spirit, I can not express deeply enough as to how grateful I am to be part of this family and Thank you all for what you do. Each Mission I ride and read about and hear about fills me with a little bit more understanding as to WHAT MAKES UP THE TRUE PATRIOTS HEART. And the more I understand the more I am Humbled.

I received an email that I did not respond to last night….. They asked me, “While doing the ride brief, did I get sweaty eyes or something because it sounded like it in your voice?” I guess I was the first to be hit by the pollen that day, That’s all.

USMC Cpl. Paul Dean, Welcome Home and Thank You for your Service and Dedication.

And to Tom Raio…. Be safe and return home quickly. We will see you in Dec.

Peace

RedBeard

Tom “Boozer” FANTASTIC Pictures, Thank You Brother:

 

http://community.webshots.com/album/571883655Goowgr?start=0