Ride Report posted for JohnDelivers

 

 

I received a phone call from the Yellow Ribbon Club (YRC) at 6:30 PM, 05/20/2009.  Leslie, the YRC founder was on the other end saying she didn’t have time to talk, but a wounded Warrior is coming home tomorrow, here’s a phone number, see what you can find out.

 

I eventually got hold of Kim Metzger, our Hero’s mom.  She was thrilled to learn of the Yellow Ribbon Club, A Hero’s Welcome, and our organization and what we all do.  She was awed to hear that people exist who are willing to come out to show Honor and Respect, and to offer support, to our returning Warriors.

 

Let’s fast forward to Thursday, May 21, 5:20 PM.  The Warriors Watch Riders (WWR) are rallying at Engine House 69 on Bartram Ave.  Approximately 25 bikes are there when Kim Metzger and her son Rich pull in to meet our group.  After introductions are made, a ride briefing is given, and a prayer is said, we mount up to roll over to PHL, Philly Airport.

 

We make our way to the curb at Terminal D and dismount the bikes.  Whenever we pull into the airport on our steel horses, I enjoy seeing the looks on people’s faces.  They must be thinking: “what the hack are these motorcycles doing here, at the airport?”  As time passes, they are learning what we are doing at the airport, one Warrior at a time.

 

At PHL, Joseph’s family heads upstairs for the gate, while we wait along the steps and at the bottom of the escalator to receive our Hero.  Before too long they are making their way toward us, news crews recording their every move.  As Joe descends the escalator, he is cheered and greeted, with the standard WWR Mug & Hug, by the plethora of biker scum eagerly waiting his arrival.

 

Personally I think Joe was shell-shocked to see so many people here to Welcome him home.  His reaction was minimal, but that is not out of the ordinary, all things considered.

 

Before long we were a loaded up and heading for I95.  NJSP provided a car to help with traffic.  Not for a lack of trying, but this officer had his work cut out for him.   It’s the Thursday before the start of the summer vacation season, cars are everywhere, and we’re

heading for the Jersey Shore, no easy task to say the least.

 

We pick up a rider or two during our journey to Somers Point, NJ.  We arrive in Somers Point with perhaps 18 bikes.  We are met at the edge of twon by the local PD.  We make our way into town, and before you know it, 5 fire engines join our procession.  SO now we have a regular parade going on for all the townspeople of Somers Point to see.  Their hometown Hero, Joseph Metzger, is coming home in style.  Warriors Watch Style.

Approximately 75 Patriots from the YRC, Rolling Thunder, The Legion Riders, Order of the Purple Heart, neighbors, family and friends await our arrival.

 

Outside of the Metzger home, supportive Banners were everywhere.  Patriots carrying American Flags came from every nook and cranny in town.  This was truly an amazing site to behold.  I’m not familiar with Somers Point, but it sure looked like the entire community came out in support of this American Hero.

 

Presentations were made by the Yellow Ribbon Club, Rolling Thunder, The Order of the Purple Heart, and Warriors Watch Riders. 

 

Thanks go out to the NJSP, the town of Somers Point, their PD, FD, EMS, the Yellow Ribbon Club, Rolling Thunder, Order of the Purple Heart, Legion Riders, neighbors, family and friends, and our Family, the Warriors Watch Riders.

 

All along, Joseph Metzger had a hard time with all this hoopla being bestowed upon him.  Here he is, another young Warrior who feels he is JUST DOING HIS JOB.  Well he is, and we thank God for people like him.  People who sign the bottom of a check made payable to the US of A, for a price of up to and including his life.  God Bless America and God Bless Joseph Metzger.  Thank you for your service.  Thank you for the sacrifices you have made on our behalf.  If not for Warriors like you, we would not be living in the land of the Free.