What A Day, What A Wonderful Day!

We had a Wonderful turn out for the Wonder Lake Parade, Welcome Home for Sgt. Jacob Cundiff and our Heroes; Officer Keven Haggerty, Gunny SGT Christine Mann and SGT Blake Miles. SGT Miles came in a Humvee and that was a nice addition to the caravan of Warriors’ Watch Riders.

We staged at the Wonder Lake Post office. There were approximately 17-20 bikes and 8-10 vehicles. There could have been more, I forgot to take a count or designate someone to do that for me. What started out as an overcast day turned to drizzle? That did not deter Officer Haggerty and SGT. Chrissy Mann from riding on the back of a bike, with SGT. Miles behind in the Humvee.

We were invited to attend the Flag Raising Ceremony, by the Scouts, prior to the start of the parade. This truly was a special invitation as very few have ever been invited to attend this ceremony.

 The Ceremony went very well with the Scouts Raising the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance said by all present. The Scouts then thanked the WWR for attending this ceremony and being a part of the Independence Day Parade. They thanked the WWR for what we do for our military and proud of what we have accomplished.
At the end of the Flag Ceremony it was time to line up for the parade. There was a little snafu in the line up, not caused by any of us, but most of the WWR led the parade behind the Boy Scout Color Guard. The 2nd half of the WWR followed the rest of the left behind Scouts. It was rather funny and nice at the same time. The WWR was seen in intervals. Of course we had candy to toss and toss we did. It came very close to running out before the end but we made it. Wonder Lake is a small town but they do have a large parade and many people turn out, even in the rain.

After the parade we once again gathered at the Post Office for our next mission, a Surprise Welcome Home of SGT. Jacob Cundiff. We were met by 2 Wonder Lake Police Cars who led the way to Jacob’s home where his Welcome Home party was being held by his family. Around the lake we went with sirens going and horns honking. Needless to say they heard us coming a half mile away. It was then that Jacob’s family knew they had to get the family outside and await our arrival. I must say, it was a Surprise for Jacob. As I write this it brings the same smile I get at every Welcome Home mission when you see the look on our Hero’s face. Something like “What’s this?” Everyone bailing off their bikes and cars and him realizing “Yes, this is for you.” That startled look and humbleness always makes me know we did something good that/this day. We let one of our Hero’s know he has been and always will be supported by the WWR members. That what they did was not taken for granted.
After the cheers, clapping of hands and loud “Welcome Home Jacob”, Oopsie gave a speech and presented him with the Challenge Coin and Honor Beads. Once again Thanking Jacob for his service. It was at this time we learned that Jacob’s brother, John, and Sister-in-Law Kim, had just returned from serving. So it was a “TRIPLE Welcome Home” with Challenge Coins and Honor Beads given to all Three Heroes.
We then brought out the WWR Banner that we ask every service man and woman to sign. Jacob, John, Kim and Brian Miles all signed. Many pictures and movies were taken and words of appreciation given by all the family members. It was about 3:30pm now and time to leave as we came. So many thanks and hugs were shared and we left as we came, minus sirens and honking of horns. 

Thanks go to the Chamber of Commerce for inviting the WWR to the parade, to the Cundiff family for letting us Welcome Home their 3 Heroes, to Officer Haggerty, Gunny SGT. Chrissy Mann and SGT. Blake Miles (in Humvee) for honoring us with your presence. We also thank the Wonder Lake Fire Dept. and the Wonder Lake Police Dept for assisting us with the escort. We appreciate you all and everything you do for the WWR. Last but not least we thank Greg of Limelight Graphics for the Tee Shirts. They were appreciated and loved by all.

 I would like to personally thank everyone who came out on this holiday. You are the “bestest” and I am so happy to call you all sister and brother. You are true Patriots and America is a better place because of you.

God Bless You All…My WWR family.