Ride Report posted for Tamale

Warriors Watch Riders and A Heroes Welcome took advantage of another sun filled day in the Delaware Valley as we performed the 2nd mission of a 3 mission day.  With special assistance from the Bristol Township Police, The Croydon and Hatboro Fire Departments we escorted our hero, Jason Epp 30 miles from the Philadelphia Airport to a family picnic at the VFW in Croydon, PA.  Jason’s uncle and father rode their bikes with us and Jason hopped on for the ride home.  We were greeted by many sign holders and flag wavers as we neared our final destination.

Ride Report posted for Doug

Monday afternoon, the WWR and OWYH combined to welcome home PFC Alexander Pavia and also to honor his father Peter.  Alexander has just returned from Afghanistan after suffering wounds and being awarded the Purple heart.  His father Peter is a Viet Nam veteran and was also awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star during service in the US Army.

About fifty WWR members, friends and family gathered and traveled in a motorcade over to the Pavia home where we honored these two wounded warriors.  This was a very emotional event.  We were supported by the Plainfield Emergency services, police and fire departments.  I would like to thank all these departments for their participatation.  Thanks to our loyal members for their support.  Most of all thanks to PFC Alexander Pavia and his father Peter for their brave and courageous service to our great nation.  We hope and pray that both will make a speedy and complete recovery.

      Dear Joe, I cannot thank you and all of the Warriors enough!!! That was the most wonderful day ever!!!! UNFORGETTABLE!!!!! I have watched it several times already and cry every time. You are all special people. Brandon said the day he gets out he knows the bike he wants and is riding with you guys.  It has been an Honor and a Joy to meet you, thank your son and thank you xoxoxoxoxo. 

Beth and Jeff and the Goldstein Family              

Ride Report posted for Adam

Lance Corporal William Morgan, Infantry, currently stationed at Twenty-Nine Palms in California, found himself talking with Warriors Watch Riders at the Save-A-Vet Fundraiser in Fox Lake, IL. 7/9/11  This was just over a day before he departed on a cross country drive to join his unit for yet another deployment. Lcpl Morgan was leaving at 0500 that Monday. Needless to say our jaws dropped! So a time was established for 0600 and our hero stopped by the oasis along his route to shake hands and receive a honor felt send off! Save-A-Vet brought one of the service dogs to give his thanks as well.

Warm weather, and clear skies made for a nice sendoff.

Ride Report posted by Lutz

WELCOME BACK TO PHILLY!

During his humble speech after we had brought Matt safely home to NE Philadelphia, he said something that I totally agree with him on. He said, first that “Afghanistan sucks.” Well, we all know that one.

But then he said also that “Hawaii sucks.” Now that was a new one. Matt had just flown in from  Hawaii, he is stationed there, so he had the ability to make some comparisons. To Matt, and this is what he said,

“There’s nothing like Philly Love.”  But I’m getting ahead of myself.

When Matt’s mom Cindy contacted us about doing a Welcome Home for him, she already knew the drill – she knew the rally point and our procedures, because she had just come along on a Welcome Home for Matt’s friend, Lance Cpl VanHam, two weeks prior. Now it was Matt’s turn, and we were not about to be outdone.

It was a Friday afternoon, around rush-hour. In fact, it was the Friday before a long 3-day 4th of July weekend, and it was also hot. Just the kind of conditions that WWRiders thrive in.

By the time the last of the stragglers rolled in to the Firehouse rally point, we had already assembled 30 motorcycles and assorted other vehicles. The turnout was tremendous given the conditions, and we were all prepped and psyched for a greeting.

Ride to the Airport with no issues, we lined the stairway leading down to the baggage claim area, so as to force him down the escallater to get his handshakes and hugs and backslaps, sort of a forced running of the gauntlett.

Cindy Ragen, the mom, father Ron and Sister Lindsey were boxed in by bikes in red convertable, and when the Philadelphia Police Traffic unit arrived I was able to breathe easy, knowing we were in good hands despite the holiday traffic and late afternoon hour.

Sure enough, the escort to the family home in NorthEast Philly was uneventful, if you can call a roaring, revving, flag-flying, horn-blowing motorcycle  escort “uneventful.”

Lots of friends and family awaited us at the family home, and it was touching for me to see the happiness, pride and satisfaction in the face of our subject, Cpl. Matt Ragen, United States Marine Corps.

Matt, you are a Marine today, and you will be a veteran for the rest of your life, and a brother-in-arms.

Welcome Home!

Photos by Sean Carpenter. Click here for more.

Ride Report posted for Spike

This event was for our troops and their families.We rolled over with the Huey early in the morning ,so we could stage easy. There were many military vehicals as were military personel. General Lowe was on hand to take a picture with us. Also on hand were Hot Rods , the Marines many support groups. Gold & Blue Star Moms and their families.

The 75th Division-Army Reserves were there. WWII vehicals as well as new and improved Hummers. Was a very good day. After the event we Escorted the Huey back to the barn.

Ride Report posted for Spike

Kyle had come home without a Welcome Home , problem is that the
Pleasanton Military Families found out.So , the plan is now set, Kyle’s
family took him out to a late lunch , we staged a few blocks away.We
then rolled over to the Restaurant ,parked and all went inside. We totally
surprised him ,as you can imagine 30+ bikers walking inside and standing
all around you telling you ,that this is our table.LOL , Well, Kyle was humbled at all this.

We got mounted up with Kyle in the car in the middle of the pack.
We rolled with 20 bikes and 4 cages , making noise right up main st. .We
got to his house where 40+ folks from the community were waiting. Kyle
was presented with certificates and flags ,coins and lots of hugs.
Welcome Home Kyle.