Ride Report posted for Don Gulas

At 0830 hrs, our members gathered at the Huntley bowling alley. At 0900,my wife and I were welcomed into the family, and mugged with hugs. At 0905 the ride brief was given by myself, and Cheryl. Directions and actions were discussed for the event. Road guards were picked and KSU at 0915. Distance to the park from the bowling alley was @ 1 mile, through construction traffic, and we arrived at the park at 0930, with flags flying.

We met Grandma Patel and family, and discussed the arrival of our Soldiers. Grandma Patel had a phone call arranged for when they were @ 10 minutes from the park. During the brief wait, the Huntley Patch (an online newspaper) interviewed family members as well as WWR members. The reporter stated that she would run the story on Monday, as that would target the most viewers. When the phone call arrived, WWR and family members lined the roadway with flags flying and greeted the CPLs.

They looked a little bit confused at first, and then seemed to understand what was happening once we began hugging and thanking them. Don presented them with their packets and coins. Cheryl presented them with beads, and photos with the assembled family members began. Both CPLs signed the banner, and again hugs ensued. The Soldiers and family expressed their gratitude for the welcome home party.

 The riders said their goodbyes, and asked Grandma Patel to inform us when it is time for the Marines to return home for good, as their service was not over yet. Then we departed.

Ride Report posted for Glenn\

The Warriors Watch Riders had the honor of welcoming home SrA Veto Santini.  As we arrived at the staging area, we noticed that there were alot more other people that wanted to welcome home Veto also.  Vetos father was on the Rockford Fire Department for 27 years and needless to say, they came out in force. 

 The ride to our heros home was a short one. With the ladder truck leading the way, there was no doubt that everyone along the route knew what we were doing.  When we arrived at the home where a party was being held, everyone was appreciative of what we do.  We thanked our hero for volunteering to protect our freedom, made our presentations, had him sign the banner and took many pictures to remember that joyous day. 

After one last round of cheers for our hero, we left him and his family to enjoy the remainder of the day.

Ride Report posted for Stache Man

Another Atco NJ Welcome Home celebration could not have gone better.  The showers came, but got out of here in plenty of time for this welcome home. About 12 Warriors Watch Riders showed up to help in this celebration.  Along with Waterford Twp PD, Fire, and EMS, we took off to go get the hero.  Trailing us was the “FLOAT” which he rode in to bring him back to the American Legion post. 

Sirens blared and engines revved all the way to his house, making some noise to let everyone know that a soldier came home safe.  We knocked on the door and had him come out to get mugged and hugged !  Then it was off to the pavilion where the Yellow Ribbon Club, Gold Star Mom’s, The Waterford Twp War Memorial Committee and a crowd of township residents were waiting with flags waving to bring home and honor Frank.  A ceremony followed with the WWR coining our hero, and the Yellow Ribbon Club doing their thing, giving him a reminder for what branch of service he belonged to “a concrete cast of the US Navy symbol painted gold”  We will also never forget Frank’s service and dedication to this great nation ! Welcome Home !!

Ride Report posted for Archie

90 year Old LTC Warren Rummelhoff had tears in his eyes as the Warriors Watch Riders pulled up in front of him at a DuPage County Forrest Preserve. I don’t know if it was the flags flying on the bikes or the people who were on the bikes that brought tears to his eyes..

 Warren turned 90 on Sat. and the family lured him there under the pretense that the gathering  was for a wedding for one of my kids. Warren served in the Navy for 24 years, serving on about 6 different ships during that time frame. He mainly was an aerial photographer during his stint.   Warren was without a doubt very emotional and felt honored and overwhelmed at our attention to him. Like many of our Veterans the site of our flag flying brings so many emotions to the surface so many  memories renewed.

Heck he even wanted to pay for our gas. Terry explained to him that he has long since paid for and deserved this small moment. After all the Warriors Watch folks had departed he took me to the side and said he did not deserve this honor.  I said Warren each and every man and woman who serves deserves a thank you such as this and I wish we could do them all. To all the Warriors Watch Riders who came out THANK YOU.

 Archie

Ride Report posted for AeroPilot

Fathers Day Weekend is upon us, weather was georgeous, and today Corporal Micah Musselman returned home to Quakertown Pennsylvania with an amazing homecoming welcome provided by the Warriors Watch Riders, Quakertown Community, Family and Friends. Marine Corporal Micah Musselman has served our country in two tours overseas and recently returned from a deployment in Afghanistan to his two young children and wife.

We met CPL Musselman as he exited the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension, and amazed him with the turnout of people, cycles, fire engines, police, and amulances. A brief flag line was established just as he pulled up to us, and each of us greeted him with handshakes and hugs.

A few moments later, the escort line began to move and we rolled towards Quakertown to bring this young man home in Rock Star Style.

Quakertown Police and Fire Police paved the way for a smooth, non-stop ride thru town where many families and community people watched in awe as we passed, some waving and with flags in hand.

Upon entering his neighborhood, each house mailbox had a flag and a flag balloon flying high, it was a sight to see. Rounding the corners, neighbors were standing on the curb, cheering, and clapping for our hero to welcome him home. A crowd of more than a hundred had to be there waiting for him as we sounded the sirens and revved the cycles.

Warriors Watch presented him with the Honor Coin, followed by A Hero’s Welcome presentation and certificate. PA House of Representatives Paul Clymer was there and said a few words before handing it over to Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick who presented him with a flag and certificate. The community of family and friends continued the welcome with a block party that I’m sure made this Marine feel overwhelmed at times.

Welcome Home CPL Musselman! Thank you for all you have done for our country.

Respectfully Submitted,

AeroPilot

Ride Report posted for Jim.

On Thursday, June 23, 2011 five bikes, 1 cage and 6 members of the WWR departed Panama City on a ride to Marianna to honor Charles Dickson by standing a flag line, tolling the bell, escorting the funeral procession and firing the cannon at graveside in his honor. Charles was a Wolrd War II veteran and flew B-26’s and B29’s on 67 combat missions and over 200 combat hours. Charles was also an instructor pilot and obtained the rank of captain. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal w/11 Oak Leaf Clusters. He served his country in a heroic manner and was very proud of his service time. Many of his friends and family were present to honor him on his journey to be honored in heaven. Rest in Peace, Charles!!

Ride Report posted for Adam L.

The day couldn’t have ended any better for 25+ motorcycles and a handful of jeeps and cars with strobes. With perfect weather in the 80s, riders were able to welcome home a Marine in Aurora and then convoy to a surprise mug and hug for Lance CPL Patrick Moore at the Naperville VFW. While having an assistant ride captain can be helpful at times, confirming the route from staging TO the actual location shouldn’t have any deviations… RC followed GPS, assistant RC took right… everyone followed assistant… RC doubled back. Yes very interesting. (can’t spell lost without the LT, thanks guys, lol)

Happily, all riders and cages we able to hug our hero and his family at the VFW. Beads were presented to the family and a challenge coin to our Marine. Everyone emptied from the VFW and into the front parking lot to take their pictures by the motorcycles and exchange emotional handshakes and hugs. Our hero tearfully expressed how surprised and happy he was. Lcpl Moore recalled seeing motorcycles escorting his comrades that had passed on just few months earlier, and how having the WWR welcome him home that day was an incredible feeling. He truly felt like a Rockstar.  Mission Success!