Ride Report posted for Rick

Ride Report posted for Chris

Penn Treaty Park is a little known oasis of green grass overlooking the river on Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia. When the car transporting Navy Hospitalman Keith McGarrigle pulled into the parking lot it was met by a flag line of Warriors’ Watch Riders and A Hero’s Welcome, and the park became the starting point to honor a Hero.
 
Keith had just gotten back from his deployment with a Marine Corps unit in Afghanistan and one by one we hugged and shook this Hero’s hand to show him how much his service means to all of us here at home.
 
Then we mounted up and with the help of Philadelphia’s finest we escorted this sailor from the park to a party being held in his honor. With the sirens and motorcycles alerting all to our presence, the residents of Second Street had no doubt that there was a Hero passing by.

We arrived at the destination to many family members waiting to welcome Keith home. It was a great day and we were honored to be a part of it.

Thanks to Officer Rabb and the Philadelphia Police Traffic Unit for a job well done.

About a dozen bikes gathered at Cherry Hill High School East to escort a couple hundred runners on the 2^nd Annual Jeremy Kane Memorial Run. Cherry Hill PD had several units on hand to make for safe passage of the runners.  These runners/walkers came out to support the Kane family and Rutgers University, in an effort to raise funds for a scholarship in Jeremy’s name.

While the bikes escorted the runners from start to finish, other flag waving patriots were at the finish line clapping and cheering for the participants as they crossed the finish line.  It was a good day to raise funds for a worthy cause.  It was a great day to Honor the life of Jeremy Kane.

Easter is always a special day and this year it became an even more special day as the Warriors Watch Riders were once again invited to accompany the family of Shaun Whitehead as they visited Shaun’s grave to honor him on the 3rd anniversary of his death while serving our country in Iraq.  The Whitehead family has allowed us to be a part of their remembrance of Shaun for each year since his death and I plan on being there for them as long as they will have me.

We all do a lot of things in our lives that just pass with time and you never really think much about them.  For Snap and LJ it was the first mission that Snap was the Ride Captain,  but I specifically remember the Shaun Whitehead mission and escorting him to the cemetery as an event happened that I really gave a lot of thought to in my mind and have discussed it with others.  I would like to share that event with you now.

The turnout for Shaun Whiteheads funeral was huge and looking back I would guess there were maybe a couple hundred motorcycles and many cages.  I was somewhere around the middle of the group in the escort and we were going out through the country and as we crossed a bridge all of a sudden 2 White Doves flew out of the bushes on my left and flew off.  I am certain there was no one in the bushes to release those Doves .  Part of my reason for reflecting on this moment is related back to another mission I did where the family released White Doves and the Doves circled the gravesite and then flew off in a group.  I know those were trained birds and they are to symbolize the Soul being freed up to Heaven.  With this thought in mind it has never left my thoughts that those birds I saw fly out of the bushes that day had to of been some kind of sign. 

Gathering at the graveside Bobby led us off with a Prayer and then I was honored once again to be able to say a few words and place a Wreath at the head of Shaun’s beautiful stone marker.  The family and friends then laid flowers on the stone.  After a few moments of reflection Bobby called upon Shaun’s brother Barry Whitehead who the family had just met that day to come forward.  Barry is attending Ranger school and Bobby gave him a WWR coin after explaining to him the significance of each of the markings.  A nice group photo was taken and then we went back to the Whiteheads home to finish Breaking Bread. 

 I know how hard it was for so many to break away from their families on Easter Sunday, and I would like to say a huge Thank You to each and every one of those who attended.  Thank you to the Whitehead family for your hospitality and the time we spent Breaking Bread.

Ride Report posted for Chris

 High winds and heavy rain did not prevent us from thanking this soldier for his service. As we rolled up to the party held in his honor at the VFW in Philadelphia there was a break in the rain and many family members where outside. We walked up the door and called out that we were looking for PFC Michael Haines.

It took a few moments for the family to realize that we had arrived despite the foul weather but they got Michael outside so we could shake his hand, give him a hug and welcome him home.

It was an honor to welcome PFC Haines home.

Special thanks to Officer Rabb and the Philadelphia Police Department for the escort

Ride report Posted for Mitch Lainge, CA North Bay Road Captain

Part 1 – Wednesday April 20 – Airport Escort and Return Home Thanks All for Wednesday Escort of Pfc Mervyn Sims
We had a great gathering at staging, 30+ Patriots including WWR, PGR, CMA, Sonoma MOMS and MET, plus the POW-MIA Corvette. We made our way to the airport, parked and found out the plane was still in Los Angeles. The ETA continued to move up the clock so after conferring with The Military Honors Team several riders went to eat, Ron Collier invited the Honors Team to relax at the Windsor Fire Station, some riders returned home and others back to work.

We got confirmation the plane left LA at 1300hrs and as many as possible gathered again for the 1430 landing (4 hours late), and while the Honors Team received the remains of Pfc Sims we staged for a Rolling Start.

2 MET Riders in the lead, the Military Vehicles, 7 Bikes followed by 7 Vehicles rolled past Windsor and Rincon Valley Fire assembled on Airport Blvd to honor Pfc Sims (plus a small group of parents and school children who came to honor Pfc Sims at 10:30 and were back at 2:30 — Thank You!) and we were met in Petaluma by the Pet FD Ladder Truck with large flag and had a Petaluma Police Escort with additional Fire Fighters along the route saluting in honor as we made our way to Cypress Hill Cemetery.

At the cemetery we formed a dual flag line and the Honors Team transferred Pfc Sims and Flag into the office to await the Friday Service. I thanked all Riders who rode in damp weather plus the MOMS and others who used vehicles and we all gave our thanks to Capt Dominguez and The US Army/National Guard Honors Team.

Sharon Roloff, niece to Pfc Sims, received my report and Andre’s photos last night plus the great coverage Kent Porter did for The Press Democrat. She thanked us for all the honor and respect everyone has displayed and looks forward to meeting us on Friday.

Part 2 – Friday April 22 – Graveside Service WWR, PGR and Rip City Riders staged in Petaluma
We were pleased to have Sonoma MOMS and Marin Blue Star Moms join us along with Tom & Nancy Engkilterra representing the NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POW/MIA FAMILIES, and the POW/MIA Corvette of Rick Ansick & Jannette.   Just prior to our Briefing the family contact, Pfc Mervyn Sims’ niece Sharon Roloff, stopped by with her family and I called riders together and introduced her to the group. She was very happy she stopped by as it showed the community cared and deciding to bury her uncle locally rather that at Dixon was a proper decision.

During briefing we recognized the Blue Star Moms, Blue Star Riders, had one person ask who was active military… then raise his own arm (Spike, active Navy, Baby…) and we were honored to have Gold Star Dad Bob Velloza who was riding his son Jake’s Victory. I had a 52 bike count (2 Can-Ams, do 6 wheels count as 3 bikes?) but more showed after that, so I’ll round up to 60 bikes and over 70 people with our group (including 1 service dog/co-rider).

What can I say… Thank You All!

Lynn Tross had arranged for special parking for the bikes at the (Hilly) cemetery and this worked well. Everyone headed toward the Veteran’s Section of the cemetery and after some changes in where we were requested to stand, there was a fantastic showing of Flags that left an impression on everyone there. Pfc Sims received full military honors, and there were well over 100 citizens and patriots at the service. In attendance were some school mates of Mervyn Sims, including an early girlfriend, several former military in uniform, Sonoma County Civil Air Patrol, Marine Corp League and several from American Legion Groups. Channels 2 and 7 have video coverage plus Press Democrat photos from the day are available via websites (below). Included in the service was the archaeologist who located the remains and he spoke about his adventure, plus the Chaplain talked about how helpful the military was in identifying Sims and working with the family to make this day happen. After the service Sharon spoke and thanked everyone for their show of support. Many riders offered their condolences directly as did several other citizens.
This mission was a rare opportunity to escort home and honor an MIA, missing for 68 years!

Thanks to EVERYONE who made this day special for the family, and to honor not only Pfc Mervyn Sims, but the remaining 72,000 American MIAs from WW-II.

Email from Family representative Sharon Roloff —
Now that I am back home and thinking of the day – – – my first impression today was all the bikes staged at the Shell Station.  I am so glad I stopped to meet all of you then.  I felt the genuine respect you had to offer Uncle Mervyn
and our family.  I was in awe and it really helped prepare me for the service.  It was a beautiful day of love, dignity, honor, unity, and’military brotherhood’. Thank you for all you have done – – and can do within ‘the rules’.

Sharon Roloff
Media Links
Remains of WWII soldier from Petaluma buried ABC Channel 7
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=8089642&syndicate=syndicate&section=

Press Democrat Coverage
Pfc Sims Returns Home Wednesday April 20
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110421/COMMUNITY/110429915&tc=ix
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Dato=20110419&Kategori=COMMUNITY&Lopenr=419009997&Ref=PH&pl=1
Graveside Service Friday April 22
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110423/COMMUNITY/110429725
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Dato=20110421&Kategori=COMMUNITY&Lopenr=421009995&Ref=PH&pl=1

Ride Report posted for James S.

Ok, so I finally have evidence I’m getting “Old Timers” memory…

A request came in to welcome home SPC James Hackemer. I made the initial contact with dad “Dan”, and he was very enthusiastic about this welcome home. He had a good idea of what he wanted, and we discussed where the best rally point would be. He seemed very knowledgeable about the process, which as well all know is very helpful. So the request was sent for LEO and Media .  As always the NIL Warrior “Team” sprung into action. (Hat tip to Archie and Raniey).

I made special contact with the “Man upstairs” and requested a sunny day for the rally.

Apparently I still have some tokens left and “The Big Guy” accommodated the Rally with a partly sunny day (Ok, so I maybe pushing my luck) and possibly 60°.

As we all gathered to await the arrival of our hero I mingled about making sure to thank all the riders. There were approximately 20 bikes, 6-9 cages and we’d end up with 3 Leo’s from the Aurora city. As I mingled a one of my fellow Warriors approached camera in hand and began to speak quite knowledgably about the rally. That’s when the two remaining grey cells that handle my memory kicked in and I realized this was the dad of our hero. I’d been speaking to him all week, yet didn’t correlate the name with out the bike.

So, we formed a flag line and made contact with “mom”. The plan was for mom to bring James to the rally and we’d do our customary “ambush”.  The time arrived, and as mom made a quick tour of the parking lots near us…. (Wink! Wink!) our hero arrived!

After several attempts to have the Warriors Watch greet his son home, dad got his wish, we had our Hero home and we welcomed him in style.

We saddled up, and with Leo taking point and tail gunner we made the Loud and Proud trip to our hero’s home.  I had some concern whether I’d be able to know which was his house however, that was quickly relieved as we approached his home. Our Heroes family had decorated the place in fashion. Most notably was the drive, his sisters had written a chalk mural on the drive saying “welcome home”.

Once we had gathered up the many neighbors and family, I did our traditional Thread, Beads and Coin presentation. Our hero gave a very heartfelt speech, and remarked about how he and his fellow soldiers appreciate our support. He was genuinely grateful of how we stand for our troops and how much the “negative” remarks angered and frustrated them. We all assured him. We got your backs here at home, and to keep up the good job.

SPC James Hackemer, welcome home, it’s people like you that make our mission worth it all

Today we paid our respects and Honors to SSG Dan Bailey. He has served his country and community with HONOR.

It started off this morning on this windy day at the Dunkin Donuts in Norwood where we rallied with members of the 2nd Brigade MC and PCOM. We saw new faces as well as old friends. We had planned on departing together to arrive at the funeral together, however with the news that some members from 2nd Brigade would be arriving a bit later we (WWR) wanted to make sure our flag line was in place for the beginning of the visitation.

Upon our arrival led by the well lit lead vehicle of our own “Meatball” (Thank you brother) we were met by Trash (2nd Brigade MC) who said Thank You to all of us for being there, we assured Trash that is was our honor to be there and Thanked him not only for his service but also for his fathers service.

After standing a short time we heard the roar of bikes coming down Chester Pike, it was the 2nd Brigade and members of PCOM. The outpour of support was amazing for this soldier and his family. We stood honors for the entire visitation period and were thanked by so many people. We were there for Trash, SSG Dan Bailey and his family and friends, it is truly an honor to stand for the men and women who have given a portion of there life for me and my family.

A note of interest: It is known that there is a family of American Bald Eagles now residing at John Heinz Wildlife preserve. This morning while we were standing honors the male Bald Eagle soared high above the funeral home as it appeared to be paying his respects. I ask you coincidence or not??? RIP SSG Bailey your watch is over, We have your back here at home. God Bless

Ride Report posted for Mike Tranchietalle, SoCal WWR ASC:

Warriors’ Watch Riders completed a mission in Southern California for 1stSgt Jason Smith on April 17, 2011.  Jason arrived home on March 31, 2011. His mother Cher was unable to attend his return because she lives in Chicago. Cher flew into SoCal on 16 April and asked WWR to escort her to Jason’s house to surprise him. 

We met at the rally point with Cher and her daughter and rode to Jason’s house catching him completely off guard.  Jason and his two sons Jordan and Devin were thankful for our support and Jason plans to join WWR until he changes duty stations later this year.

Ride Report posted for Kruser

Completed Mission: Honor Flight NWO  Toledo, Ohio April 13th, 2011  Send-Off in AM. 80 plus WWII Veterans were on their way to Washington D.C. this morning to see their Memorial, and we had the honor of sending them on there way this morning.

Several WWR members were in attendance, the VFW Post 606 (Toledo, Ohio), family and friends.

This was my first Warriors Watch Riders Mission in Northwestern Ohio, and it’s just the start of many more! Thank you everyone for helping make a great day for these Heroes, even better with your flag line.

Kruser