Ride Report posted for  Tool Man

Another cool autumn evening, overcast, but no rain at least. The daylight was just beginning to fade as 20 bikes and one cage assembled at our rally point, not far from the restaurant where our hero, Major Richard Banks Young, and family were having dinner. I gave a quick ride briefing, and then off to the restaurant we went. I had arranged for Mrs. Young to text message me when they were ready to leave. No sooner

had I gotten off my bike when I got that message. We assembled our

flag line just outside the front door, and within a few minutes out came the major and family. I knew beforehand that he wouldn’t be in uniform, and only had a general description of the man from his wife, but there’s something about the way a marine carries himself, and of course, there was the smile, when he saw us. We treated the major to our mug-and-hug, and I asked if we might escort him and his family to their home.

Our route took us through several municipalities, from Blackwood Terrace

to Mullica Hill. Depthford PD met us in the restaurant parking lot

and led us out towards Woodbury and onto Rt 45. West Depthford and Mantua PD picked us up along the way and did their part to make the trip as smooth as could be. There was an additional treat as we approached Mullica Hill, and were picked up by Harrison Township PD. The fire department joined in, adding one of their trucks to the procession. I could only imagine the reaction back in our hero’s vehicle. Between the flashing lights, the sirens, horns honking (ours and the opposing traffic), and, of course, that lovely v-twin music, we really were bringing the major home in rock star fashion.

We made our turn on th Rt 322, and the final leg of our ride, and here’s where the story gets good, folks. Now, I’ve seen the Yellow Ribbon Club in action, and the magic they do. I thought I knew what was coming. I expected to see the house decorated with yellow ribbons all around. I expected a fire engine. I expected the big flag hanging from the ladder. As we approached the development and the house came into view, my jaw dropped, and I almost lost it. Parked in front of the house were two fire engines, ladders extended to form an arch, and, of course, the huge flag. And the crowd! This wasn’t the usual family and next door neighbors. If I had to guess, I’d say the entire development and then some had turned out to welcome our warrior home. They had been busy too, and apparently had done some decorating of their own, even before the YRC arrived. There was even a twenty foot yellow ribbon made out of mums. As we turned into the development I thought ” Man, we’re preaching to the choir. These people get it. They really get it”. The street was lined with parked cars, and we ended up parking a bit further away from the house than we might normally have wanted to. By the time I got back to the crowd, the YRC had already introduced major Young, and the proceedings were under way. There were the usual proclamations from the local dignitaries, and in due course, it was our turn. I presented our honor coin to the major, and thanked him for his dedication and service to our country. Next, Cavalier stepped up and

presented Mrs Young with his Spouse’s Honor Certificate. This is

something new, and I think just a beautiful gesture. This evening’s presentation, as the previous evening’s, was received very well.

Chopper then made a presentation on behalf of the American Legion Riders. Finally, Major Young was asked to speak and offered some heartfelt words of appreciation.

To my brothers and sisters of the WWR, another mission well done. Thank you all for making it happen, and for making it go so smoothly. To the citizens of Mullica Hill, awesome! Just plain awesome! You’ve done a great thing with your show of respect and support for one of your own.

To Mrs. Young, thank you for the opportunity to do this for you and your husband. Finally, Thank you, Major Richard Banks Young, for your service to the greatest country in the world.

Ride Report posted for Oopsie and Uffda

The Warriors’ Watch Riders were contacted by SGT. Schwarz’s mother concerning a Welcome Home for her son Brad. Brad had been through a difficult time after having received serious injuries while serving in Iraq. Brad had been in the Army for 7 1/2 years, leaving for basic training right after graduating from McHenry East Campus in McHenry, IL. He served 2 tours of duty in Iraq and was now being medically discharged after being wounded and going through several surgeries for Traumatic Brain Injuries and his vertebrae. He also suffered PSS. This was just what she thought he needed “A Party” the kind only the WWR is able to provide. Mom needed say no more and a mission was in the making on Friday.

It was established that Brad would be arriving home late Saturday evening. On Sunday, November 1st, at Half Time Bar and Grill, the family would hold a family Welcome Home pizza party for him and watch the football games. It was decided we would surprise Brad at the “Half Time” at 1:00pm.

The day started out overcast and chilly, not uncommon for November in N. IL. As it got closer to staging for the Welcome Home the sun came out and it warmed up. It was going to be a beautiful day all the way around. As there were several missions in N. IL. we expected a nice group to show up for Brad but nothing like we had. There were an awesome 30 bikes, 4 cagers, McHenry Fire Department and Johnsburg Police Department.

The plan was for Officer Karen to go into “Half Time” to where the family was located. Mom was aware of the plan. When Officer Karen spotted Brad she said “This is the man I’m looking for. Would you please come with me, there are some people who would like to see you.”  Brad was lead outside where he was greeted by the WWR’s in a sea of flags and cheers of “Welcome Home.” Needless to say Brad, by his smile, he was surprised. Actually so was mom, dad, grandma and grandpa. They had no idea that many people would be there, all with flags waving in the breeze cheering for Brad with the song “Welcome Home Faithful Soldier” playing in the background.

After greeting our hero with hugs and handshakes, Brad was presented with the booklet of Welcome Home greetings from across the country. He was then presented a set of Honor Beads and a Challenge Coin, by RC Oopsie. Then Skip, of the Wounded Heroes Foundation, presented Brad with a duffel bag that contained many items for our hero. One of those items being a Leather Army Jacket that took Brad off guard and brought the biggest smile. He had that jacket on like a flash and moms tears flowed with pride for her son. At this time I think everyone had tears. Then he was presented the American Flag to fly at their home. After receiving all those goodies, Brad signed the Warriors’ Watch Riders Banner and repeatedly thanked everyone. The family and group picture speaks for itself whether this was a happy young man and family or not.

Yes, it was a day when everyone had that “warm fuzzy” feeling inside. Brad and his family have become Warrior’s Watch members. They said they want to be a part of this great organization and do the same for other members of our military as we did for them.

We would like to thank the Schwarz family for inviting us to do what we love doing, Welcome Home our hero, and their son, SGT. Brad Schwarz.  We also thank the McHenry Fire Department and Johnsburg Police Department for their continued support.   Last but not least, thank you to all the WWR members who made this mission the success it was. You are greatest group of patriots ever.

Ride Report posted for Doug

In seventy degree weather under sunny skies 300 people gathered to welcome home three Marines from combat. Cpl Nicolas Milbourn just back from Iraq, Cpl Phil Akins, his battle buddy and Sgt Greg Russell, Purple Heart recipient. Our WWR members were supplemented by the Leather Necks Motorcycle Club and many friends, family and local patriots. We surprised the Marines as they left a St. Charles restaurant. We presented challenge coins, beads and framed welcome home announcements. We packed the congested area around the restaurants and drew a large crowd of curious locals.

With a roar we exited the downtown area on about eighty motor cycles and 20 cages. We did a short escort aided by St. Charles Police. At the house we shook hands and hugged Marines again and then rode off into the beautiful afternoon for other events and a great day of riding.

Thanks to all who attended, especially our loyal WWR members and my experienced WWR buddies that helped me with this huge group and the logistics. Thanks to our leadership and the St. Charles Mayor and the police dept. Thanks to the Milbourns for setting this up and for raising such a fine young man. Most of all thanks to these three brave Marines who volunteered to stand between us and evil. This week of Veterans Day, my we all reflect on all those who have served so that we may live in a free country. Thank a Vet and Vets thank each other. We are a band of brothers.

Respectfully,
Doug Askren
RC WWR N IL

Ride Report posted for Rabbit

I started out for the run headed up rte 1 and ran into some kind of traffic tie up, so I reversed direction and took another route up rte 3, I was shocked when I finally got there . Bobcat , T , and Kel were all there along with Delaware County Sheriffs Dept officer Bob and his K 9 partner , Upper Darby PD and Haverford Twp. along with a row of bikes  all the way down the parking lot . After some razzing about getting there after everyone else we went about the business of Welcoming Home our hero. We had our pre ride briefing there was 38 bikes 4 cages and our PD motorcycle escort along with all his support cars. We had members of the Upland Garage Motorcycle Organization, Second Brigade M.C, the Norwood Dunkin  crew , and SJ and Sepa Warrior Watch and a Hero’s Welcome. Our PD escort got us safely to the house were our Hero and his family came out to see what the noise was and there was some serious noise, As I approached the yard I could still see bikes the next block over still making there way into the neighborhood. SFC Farrell came out in his uniform to greet us and thanked us over and over again as many of these hero’s are he was very humble about all the attention. His son who is a Second Lieutenant was also in the yard. I thanked him for his service gave him his honor coin then Toolman coined his son Ken Jr. ,Summer from a Hero’s Welcome made her presentation then we went about the logistics of getting the family into place in this very tight little street so we could complete the second half of our mission getting our Hero down rte 3 to the party waiting for him. We put him and his family between 38 bikes four support vehicles for his ride.

I would like to thank Bobcat for an amazing amount of  LEO support they basically shut down rte 3 for 7 miles on a busy Saturday night. The support from LEO came from Upper Darby PD Haverford Twp PD Marple Newtown PD Bob from Delaware Co Sheriffs Dept who comes out and supports us often, and last but not least Newtown Square FD . I was literally blinded by all the flashing lights . I could see in my rear view what looked like and endless stream of bikes following us to our destination. SFC Farrell said he felt like a rock star or something. We gathered for some group pictures and were invited inside but I told them it was there night to go enjoy the party our work was done and it was our pleasure to escort someone who devoted 27 yrs to defending us . Every where I looked everyone just had giant grins on there faces. Thanks everyone for making this a very successful mission. Grease told me if I did a mission it was like crack your hooked for life, he was right I hope the many new riders come back again , I am pretty sure someone passed out our literature.  Welcome Home SFC Farrell

It was a very chilly morning to start with but that didn’t stop our patriots from bearing the cold weather to meet at the Marple Crossroads Shopping Center bright and early. 

All our patriots were greeted with a warm hand shake and warmer coffee.  As it came time for the ride brief after we were done the particulars we took the time for a moment of silence for the unfortunate lives that were lost at Ft. Hood.  As soon as we got the phone call to notify us of Mr.Miller’s arrival we left the shopping center and it was a very brief ride to our hero’s daughter’s house.  When we arrived loud and proud in true Warriors Watch fashion our hero was anxious to see what the commotion was outside and came out to investigate.  We were all preparing for our flag line when I hear “What is all this for?” come from behind as I turn around I come face to face with our hero and inform him that this for him and thanked him for his service.  After giving him a handshake and hug the lined was already formed for the infamous mug-n-hug.  Mug-n-hug and handshakes complete Mr.Miller would start captivating small groups at a time with his thank you for doing this and stories of his time served.  As we began to wrap things up and give our final thank yous and farewells Mr.Miller Made his way up the drive way to check out the tools of our trade, the motorcycles!  When started to leave the last thing our riders saw was our hero, Mr.Miller, standing at the end of the driveway standing tall and proud in ful l salute till the last ride could not be seen.  As I walked over to him to see what he thought of his Warriors Watch experience with a tear in his eye he said this is something he will never forget.  So yes I can say that he  has not been will never been forgotten.  Thank you to all and ride safe.

Ride Report posted for Bluesman

I can only begin by saying that no kind of report or pictures can ever express the magnitude of this event! This tribute to American Veterans, and especially VietNam Veterans, was an absolutely huge event! The outside areas were full of displays of military vehicles and apparatus from all eras. Inside the entire casino was decorated…but the main lobby was the most impressive! Flags and banners of all branches of the military, and all Veterans’ Support groups, hung from the balcony. A stage on one side had USO type of shows going on. The other side…the Fallen Hero display, and the POW-MIA table. Directly in front, a giant eagle, made up of flowers, in the colors representing the Vietnam War.

Several rooms were filled with tables and displays, and I can’t begin to name them all. WWR/Friends of the Forgotten Events Coordinator Kim Atkinson had set up a wonderful display, much of it dedicated to Fallen Vietnam Nurse Carol Drazba, one of the first two nurses to die in the war, who we will be honoring on Wreath-Laying Day. Thousands of people, and thousands of Veterans were in attendance, with Veterans proudly wearing the patches of jackets of their organizations. Old friends from the same unit were meeting each other again fir the first time. The stories…never-ending!
Outside again, motorcycle began to gather during the day, for the big event…a parade into the casino area from another location. At 3:30 PM, motorcycles departed for this staging area. In about 45 minutes, we heard the sirens, and turned to see a fire truck leading a slow procession…immediately behind the fire truck were WWR/ Friends of the Forgotten Northeast Wing Road Captain George Atkinson, alongside of FotF Road Captain Don Knight, with full flags flying, leading a procession of hundred of motorcycles, interspersed with military vehicles, and busloads of Veterans. A cannon was fired across the lake. A pipe and drum corps performed. Speeches were made. Plaques were handed out to all groups represented. The final event of the evening was a concert by country artist Aaron Tippin, singer/writer of “Where the Stars and Stripes and Eagle Fly”.

This is a weekend-long event, still going on on Sunday, November 9! The impact this event has made on Northeast PA, and the entire country, since it was nationally recognized and reported, in indescribable. To honor our Veterans, and especially those who were often treated with disrespect…a long time coming!
Respectfully Submitted,
Al “Bluesman” Philo
Warriors’ Watch Riders State PA State Coordinator, Northeast PA Region

Ride Report posted for Glen DeVries

It was a mild November evening and we had a mission to complete.   Anytime we can put a smile on a soldiers face as big as we did on LCPL Minnitis face, it was a success.  Family, friends, Lombard LEO and Fire and oh yes, the Warriors Watch and many other groups all came out in force to welcome home Frank.  Thank you to all the people that came out to make this mission a huge success.   Thank you to Franks mom, Elaine for inviting us to share in this welcome home and especially thank you to LCPL Frank Minniti for protecting our freedom.

Ride Report posted for C Hog

On a cool cloudy morning as I pulled into Fire Base 69 I saw about four bikes a couple of cages and our Hero’s family already there. We all introduced ourselves to Samuel W Brown III and Maribeth Brown. our Hero’s parents, his sister and two year old nephew. By the time I read the Airman’s bio and we headed to the airport our ranks had risen to 12 bikes and four or five cages. We arrived at the airport and only had to wait about 20 minutes before our Hero’s flight was on the ground. When he came through the security gate he was instantly mugged and hugged by his family. When he looked up and realized our flag line was in honor of him all he could do was grin and thank us as he was mugged and hugged Warrior Watch Style. It still amazes me when I think about all these Warriors do and the sacrifices they make on behalf of us and our Great nation that they remain so humble. Sam was asked if he wanted to ride on a bike and after being loaned a helmet and warm jacket I had the honer of giving him his first motorcycle ride ever. Thanks to Bobcat the Philadelphia Police who always look out for us gave us an escort to the Walt Whitman Bridge. Traffic was light at 10:30 in the morning and we had no trouble keeping our escort together. As we came into Washington Township on route 42 we were given an escort by the Washington Township Police Department right to Airman Brown’s front door. When Sam saw the Washington Township Leo and he realized it was for him I could hear him laughing and saying this is wonderful, this is amazing. As we neared our Hero’s house we could see the Yellow Ribbons and knew that our great friends at the Yellow Ribbon Club had already been there. Our Hero was greeted by family, friends, neighbors, the Yellow Ribbon Club, Washington Township Firefighters and EMT personnel, a large group of township cheerleaders and a marching band. After a few cheers and some loud music our Hero was presented a certificate from township officials, a Yellow Ribbon and accompanying Bling, and of course a Coin and certificate from WWR. Sam loved his first motor cycle ride and now wants to get a bike. This was my first RC job and it was made easy by all the hard work by, John Delivers, Tiny and Tug. Thank you guys

C-Hog

Ride Report posted for Eileen & Dan

On a sunny Sunday afternoon we welcomed home US Army PFC JOESPH ROSEL. Joe was greeted with a huge flag line and lots of handshakes and hugs. Joes Dad Mike, Brother Brian and Sister Kelly along with   family and friends were there as well as a huge group from the WWR. Joe is on R&R from Afghanistan where he will be retuning to on Oct. 31^st for another 9 months.

He is stationed with the 82^nd Airborne Div. based at Ft Bragg NC. With the nice weather we made a lot of noise with the bikes that were there. We were escorted by the Mt. Prospect Police and Fire Dept. to a local Pizza place where Joe was gifted with a WWR coin, beads and the signing of the banner. He was also presented with a framed Bio announcement by Donna Morsovillo from Welcome you home. It was truly a wonderful day which I think Joe will always remember. He was total surprised by this and I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting our hero who is out there fighting for our Freedom.

Written by RC’s Eileen Kaefer & Dan Greenwood

Ride Report posted for Tray

The day started out overcast and rainy.  I was thinking about the missions occurring earlier in the day and I was hoping all my Warrior Watch Brothers were safe performing their heartfelt missions for the wonderful heroes of this country.  As I left my home for the 30-minute ride to the staging area, my thoughts turned to my mission.  It was still overcast and I was riding in and out of the rain, and I was thinking this weather is not going to put a damper on the mission, to welcome home our soldier and thank him for his service and sacrifice he has made to his country.  Then I thought, what I am going through now is nothing compared to what he, PFC Richard Gilliam III, has gone through. PFC Richard Gilliam III always wanted to serve.  Both of his grandfathers served, Richard was carrying on an honorable family tradition.  As I pulled into the parking lot of the staging area, I was greeted by a fellow WWR brother with Old Glory flying and a “Welcome Home PFC Gilliam” painted on the windows of his vehicle. 

I instantly felt proud to be a part of this organization, no matter how small a part I would play.  This WWR brother greeted me like I was family and yet I had never met the man… and that is what this organization is all about, a common goal shared by it’s members to honor our nation’s heroes and this is what we were here to do.  In a few short minutes, our LEO, a welcomed member of the Chicago PD arrived.  As we went over the details, the officer seemed to have a sense of pride in escorting the WWR to our soldier’s home, very humbling I thought.  Within the next 30 minutes, 8 motorcycles and another cage arrived to complete our motorcade for the short ride to our soldier’s welcome home celebration.  Each arrived from a different area, but with the same purpose, to welcome our soldier home and thank him for his service to his country and to let him know we, the Warrior Watch Riders, support him and appreciate what he has sacrificed for his country and above all, let our soldier know, we have his back here at home.  This was also a special day for our soldier as it was also a belated 21st birthday celebration, as the Ride Captain, I thought a birthday card would be appropriate and I threw in a few dollars, all of the WWR members, without reserve, signed the card and tossed in a few dollars to make our soldier’s home coming an even more memorable event.  As the remaining members of the WWR group arrived, the rain stopped, the cloud cover broke and the sun came out with the bluest sky one could imagine.  I was thinking “I could not have planned this better if I tried”, then I thanked “The Man Upstairs” for watching over our soldier and us for providing a perfect afternoon for our soldier’s welcome home.  As planned, I made a call to our soldier’s Mom to let her know we would be arriving in a few short minutes, she thanked me profusely, as I was thinking to myself, how ironic, no, we were there to thank your son, our soldier for his service and you for parenting an individual who thought it worthy to join the U.S. Army to defend our freedom.  We left the staging area with our LEO providing an escort with flags flying, with lights and sirens on for the LEO and horns and lights flashing for the Warriors Watch Riders, along with the sound of revving engines to further create a sound in the neighborhood not heard on a “regular basis”, the residents knew something special was going to happen.  It was a magnificent site through the neighborhood as people noticed, “something was going on”, not quite sure what, but something was happening in this quite Chicago neighborhood.  We turned the corner on the street to our soldier’s home and saw a large group of family and friends gathered in the front yard, we stopped in front of the house, and proceeded to meet our soldier and his parents to thank him for his service and sacrifice to this grateful nation.  Our soldier, PFC Richard Gilliam III was presented with an Honor Coin, Certificate and Honor Beads.  Thanks to Russ for “Having My Back” as I lost it and was not able to explain to our soldier the significance of the Honor Beads.  Our soldier was also given our birthday card and wishes.  We thanked our soldier for his service and his parents for their dedication.  Our soldier was completely surprised and not expecting the engagement of the Warriors Watch Riders to honor his accomplishments.  Our soldier was greeted with numerous handshakes and hugs to Thank Him for his courage and honor to his country.  He was humbled as we were by the experience and was happy and thankful to us for honoring him.  His parents were also very grateful we were there to honor their son.  Our soldier also signed the WWR Heroes’ Banner, a banner that will be at WWR missions around the region to capture the autographs of our American heroes.  The WWR group was invited to stay at the family gathering, but as always, we declined only to disappear into the void of the Chicago streetscape, but not without making lots of noise on our graceful exit. PFC Richard Gilliam III, you are truly an American Hero and we, the WWR, thank you for your service to this country.  WWR Mission Accomplished!