Ride Report for Ride Captain Tim

What a great day to be a Warriors Watch Rider. Grey skies, rain, clouds, fog, sun, nothing could stop the Welcome Home that been scheduled at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. I might as well add that there was no snow, but we did get some of everything else mentioned. Seasoned members, new members, and guest who wanted to register to become WWR members were all over this mission. There were four grand scale surprises this morning involving this mission: 1. Returning Navy Veteran Aaron Knight was greeted by a wave of Red, White, and Blue, all presented by a group of grateful Patriots as he was returning from a recent deployment. 2. WWR was approached by mother of a returning Veteran who had recently left the service to become a contractor for the services. Her son had never received a welcome like the one she was witnessing unfold and ask if we could include her son. WWR calls this “more bang for the buck”, mom pointed out her returning hero and as the applause broke out the surprised Veteran was clearly overwhelmed, as well as his very proud mother. 3. Children of returning Navy Veteran Aaron were present but had not been told by mom that dad was coming home. The children believed that they were getting a training lesson from Warriors Watch Riders on how to welcome home returning veterans. I could go on about how the young daughters lip began to quiver when she realized that the second Veteran that arrived was her daddy, but that would just rip your heart out, so I won’t.  4. One sneaky wife/mother pulled off a family surprise that even surprised her and caused greater emotion than she had anticipated. Great Honor presented by all that that could attend. To summarize: Two Veterans realized that they are appreciated beyond words, One mother gave her son a gift that she had never considered could be so important. Children had Christmas in June. One sneaky wife/mother now knows the respect this community and Warriors Watch Riders are prepared to render when called upon. Honor Well Done. Special thanks to the Military Welcome Center and the Volunteers who man the center for always being so supportive of the Veteran community and the Warriors Watch Riders. Another big thanks goes out to member Kimberly and family for distracting the younger crowd long enough to pull it all together.

18 motorcycles
40 members
07 private autos

Ride Report for Ride Captain Rich “RedBeard” Brewer

On May 5th I had the Honor of being Ride Captain for a Mug and Hug at The Mount Laurel Center and what can I say but WOW.  I have to say we had an amazing turn out to Thank 23 Veterans for there service and for our Freedom. These men live in Mount Laurel Center and We went there ROCK STAR STYLE to show them that they are not forgotten that no matter where they live we will always have there backs. Thank You to everyone who came out that day to show there support and Honor these men. It was truly a dream come true.
Thank You
Jewlz.

Ride Report for Ride Captain Jonathan Scharff “Zeus”

Early in the morning the New Jersey WWR met in Princeton, NJ at the Princeton University ROTC building to escort a group called Carrying The Load.  They are a troop support group that is walking/running from West Point, NY to Dallas, TX to raise funds for our wounded warriors and veterans.  Carrying a flag labeled “Carrying The Load” they received a motorcycle escort through down town Princeton and through various back streets towards Washington’s Crossing in PA.  Not to far along the ride we were met by several more of our Pennsylvania WWR friends and we passed the baton over to them as they took this fine group over into Pennsylvania.  We all signed a flag that would be brought along the entire walk and signed by all groups that supported them.  It was a beautiful morning in NJ and a proud day to support this group.

Ride Report fr Ride Captain Rich “RedBeard” Brewer

Warriors Watch Riders assist “TWILIGHT WISH FOUNDATION” with delivering a Specialized Wheel Chair for a Veteran.

 USAF Veteran Thomas Conklin, 72 of Newton NJ, has been fighting multiple sclerosis for over 38 years, living in his nursing facility for the last 11 of those years. Because of the progression of his disease, he can no longer operate his power chair and has not been able to leave the building since August of 2011. his wife, Linda, submitted the wish request to Twilight Wish Foundation.

Our Hero was surprised when his new wheelchair was delivered under an Escort from the Warriors Watch Riders to his nursing facility, courtesy of Twilight Wish Foundation. WWR Member and Twilight Wish’s Long Island, NY chapter director, James Ciervo, delivered the new specialized wheelchair to Hero Conklin.  

The new wheelchair will allow Hero Conklin some mobility, giving him the opportunity to take “walks” around the grounds of the facility with his wife who is also a resident and wheelchair-bound. Special thanks to Robert Mosco of Port Jefferson, NY who donated the wheelchair and to the Twilight Wish Foundation for all they do for our Veteran Heroes.

Ride Report for Ride Captain Rich “Redbeard” Brewer

The Warriors Watch was asked to assist with the 1^st annual *Tapper / Hicks Freedom 5K Run/Walk*
In Memory of PO1 (Seal) David Tapper USN and LCPL Jon Hicks Jr. USMC

We gathered at the ATCO American Legion Post 311 Prior to the event. We were asked if we could assist with both Safety for the Walk/Runners and also in Escorting those who were in the led for the run. So we took that assignment and made it happen.

The Run was 5k through the town of Atco NJ. Lots of intersections and surprisingly busy roads that needed to be controlled and shut down. With the Local Fire Department and EMS we posted throughout the Town at all crossing intersections to ensure the safety of those doing the event.  We had our own “SIDECAR” along with “Duff and Chrisy” leading the runners through the town and as the last walkers would pass the intersections where we were posted, We took up a final escort of them to the finish line.

There were lots of Heroes who participated and we had plenty of time to thank them for their service.  It was a beautiful day and a great turn out for the *Tapper / Hicks Freedom 5K Run/Walk*.  Hope to See you again Next Year.

Ride Report for Ride Captain  Tim

Commander Charlie and members of American Legion Post 356 recognized 22 Korean War Veterans today, and presented certificates recognizing their Honorable service to our country. Not all Veterans were present for the ceremony, but those that were, were greeted by Post 356 members and their Commander, Jr. ROTC young Marines and their remarkable Drill team, family members and guest, and last, but certainly not least, proud members of the local Northwest Florida Chapter of Warriors Watch Riders. A static flag line created a wave of Red, White, Blue that lined the front of Post 356. A POW/MIA stood alone and provided a constant reminder of those who have yet to return. “Big Bell” displaying two more American Flags waving freely in the wind, tolled, as the masses assembled. Service flags representing all 5 branches, much like the 22 Veterans that were recognized, were proudly posted near the bell. A  motorcycle displaying all the right flags was also present creating an over the top Kodak moment scene for all recipients and members. Commander Charlie expressed sincere gratitude to all in attendance. Hand Salute to all that made this day just a little more special for these special Veterans, and for representing the WWR so well.

Members: 28
Motorcycles: 12
Private Autos: 10