Ride Report for Ride Captain Mike “Grizzly609” Bailey

After rallying in Somers Point with the Red Knights, DAV Post 44, Legion Riders and US Military Vets Riders, we headed in as a group to Ocean City, to the Veteran’s Memorial Park at 5^th and Wesley to honor 4 unclaimed veteran remains:

PFC Edward F. Bart

PFC Albert A. Colavito

Priv. James B. Davis

Corporal Alto Dubose

American Legion Post 524 Commander Bob Marzulli welcomed everyone once the ceremony started and Rev. Col (Ret) Edmund J. Speitel led the Invocation.  WMGM TV40 personality Michelle Dawn Mooney sang the National Anthem and then there were short speeches from State Senator Jeff Van Drew, OC Mayor Jay Gillian and Freeholder Gerry Thornton.  The proper burial of unclaimed veterans is a personal mission of Freeholder Thornton and he has worked closely with the Warriors Watch and NJMOH to achieve this goal.

After the ceremony all four cremains were placed into the hearse to the sounds of a lone bagpiper playing Amazing Grace.  The hearse than took it’s place in the middle of approximately 50 motorcycles.  The Ocean City PD and Fire Dept escorted us through town and we were escorted down the Parkway by OCPD to the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery in Crest Haven.

We were met at the cemetery by local American Legion and VFW groups where a short ceremony was held.  Taps was played and these unclaimed heros were buried with the respect and honor that were long due to them

Respectfully submitted

Mike “Grizzly609” Bailey

Warriors Watch Riders

NJ Asst. State Coordinator

Ride Report for Ride Captain Sarge

Ride Report for Ride Captain Charlie

WWR

Ride Report for Ride Captain Rich Kern

We received a message from Heather Ramirez asking if we would do a welcome home from her husband SSgt Robert Ramirez. Robert was returning from Afghanistan from his third tour ‘over there’. We found out that Robert has just re-enlisted and plans on making a career with the Marines. Heather also told us that Robert has been awarded the Bronze Star. What else could we do expect to ask what time and when? Heather asked if we could give him a welcome home at the airport. We suggested that we meet her at the cell phone lot with a flag line and then provide and escort to their home. Heater agreed to this but was nervous about making a big deal out about this. We told her that we will only give Robert our normal ‘Rock Star Treatment’. Once this was all agreed on we put many wheels in motion. We put Heather into contact with Chicago PD who arranged to get Heather inside security so she should meet Robert with her 3 year old and 3 month old boys. Amps then arraigned for our fantastic escort. When Heater and Robert pulled into the cell phone lot they were escorted by one of Chicago’s finest with lights flashing and sirens blaring. We welcomed Robert with shouts of WELCOME HOME and THANK YOU and handshakes and hugs. We loaded up and followed our CPD escort to the tollway and then followed our State Trooper escort to our exit. At our exit we were picked up by Deerfield Police and Fire how took the lead through their town. As we drove by a Deerfield Fire station the first responders there were on the street at attention saluting us. (The wind must have picked up just then because something got in my eyes and made them a little blurry for a while.) As we got close to Roberts home town of Northbrook more folks joined. The Northbrook PD, Fire and emergency now took the lead getting us safely to Robert’s house. When we got close it seemed that the whole neighborhood was there. Robert got out of his car and was greeted by the rest of his family. Robert thought that we were done with him but we told him we were not finished yet. We called all of his friends and neighbors to come closer. We thanked everyone that provided our safe escort and then proceeded to relay thanks to Robert for his service and how much it meant to all of us. Robert was given a copy of his thread, told the meaning of our mission beads, presented with a set of beads, told the meaning of our honor coin and presented a coin. We then asked Robert to sign our banner which he did with a flourish by writing a novel. We took many pictures and then took our leave. This was one successful mission and thanks to all who came and thanks to all who helped.

Rich Kern

RC

Ride Report for Ride Captain Tim

WWR,

The proud wife & young children of TSgt Van Dyk along WWR, friends, and guest provided a heroes welcome home today at Beaches International Airport to a very surprised husband and father. TSgt Van Dyk was returning from a 6 month tour of duty in Korea. Thanks to all who supported with the American flags, Air Force flag, and red carpet. Always a good feeling seeing them return.

02 Motorcycles
05 Personal autos
08 Members

Ride Report for Ride Captain House 

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Warriors Watch Riders along with A Hero`s Welcome and Operation Yellow Ribbon honored my father WWII vet and former POW SSgt Herman Bard with a Mug & Hug. To say he was surprised is an understatement! Family members had gathered at the house for what he thought was just a BBQ. He was out on the front porch when we rode up the street making noise. Even as we parked in front of the house it still took him a few moments to realize this was all for him! He loves what the WWR do but never thought he would be on the receiving end of a Welcome Home/Mug & Hug.

Also honored that day was long time neighbor and Marine vet Roy Edge. He knew what was going to happen for my father but had no idea he was going to be recognized and thanked as well.

After the Heros were thanked by the WWR and neighbors, the BBQ finally happened with some of the riders staying to join us for food and spend time with our Hero.

This was my first time as RC of a mission and I want to give a big thank you to everyone that came out to honor my father. I am proud and honored to be part of this great group of people I consider family.

Bikes: 61 …..Cages:5 ….. Over 100 people!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!

Scott Bard (House)