Ride Report for Ride Captain Stache
On December 15th 2012, we had the honor and privilege  to welcome home Marine Lcpl. Sam Lillie ! Sam joined the Marines on August 1, 2011 at 18 years of age and went to boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, then off for more training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. Our hero is stationed out of Camp Pendleton, California with the 311 Infantry Unit 1st Battalion 1st Marine Division “C” Company.  During his deployment to Afghanistan he was made Assistant Platoon Leader because of his skills in I.E.D. detection, his ability to lead and to keep up the troops morale. Approximately 40 bikers showed up in support of Sam and his family. We rallied at a nearby location, and waited for the call from mom to head over to come get him !  Took off and got to the local diner and a few of us went into the diner to surprise him, while the rest formed a line outside ! Sam looked very surprised about all the fuss we made over him and when he saw how many people were waiting outside, he tried to sneak past them but to no avail !! We all shook his hand, gave him big hugs and said thank you ! Sam was humble to start with, but you can imagine what he was going through. With the help of Monroe Twp PD we escorted him back to the house where a bigger event was about to take place.  Washington Twp Fire Dept was there with the big truck and had a huge American flag flying in honor and support of the Lcpl ! We went through the flag line, parked our bikes and let the festivities begin !  Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey was on hand to kick things off and local twp officials made presentations and proclamations.  A lot of the neighbors came out to show their support at well ! Our Hero is a Graduate of Washington Township High School who was actively involved in the schools R.O.T.C. Program holding many positions including Commander in his Senior year.  Samuel, also for many years, was a volunteer with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. When asked to say a few words, he thanked us for being there but added he didn’t deserve all this, and was just doing his job ! He also honored the men and women that didn’t make it back and said he was one of the lucky ones. Well Marine, you do deserve this ! Thank you Sam Lillie, Welcome Home and Merry Christmas to you and your family ! Enjoy spending time at home !!
 
 
RC Stache