Ride Report posted for RC. Oopsie & Uffda

The Warriors’ Watch Riders were contacted by the father of SPC. Johnny R. Deutinger, 333MP NG Unit, for a surprise Welcome Home. SPC. Deutinger has been in the NG for 2 years serving1 year in Afghanistan. Johnny has a degree in Law Enforcement and hopes to continue in that profession when he completes his service. 

It was a chilly, pouring rain day. The kind of day where you don’t expect cagers let alone any bikes. This was also a day when one of our members father was laid to rest in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and many WWR attending, and yes some on their bikes.
It is quite a haul from ALNC to Crystal Lake, but 2 bikes did show up with drenched riders on them. Gunny John came from Waukesha , WI. and Matter who just came from ALNC arrived ready to give our hero a “Rock Star’s” Welcome Home. There were several cagers and of course our always faithful LEO’s and Fire Departments of Crystal Lake, Lake In The Hills, and Algonquin help escort our hero home.

During the flag line several of John SR. friends, who sent many packages to Johnny and his brothers in arms while serving the NG, showed up to join in on his Surprise Welcome Home. They took flags and waited for our hero to arrive with dad. Talk about one surprised hero! Not only were a bunch of strangers there with flags, hooting and hollering “Welcome Home”, but so were some of his father’s coworkers.

After many hugs and handshakes we were on our way, lead by the Crystal Lake Police, then the bikes followed by our hero, then the cars/cagers and tail gunner Fire Department and another Squad. Mind you it was POURING down rain and this was no short trip to Johnny’s home.

With what seemed to be choreographed precision between our LEO’s and Fire Departments, they dropped off and lead the way without  missing a beat, as we passed from town to town. We can never thank these men and women who assist us on our missions in order to keep us all save and show our hero he is so appreciated.

With horns and sirens blowing we arrived at our heroes subdivision. Along side of the road many people turned out, in the pouring rain, to wave, hold up signs and thank Johnny for his service. It was a wonderful sight to see and displayed appreciation for all this young man has done for our country.

Arriving at the Duetinger home, many family and friends were there yelling and screaming. As our hero departed the vehicle with a big smile, was heard to say “This was just awesome! I can’t believe it!” He never thought so many appreciated what he has endured let alone come out to thank him.

After many pictures, hugs by the family and friends, a booklet of all the posts thanking Johnny for his service was presented him, along with a set of honor beads and challenge coin. I believe we detected a welling of eyes as he was presented those items. Then as the was a huge Yell of “Welcome Home, Johnny…Thank You” by the WWR, more hugs and off we went just as we arrived. Now off to the VFW for mission #2, a “Meet and Greet” Tank and wife Judy from the great stare of GA. They were here to witness the graduation of their son at Great Lakes Naval Base Friday.

I can say Johnny will never for get this day and said he “Felt like a Rock Star” and would never forget this day. Mission accomplished thanks to all who attended and our wonderful LEO’s and Fire Department.

Welcome Home Johnny, it was our honor to bring you home in style and RC this very wet mission.

A special Thank You to Gunny and Matter for braving that deluge so there would be bikes to lead our hero home and to all that helped make this a special welcome home for our hero.

RC.Oopsie & Uffda

Ride Report Posted for Jon Gear aka Spike

The 333rd MP unit was coming home to a Welcome Home Ceremony in Freeport IL at the
Masonic Temple after spending a year in Afghanistan. The WWR was invited to
Escort Four of the Soldiers from the Ceremony to The Sycamore DeKalb Area.
It was Raining and Cold and only One Motorcycle and One Cage were at the
Staging location. Around 8:15 PM The Soldiers and their Families arrived to
a pair of grateful WWR Members. After shaking hands with the four soldiers
despite the rainy cold weather Spec. Candace Mallin Grabbed a Harley Jacket out
of her Parents car and put it on over her uniform and hopped on the back of
my motorcycle for the 82 mile ride to Sycamore. As we got closer to
Sycamore the rain started to come down heavy, so I asked Spec Mallin if she
wanted me to pull over so she can get in a car and she said no. She said
that she was having a great time riding and it was the best thing since she
heard she was coming home. As we reached the DeKalb Area a Dekalb County
Sheriff Squad joined our convoy of six vehicles and led the way. We then
entered the Sycamore Area where a Sycamore Squad Took the lead. We rolled
through the downtown area with Lights Sirens and Horns echoing off the
buildings. As we approached our destination at the Dekalb County Courthouse
to the Surprise of the Soldiers there stood approximately 100 People in the
rain at 10:00 at night waving flags and cheering. I Pulled up in front of
the crowd and let Spec. Mallin off the back of the bike where the Mayor of
Sycamore and the Mayor of Dekalb greeted her and the other soldiers. After
exchanging Hand Shakes and Hugs and having people take a lot of pictures the
DeKalb County Sheriffs and the Sycamore Police escorted each of the
Soldiers to their homes. Despite the rain, the cold, and the soaking wet
leathers these soldiers were brought home safely and were given a Heroes
Welcome!

Ride Report posted by Lutz

Pennsylvnaia was well and ably represented by the WWR Faithful, despit such threats as Hurricains and dangling tail lights. Lutz’s tail light was fixed at the rallly point – there is little that a roll of electrical tape can’t cure.

Two weeks before this scene, I was sitting in the office of Gold Star Mom Mary Conboy, where she was telling me about this event. A group of 70 veterans undergoing treatmensts of various kinds were to be honored by the 21st Ward Veterans in Gorgas Park, Philadelphia. Mary asked if we (the WWR) could perhaps provide a flag line for the veterans to pass through as they disembarked their bus from Coatsville (the Coatsville VA medical Center, about 35 miles west of Philly.) I told her we could do a lot better than that, and the plans for the escort were done.

With the aid of the PA State Troopers and Philadelphia’s Phinest, we escorted the bus with flags flying all the way to the park, where we hustled off and provided the originally requested flag line, joined into by a large number of boy scouts and other patriots.

Food, bands, entertainment, it was a wonderful day for these deserving vets, and the weather couldn’t have been better, despite the most dire predictions.

I was humbled by an offer to speak to the crowd, but I was honored by the opportunity to point out the service and sacrifice of these and ALL veterans, and to give some press to our newest Troop Support organizaitons, The AWWC (American Warriors Watch Coalition,) and the Big Brothers-in-Arms program. Kat and Audrie and Maria had done an amazing job setting up an information booth from which to do signups and distribute literature. In all, we had representation for:

The Warriors’ Watch Riders, the American Warriors’ Watch Coalition, the Big Brothers-In-Arms, A Hero’s Welcome, the American Sheepdogs, and of course the Adam Conboy Memorial Fund Operation Bedding.

A great day for the forward movement of the Cause.

Photos by Kat. Click here for more…

Ride Report posted for Rick Lyon

KSU at 0630 from Gregory. Arrived at Funeral home around 0900. Groups arrived and met with Funeral Home staff to finalize logistics. The procession left at approximately 1030 for the 15 mile escort.

We were guided south on 281 to the 410 and into Fort Sam Houston Cemetary by 8 local PD and Sheriffs Dept Motors.
Over 125 Bikes in all, supported by Members of many Clubs, including Fire and Iron (Firefighters) Blue Knights (PD)
American Legion Riders from several chapters across the State, VFW Motor Guard, as well as several smaller Veteran oriented clubs. One WWR bike even had a KIA Honor flag flying next to Old Glory during the ride.

Everyone was greeted and thanked by family members after the moving Caisson Drawn Ceremony was complete. US Army Honor Guard provided Pall Bearers, Rifle Salute and Honors to Staff Sgt Bowen’s final resting place.

Report Submitted by Rick Lyon
Asst. State Coordinator,
Lone Star Chapter

Ride Report posted for Spike

Well,Matthew was due in Saturday noon time.Got a call from his dad Terry approx. 5pm Friday night.Terry informs me that Matthew changed his flight to Friday night ETA 9:40 pm. This gives me 3 hrs. to get the troops,and a 1 hour drive to SFO airport.Terry is a K-9 Officer at SFO,whom I met a few months ago at a Welcome Home. So,I mustered up 4 bikes,for the night ride.They live in Pacifica,thats right on the Coast. We got to the airport,parked in our usual spot,met terry there.Took the freight elevator upstairs,right to the Security area.We were there only 15 mins. when Matthew shows up. Big smile on his face,we mugged & hugged him.Then we got the bikes and headed to Pacifica,it was actually a nice night.Got to the house,chatted a bit,and bailed. The next day was going to be his Official Welcome Home Celebration,FD, PD,friends, family, Pacifica Military Moms.I did get a text the next day from Pacifica military Moms( Debbie Smyser) said it was a blast.and Matthew was blown away.

Ride Report posted for Lisa

On 22 Aug 2009 The Warriors’ Watch of Northern IL were invited to Welcome Home Army 1st Lt. Brandon Weiss, Who spent the Last 14 Months in Iraq, to the Saint Charles Area. The weather had posed a threat all week with storms and even a small tornado that touched down about 5 miles from Lt. Wiess’ Parents house.

As luck would have it the weather shifted and the storms stopped the night before. It was overcast and a little on the cool side but despite the chill in the air approximately 61 motorcycles and multiple cages showed up at the staging area  which was at the Menards in Elgin where Lt Weiss and his wife met when they worked there in high school. We stood the flag line with Kerri Weiss (Mom) & Charles Weiss (Dad) as Brandon arrived with his wife and 11 month old daughter who Brandon had only seen once before when he was on leave for two weeks. With wide eyes and appreciation Brandon got out of the car and was greeted with Handshakes, Hugs, and Thank Yous.

With the Help of the Kane County Sheriffs Department, Elgin PD, Saint Charles PD and Campton Hills PD, along with the Village President of Campton Hills we escorted the soldier and his family to his parents house. With Brandon’s Mom on the back of a bike, his sister and brother in law on their bike, we pulled down the family street with horns & Sirens Screaming. We were greeted by family and friend who gathered at the house for a party in Brandon’s Honor. After Shaking his hand and saying Thank You we all bid our farewells and departed leaving the Family to their soldier. In the process of this Welcome Home we managed to recruit Brandon’s Brother In Law and sister to the Family. Welcome Home Brandon. Thank You for your Service. And to your sister and brother in law Welcome to the WWR Family!

Ride Report posted for Falcon

This welcome home was classic. After arriving at Midway Airport, L cpl Michalski was first welcomed by His Mom (Dale) and Dad (Sonny) and the USO. After gathering his luggage he was driven to the cell phone lot were we were waiting with 17 motorcycles and 5 cages.

We also Had two state police cars, and two motor cycle units and a emergency car from his home town of Plainfield, plus a motor cycle unit from New Lenox. We greeted our hero with a flag line and lots of hugs and thanks. Aron introduced us to his wife of seven months, Sam. They were married just before he deployed to Iraq.

Now it was time to hit the road for about forty miles. Chicago police sent a couple of cars to get us to the highway. With all this police presents the trip was pretty smooth. But…..

We weren’t done yet. A few mile before his home we stopped at a parking lot with another flag line, Police cars, three fire engines four more motorcycles and several cages. we were finally ready to get this Marine home, where the rest of the family and neighbors were waiting with their own hero’s welcome, led by his grandmother and sister Amy.

Classic,= A hero, his wife and his great family, and a lot of support from friends and community. I can’t see how it can get any better than this.

Ride REport posted for Georgia Rebapis

It was a cloudy Monday morning, and I was hoping the rain would hold off. I believe Jon D was watching over us, because the clouds broke up and the sunshine came through. We welcomed home US Air Force Deep Singh, who came home from his first tour in Afghanistan. He has been in the military for 3 years, and he is only home for a week to spend with family and friends before he has to leave again. His main duties are as a medical assistant.

When I showed up, Doug Mace was already at the destination. After a short while, a few more bikes and a few cages showed up as well. As this was my first mission, I was relived to see people coming. Even if we had two people doing the mission, I would of been fine with it.

Our soldier arrived with a Chicago Police Department escort about 12:30ish in the pm. Once he realized that something was happening for him, he was so extatic. When he came out of the van, he was greeted by lots of hugs and hand shakes.

We then departed the Des Plaines Oasis, and headed to Elgin where two Elgin Police cars were waiting for us. The escort was about ten to fifteen minutes, until we arrived at the soldiers home where his family and friends were waiting for him.

We once agian thanked our soldier for his service to our country, and took a few pictures with him and his family. We thanked the family for letting us welcome home a soldier, and we departed.

It turned out to be a good day for a welcome home, and USAF Singh deserved every minute of it. Thank you USAF Singh for your service. I will also like to thank everyone that helped me out with my mission.

Ride Report posted for Bud Stilwell

 On Saturday August 15, 2009, the Florida Chapter had a Meet & Greet Event Called “Time For Honor” in St. Petersburg, FL at Biff’s Burger’s located at 3939 49th St. North

To Honor the Veteran’s over at the Bay Pine’s VA Hospital. 

The Goal of this event was not only to show Honor to all Veteran’s but to raise money to go toward the purchase of coupon books and phone cards for the patients. Just for example, this will buy $10 phone cards for 120 patients!

We were blessed with the presence of 9 Veteran’s, 8 men and 1 woman several were from the Vietnam War time frame and a few from Desert Storm/Iraqi Freedom along with 3 Staff Member’s from Bay Pines VA Hospital to enjoy a day out from the Hospital with us.  Bay Pines VA Hospital is just located a couple of block’s from Biff’s Burger’s.

We also had recruiter’s from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marines there handing out pins, stickers, pen’s etc.

 The Total bike’s that were at the event broke down like this: The 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. timeframe probably saw 60 bikes (weather prohibited more) and the 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. hours brought us another 40 or so. With various Groups in Attendance I.E. Kathy & Joe from A Hero’s Welcome,  The Moose Riders, PGR (2 Members), The Star Riders from Port Richey, FL, and a number of independent riders from around the area. 

Through having a 50/50 raffle, selling raffle ticket’s for door prize’s ranging from a Certified U.S. Flag from Congressman Bill Young of Florida that had flown over the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., a 3 day 2 night stay at the Trade wind’s resort in St. Pete, various print’s honoring Veteran’s from the Past & Present Called “Guardians of Freedom”, tee shirt sales, and the shirt auction at the end (donated by Jeffrey, from the Blackstone Band) and also a poker run held by Rockin’ Road Show  we were able to raise $1,200.00 for the Veteran’s at Bay Pines.

  Over all a Great Day was had by all who attended for a worthy cause, Our Veterans!

 Link to Photo’s: http://cwfl-bikerspost.ning.com/photo/albums/its-time-for-honor-warrior