Ride Report posted for  Spike

On Wednesday 26 Aug 2009 at 7:00 PM the Illinois National Guard 333rd MP Co. returned from Afghanistan to a Welcome Home Ceremony in Freeport IL. After the Ceremony I escorted 4 of the MP?S to Sycamore IL. Including, Spec. Candace Mallin. It was at the end of the escort that Liz Mallin (Mom) asked if we could do a Drive By on Friday at a party in honor of Spec. Candace Mallin. Of course the N. IL Warriors Watch stepped up and did the right thing. With less the 2 days to get this Mission planned and then posted on the forum it was quick work. The Rain that had plagued the area for the past 3 days finally dissipated just in time for this mission. We staged approximately a mile

from the Soldiers Home and when I arrived, the only WWR member that was there was in a cage. The Skies were grey and it didn?t look good for the weather. Slowly other WWR Members started to arrive till we reached a total of 7 Motorcycles and 4 Cages. As we started the ride brief the clouds went away and the sun came out, making it another perfect day for a mission. We pulled out of the staging area at approximately 6:30 PM and headed to the house. As we

pulled onto their street we could see that Liz had gathered the entire party in the front yard awaiting our arrival. Spec Mallin saw us coming and walked out to the street with a smile on her face. We all took our turns thanking her and welcoming her home with a hug or a handshake. I had discovered that her birthday was coming up in 8 days so I presented her with a birthday present from the WWR. A Guardian Angel Bell to put on the Harley she is intent on buying. She was grateful and a little overwhelmed by all the attention. After taking some Photos and wishing her and her family well, one by one we began to take our leave and ride away, till the next soldier comes home.