MISSION COMPLETED FINAL REPORT

SPRING CITY ARMORY TO FORT INDIANTOWN GAP
1 BUS FULL OF TROOPS, STRYKER UNIT, 28 INFANTRY DIVISION. DEPLOYING TO IRAQ

The morning started out a bit chilly but a great day for a ride.  We had the honor and not entirely happy duty of sending off a busload of Pennsylvania Warriors on the first leg of a journey that will eventually take them to Iraq.

I arrived at our rally point of Kohl’s parking lot a little after 10am to await the arrival of the WWR faithful.  Before long, additional biker scum joined me until we eventually had 9 bikes/bikers present.  We held a short briefing at 1035, mounted up and headed for Spring City.  We entered the parking lot there to be greeted by NOBODY.  The only person there who appeared to have any type of authority was the bus driver.  I went over to the bus, introduced myself, and was told that the departure time had been set back an hour to 1300.  Two hours to kill.  While we waited, another rider appeared, a new guy, followed shortly by our own intrepid Luis Torres who informed us of the lack of PSP support for our ride.

Eventually some of the deploying troops appeared.  We walked over, shook their hands, and wished them the best of luck.  WO Mike Murphy appeared and gave us the lowdown on what was to happen.  We discussed the route, who was leading, and other issues.  As it eventually turned out, partly since the bus driver was not from the Spring City area and was unfamiliar with the roads, Warriors’ Watch Riders led the way to the Gap, turning over the lead as we neared the Fort since the LT in charge knew where the bus had to go.

As the time approached 1300, the troops held a short formation, WWR stood a flag line and as the formation broke and the troops headed our way, call to attention, render hand salute, and shake hands with each soldier as he entered the bus.  The LT in charge was presented with a Warriors’ Watch coin.  At ease, roll up the flags, mount the bikes and on our way just about on time.

The ride to the Gap was great and uneventful.  We arrived there around 1500, rode through the maze of barracks, and parked behind the bus at the barracks assigned to our troopers.  More good-byes and handshakes and we headed for home.

Many thanks to all the riders who made this mission a success.  We were few in number but high in quality.  Can’t wait to see Lou’s pictures.

Luke