RIDE REPORT POSTED FOR REDBEARD

The original Mission for this First Day of NOVEMBER was to include a “TWOFER“. WE were to Rally and meet TWO heroes “Marine Lcpl Ryan Wilno, and “Navy Corpsman Tim Kaplan “ Well as Things go, and to show just how These Heroes Sacrifice and serve Every day, AT the Last Minute Navy Corpsman Tim Kapplan was called away for another Duty Assignment and was unable to make this Welcome Home Celebration. Let Me say this to Navy Corpsman Tim Kaplan , Our Hearts and Well Wishes go out to you and We are waiting for you to return. Be Safe Our Hero.

Photo by Sean Carpenter. Click here for more.

Mayor Randy Brown

With This News the Mission proceeded as planned. Like the Old Bell That Rings across the Land that would call all who could hear it to Muster and report, The WWR Gathered from the surrounding States (PA, DE, NJ ) and Responded AGAIN to that call to Duty.

Mike’s Famous H/D in Delaware served as the Final Rally Point and the spot where our Heroes Father, RON, was to meet us after picking Ryan up and driving him from Camp Lejeune. All I can tell you is that when I pulled into Mikes Famous I noticed the Parking Lot was a SEA of MOTORCYCLES and they were almost all WWR.

It wasn’t long before our Hero arrived with His dad and was greeted by all the WWR.

Then John Delivers took Ryan inside Mikes Famous where they presented Him with a HERO T-Shirt and Thanked Him for His service, They even handed Ryan a Hero Shirt for Tim Kaplan for when Ryan sees Him again. What a fantastic thing to do for Tim.

We did a quick Ride brief and a call to a Local Police for an Escort out of Mikes Famous Parking lot. I am unsure of which Police department assisted us with exiting and who it was that made the call BUT I am so thankful for their efforts. Again the WWR FAMILY takes care of itself without ever asking )

So we were off to New Jersey over the Delaware Memorial bridge and up 295 North with 60 bikes and a Car in this motorcade.

We picked up the Bellmawr State Police who cleared a way for our exit onto Rt.70.

Then proceeded down to the Township Line for Marlton, There were two Marlton Police Escorts waiting for us to Bring us to Ryan’s Home. Again as we turned the corner onto the Street where our hero lived, It was breathtaking to see The Marlton Fire department, EMS, Yellow Ribbon Club, Volunteers and Neighbors as they Lined the Streets and filled the Air with Sirens, Horns, Cheers and Flags waving.

Each time I am part of this wonderful experience THE chills still run up my back as I see this outpouring of support and Gratitude from Everyone.

We parked the Bikes, and watched as Ryan was Greeted by all His loved ones, friends and even the Mayor Randy Brown who makes every heroes Welcome Home.

After a few photos and Handshakes we were ALL INVITED to the Back yard for a “BUBBA-Q” Yes, Ryan’s Parents, RON and BETSY, INSISTED that ALL 60 bikers and friends and supporters and EMS and Fire Department and dignitaries all Stay and indulge in the catered food cooked From a FOOD MANIAC called “BUBBA-Q“. WHOOOF This stuff was Good. I managed to have a little bit, hardly a plate full but enough to know it was tasty. OK OK I know I was seen so I’ll confess, I knew I had a few extra belt holes to spare so I went back and made sure I DEVOURED a FEW plate fulls of food. Mmmmm

This Welcome Home was filled with a few eye opening Experiences that just showed how deep the Pride, Honor and Respect of all those who work to make these events happen goes.

First Thing was the INVITE to Welcome Home a Local Hero from our Close friends at the Yellow Ribbon … NO Strike that comment, FIRST the INVITE from our EXTENDED Family at the Yellow Ribbon Club to Welcome Home ONE OF THEIR OWN SONS Lcpl Ryan Wilno Who’s Parents are deeply woven within the Yellow Ribbon Club as Volunteers. (It is always so nice to be able to give a little back to those who WE stand shoulder to shoulder with WHILE we Honor our Warriors and Heroes Home )

And next, As I may have stated already, There are people who stand next to you and watch as things happen, And they are there to assist in whatever way they can. I had someone remind me of important things I needed to announce, Someone called in the assistance of a Local Police for Crossing a busy road, Someone made phone calls to those standing by to make sure things went smoothly, AND so many more things from people who are NOT JUST there to RIDE but to make sure that EVERY MISSION and EVENT we do , WE do as a Family. I find great comfort in that fact, and I know Many WWR Members and Extended Family members do also.

I wanted to say….

Mikes Famous H/D of Delaware, We thank you for Stepping up and acknowledging THOSE who are our Warriors and Heroes.

Local Law Enforcement who Assist with our Safe Passage thru Roadways We thank you for both your Service and for that Safe Passage.

To Our Extended Family at the Yellow Ribbon Club, How do we say thank you to a group who has offered such a wonderful thing as your friendship and your involvement with your work, And that is not even speaking of the things you do in support of our troops while Deployed.

And To The Family of the WWR,. DE, PA, NJ and others,…. Thank You…. You are always there and it is truly and Honor.

Note: This Welcome Home celebration ended in tragedy. Ryan’s Father, Ron, 43 years old, died suddenly that same evening of a heart attack, robbing this family of all the day’s joy and replacing it with shock and grief. The Warrior’s Watch Riders and Yellow Ribbon Club were there for Ryan, and we will be there for Ron. Watch for that report. – lutz