RIDE REPORT POSTED FOR JOHNDELIVERS

Nine Warriors Watch bikes met under threatening skies at Burger King on Route 130, Pennsauken.  We made our way to the Crown Plaza Hotel by 8:30. Three Cherry Hill LEO’s showed up within a minute or two.  Someone from the Camden FD showed up to check on our route, the Camden FD wanted in on our little parade.  A fire chief’s car and a BIG fire truck were going to meet up enroute and jump in front to lead us.

Our package came through the hotel front door with an entourage of at least 10 people, mostly family.  By the look on his face we knew this was a total surprise.  You’ve got to love that look!  Hand shakes, back slaps, and hugs from everyone.

With lights flashing and bike engines roaring we made our way towards the Camden waterfront.  The NJ transit station in Camden had about 100 people milling about outside.  Everyone there saw our “rock star” getting the treatment he so deserved.  If they check out NBC10, maybe they’ll see the story on the news.  During our escort, as we approached one intersection the traffic light started to change as the big fire truck was close.  No problem, he pulled over and did road guard for us.  You know things are good when a 36 foot fire truck is pulling road guard duty!

We pull into Wiggins Park and our partners in crime, the Yellow Ribbon Club (YRC), are out in force.  Not only are they there, they’re now packing. Each YRC member was holding a 3×5 American flag.  How cool is that to pull in and have flags waving as we come in.  Awesome!

The city of Camden pulled out all the stops for their hometown hero.  The FD had a ladder truck with a 40 foot American flag unfurled, a Color Guard was there, the Philadelphia FD had their fire boat shooting water high into the air. Camden Mayor, Gwendolyn Faison, presented a proclamation. Colonel Benton, USMC retired, presented a medal.  WWR’s Cavalier presented an Honor coin to Jermaine while I presented one to Danotta, his wife, and the Yellow Ribbon Club presented a special blanket and large yellow ribbon.

Saying our hero was overwhelmed would be an understatement.  Jermaine thanked everyone for their part in this special homecoming, including his sneaky wife.  He also said he never thought he would rate the kind of treatment he got today.  This to me means, mission accomplished.

Even though this event was a surprise to Jermaine, he made a presentation of his own to the WWR members in attendance.  We received a box of handmade “Operation Iraqi Freedom” Cuesta-Rey Centenario cigars.  I know we don’t do these missions for any rewards other than the smile on a hero’s face, but these are fine cigars.

I want to thank the city of Camden and especially their Fire Department for going all out today.  A big thank you to Cherry Hill Twp. for providing three cars for PD escort, securing intersections for our smooth passage makes for a much better ride.  I can’t give a big enough hug to our extended family, the Yellow Ribbon Club.  Leslie Drummond and Company, once again, made a US Warrior feel like a king.

To my brothers and sisters who rode today, thank you.  No one would fault you for not coming out with rain on the way.  Thank you for making another American Hero glad to be home.  To the entire WWR, thanks for letting me hang out with the coolest bunch of biker scum around.

In closing, does anyone know of a support group for addictions?  I need to find one for WWA (Warriors Watch Anonymous).  Hello, my name is John and I can’t get enough of these missions.