Ride Report for Ride Captain Doug Askren

The WWR participated in a huge welcome home for seven soldiers returning from Afghanistan and a memorial for two of their fallen comrades. OWYH and the Joliet VFW did the planning for this multi organizational, community event. Our motorcade was led by two Joliet PD motorcycles and road capts. from WWR and OWYH. The Band Of Brothers arrived at the staging point in a white stretch limo. A huge contingent of motorcycles, cages and first responders led the heros to the VFW for a short memorial service and awards ceremony for the soldiers. The event was followed by dinner and a concert at the VFW.

The memorial service included a twenty one gun salute and rendering of taps. Thanks to the VFW firing squad.

Thanks to the Shorewood and Joliet PD and fire. Thanks to the Joliet VFW and auxilary as well as OWYH for organizing this huge event. Thanks to all who participated, especially a large number of our WWR members. Thanks to this fine group of brave soldiers who put their lives on the line for us. We offer our condolences and deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the two fallen heros, Cpl James Chad Young and Cpl Justin Rosa, RIP. This was a bitter sweet event, starting with the somber memorial service and ending with the joyus celebration of the return of seven heros. The thing I was most impressed with was the huge community involvement pouring out sorrow for the lost and then great thanks and celebration for the returning heros. The streets leading to the VFW were lined with a flag waving crowd of patriots. Due to radio brocasts, patriots stood all along our route waving flags. The event was followed by a helicopter overhead. God bless this Band OF Brothers and the families of our fallen heros. These are debts we can never repay.

Respectfully,
Doug Askren RC NIL WWR