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Ride report for Ride Captain Damon Russell

On an overcast and snowy Saturday afternoon on February 11th, US Army Sergeant  Jenna Stanzione was recognized for her courage and service to our country by WWR and many friends and family at the Ottsville Volunteer Fire Company #49 in Ottsville, PA.

30 year old Sergeant Stanzione of Nockamixon joined the US Army on September 11, 2000, exactly one year before the terrorist attacks. She spent this past year deployed in Afghanistan where she served as a door gunner on a UH-60M Blackhawk Helicopter with the US Army’s 101st Airborne’s 159th Combat Air Brigade, 4th Battalion, also known as “Charlie Company” of the “Blackwidows”. The Blackwidows are responsible for conducting air assaults, casualty evacuations, emergency re-supply, and transporting world leaders into and out of the region. Sgt Stanzione has received numerous medals, ribbons and awards for her service.

Warriors Watch Riders were invited to escort her to this celebration in honor of her returning home by her father Bob Stanzione, who learned of the Warriors Watch Riders from neighbor and close family friend, Jennifer Styler.

Warriors Watch Riders rallied at the Turkey Hill store on Rt 611 in Ottsville, where Sgt Stanzione was brought in by an Ottsville Fire Company ladder truck at exactly 1300 hours. While WWR members held a flag line as she arrived,  WWR members, local media and the Ottsville fire company were given a brief introduction to Sgt Stanzione and family and a “welcome Home Mug and Hug” immediately followed while we assembled the procession for the short escorted ride to the Ottsville Fire Company banquet hall just a few miles south.

Led by the Ottsville Fire company #49 ladder truck, WWR exited the parking lot, turned south on Rt 611 and traveled a few short miles to the fire company on Durham Road. The Ottsville Fire company trucks raised a flag above the open garage and honor guard stood at attention as WWR rode with engines rumbling, lights flashing, flags flying and horns honking through the doors of the empty firehouse and into the parking area behind, where approximately 150 of her friends and family received her at the Palisades District Memorial Post 399 of the American Legion’s Color Guard flanked the entrance to the Hall. Also present for the celebration was PA State Representative Marguerite Quinn of the 143rd Legislative district, who also honored Sgt. Stanzione with a citation for her brave service.

Warriors Watch Riders thanked her for her service and dedication and presented her with our Warrior’s Watch Honor coin, and Bonnie MacDade of the Warrior’s Watch Riders presented the certificate  prepared by Maria of A Hero’s Welcome, recognizing her service to our country. Warriors Watch Rider and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association member  “JT” also presented Sgt Stanzione with an honor coin in recognition of her service to our great country.

Our very own “Meatball” then  took the opportunity to honor US Army Specialist Chuck Darbyshire,  Sgt Stanzione’s fellow  serviceman also present to welcome Jenna home, with a Warrior’s Watch Honor coin, and again, JT of the CVMA coined him as well, before everyone went inside.

The Warriors Watch Riders would like to thank Jim Keogh, Deputy Chief of the Ottsville Volunteer Fire Company #49 for their assistance in providing a safe and secure means for our mission with Fire Police blocking all intersections to the Fire Company hall. Warriors watch would also like to thank Hilary Bentman and Rick Kintzel of the Intelligencer for their coverage of the event, and getting Sgt Stanzione’s  celebration on the front page of the Sunday paper! Special thanks go out to parents Bob and Kathy Stanzione and a special shout out to Jen Styler for telling the Stanziones about the Warrior’s watch Riders!

Link to newspaper article:  http://tinyurl.com/8xogbkd

Submitted by Ride Captain Damon Russell

Photos courtesy of Damon Russell and Bonnie MacDade