Ride Report posted for RC Cheryl Riley

(See the Photo Page for photos)

After 38+ missions with the Northern Illinois chapter of WWR amd my 3rd as a Ride Captain, I was blown away by the show of support by the Mundelein Law Enforcement Officers for their returning soldier. This is only the second time they have been asked to help in a homecoming and they were just as honored and excited to participate as we were.

My conversations with Cmdr Richards of the Mundelein PD were very encouraging. They would have the usual support vehicles blocking intersections and the Shift Cmdr running lead to trigger the stoplights. They will also provide 2 motorcycles as lead escorts and he had also talked to the Fire Chief about using the newly refurbished parade truck for the family to ride in should they so choose. WOW!

Ok so today April 2 Sgt Rodgers is coming home. I spoke to Mom Marlene this morning just to confirm we are ok to go. She is so happy she is about to see her son who has been gone since 2007 as he is based in Hawaii and was deployed to 15 months in Iraq from there. She and Walter’s dad are very proud of him and what he is doing.

Since we were staging in a business parking lot I thought I should go in and say Hi and explain what was going to happen. They were also excited about Walter’s homecoming and ask what they could do to help. My response: if you can, come out and stand in our flagline and thank him when he arrives. If you can’t do this please pass the word about what we do and why.

After a short ride brief everyone grabbed flags including the Mayor, Police Chief, Fire Chief and a few from the local businesses and waited for the Sgt’s arrival. As Mom’s car pulled thru the flaglined driveway the look of confusion quickly turned to surprised recognision. Yes, this was for him!

Here is another young soldier who thinks “it’s just my job”. I’m sure everyone has heard that from these young heroes. But what they forget is that they volunteered for that job. The job that not everyone can or would do. Once again we exchanged hugs and handshakes then loaded up for the escort through town to his families’ home. What a grand escort! Walter and his family and girlfriend did ride in that old firetruck followed by 2 other firetrucks, a couple EMT vehicles, a long line of cars and pickup trucks and more police cars making it a very bright and loud escort.

It was awesome to see the support for Walter as we drove through town and cars honked and waved, the high school put out a welcome home sign as did a local gas station. People outside walking stopped to watch and wave.

I stopped to take a few pictures so I ended up in the rear of the parade. But that was ok because as we turned onto the “home street” what a surprise. The long driveway to the home was filled with family, friends, and community well wishers. The local newspaper was there as well. After doing our presentation of coin, beads and thread, we asked Walter to sign our Welcome Home banner. A few pictures later the Warriors Watch Riders faded into the sunset to let Sgt Walter Rodgers III start enjoying his 15 days of well deserved R & R.

Welcome Home Walter and Thank You for your courage and service!

Thank You to Everyone who came out to show their support.

And last but not least, Mundelein we Thank You, and will be in touch, you guys Rock!