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Ride Report for Ride Captain Spunky Duckling (Tracy Shosh)

On Thursday evening, March 15, 2012 we were asked to surprise Specialist Walter “Walt” Ragsdale by his parents, Dan and Cathy Ragsdale.  Walt received his GED while attending Southern Lehigh High School at the age of 17.  He attended LCCC for one semester and realized school and college just were not for him. He decided to follow the family footsteps and joined the Army.  He is currently with Unit 9131 and is a Route clearance and explosives specialist.  He served in Ghazni Afghanistain from February 2011 through March 2012.  He has received his Airborne and has served with the Sapper unit, and hopes to become a Sapper and Mountain Ranger someday.
Walt had no idea his family had put this surprise Welcome Home, Mug-N-Hug together. He had told his parents that he and those he served with did not think that we back home really cared about them or what was going on overseas.  We all gathered at the Rodeway Inn on along routes 309 and 22 in South Whitehall, PA around 6:30pm. Walts family had taken him out to dinner at Applebee’s and asked that we come to their home shortly after they had gotten back.  We received the call shortly before 6:45pm that they were now home. We mounted up and headed over to their home.  We were sure to make as much noise as possible as we turned the corner right before reaching their home.
As we parked the shock, surprise and astonishment could be seen on Walt’s face as he came out their front door. He was speechless.  We presented him with the Warriors Watch Coin, the Hero’s Welcome certificate and many hugs, hand shakes and thank you’s for all that he has been willing to do for his country.  He is an amazingly humble young man, who plans on being in the Army for the rest of his career. He feels the Army is where he needs to be. Thank you Specialist Ragsdale!  I don’t think you will forget that you are not alone and we do have your back here at home.
Respectfully Submitted by Spunky Duckling (Tracey Shosh)