Ride Report for Ride Captain John Miller

 

October First was a beautiful day to Welcome Home one of America’s Real Heroes.

Being that USMC Lance Corporal Eric Weeks had just gotten home to NJ, over twenty bikers and a cage or two gathered at Sterling High School in Somerdale ready to let Eric know they appreciate his service.  Two of Lindenwold’s Finest joined us there to provide the official sirens and lights as well as provide safe passage for our procession to La Esperanza, a Mexican eatery in Lindenwold.

Part of Eric’s youth was spent in Stratford, the same town his mother grew up in.  It turns out a few of the Warrior’s Watch Riders also grew up there.  Some of us knew his mom, Karen, “back in the day”.

We rolled over to Karen’s home and “knocked” on the door with throttles and horns.  It didn’t take long for Eric to investigate what all the fuss was about.  Upon seeing we were there for him, he broke out in a huge smile that he wore for the next hour.  Our band of well-wishers mugged Eric with hugs, hand shakes, and back slaps.  Talk of “Welcome Home” and “Thank you for your service” were overheard.

As Stan P. tossed Eric a helmet and said hop on… Eric’s smile grew bigger.  Lindenwold LEO led us the handful of miles to the restaurant.  Waiting there for Eric were the Patriots from Operation Yellow Ribbon, an off-shoot of the recently disbanded Yellow Ribbon Club. These gracious folks are a bunch of hootin’, hollerin’, flag wavin’, Hero Huggin’ Patriots.  Two ladder trucks from the Lindenwold Fire Department displaying a large American flag were also waiting for Eric.

When the dust settled, a few presentations were made.  LtCol Al Bancroft presented the Camden County Service Medal.  The Nam Knights of America and the Legion Riders each presented Challenge Coins, and Jinksey placed a WWR magic coin in Eric’s palm.

Thanks to everyone who made this endeavor a success.  An American Hero came home and we appreciate his service and sacrifice.  Welcome Home Eric.