RIDE REPORT posted for Country Mike

On Jan 10 2010 Warriors Watch had the pleasure of escorting Lt. Shane Eynon to the Phila Airport from his home. We met at our Rally Point, Duncan Dounuts on Cottman Ave. We were ready to pickup our package when one of Phillys Finest stopped by to see what was going on. As there were Flagged bikes and Flagged cages asembled in the parking lot. We let him know what was going on and wound up with an unexpected escort to the county line of Phila. As we had to go to Montgomery Co to pick up Lt Enyon. Philly PD always amazes me on these escorts. We got to the Eynon home safely and were met by his family, wife and two children Tom 5 and Luke 3. We gave him the patented MUG&HUG and thanked him for what he’s doing for us. Took a group pic and got ready to go. Cheltenham PD showed and safely escorted us to the Philly line where we were picked up by Philly PD and  escorted through Philly and down Interstate 95 to the Philly Airport. We pulled into the airport and were met by A Heros Welcome who were all Flagged up. Awesome. We got our flags and surrounded him as he was unloading his luggage. We gave him another MUG&HUG and thanked him again. I presented him with our Magic Coin and let him know that we will be here for his return. Lt Eynon requested that he enter the Airport on his own, which we honored that request.  What an amazing RIDE.

Side Note.  Lt. Shane Eynon has served in the US Army. Recieved his Ph.D in Psychology from Temple University. Commissioned as an Officer in the US Navy. Is the Service Chief at the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda MD. for Wounded Warrior Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Program. Treats Sailors and Marines for
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) and TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.(TBI) Also, treating symptoms based on Japanese Warrior and Martial Arts meditation methods.

Thank You all who showed for this Escort on a day that started out at 14 degrees Brr. Thanks goes out to Philly PD, Cheltenham PD and A Heros Welcome
Special Thanks goes out to the Eynon Family for your Sacrafice also.

Good Luck Lt. Shane Eynon on helping our Wounded Warriors who protect our freedoms.

Country MIKE  RC

This mission came about when one of our R/C’s met a lady at his Chiropractor’s office.  Dano met her and told her what we do as far as escorting our troops.  Between the dad, Bruce and Dan, they decided the family would go out to dinner at a local Danville restaurant.  The dad is also a Vietnam Veteran and is really proud of his Marine son.  We staged at our normal staging area in Danville at 1800 hrs. with 19 bikes.  We then headed to the restaurant where, for this mission, we changed up how we went in to get him.  Normally, the R/C goes in and brings him outside.  Dan had been in communication with the restaurant Owner, who was in on the surprise escort.  As we parked, we shut down and ALL of us (20+ bikers) walked into the restaurant while the Owner held open the door & pointed us in the direction of Tyler and his family.  We surrounded their booth and the question came up “is there a Marine at this table?”  He looked as if he didn’t want to answer, but he did and the mugs and hugs began (right in the middle of the restaurant).  We announced to the entire restaurant that we have a US Marine in our presence this evening and the 50+ patrons began clapping and cheering.  We grabbed our young Marine & his family and headed to the bikes.

Once outside, we readied to escort them to their home where Lafayette Flag Brigade (LFB), Pleasanton Military Families (PMF), the VFW, American Legion and city Officials were waiting.  As we began to roll up to Blackhawk, it started to rain on us and two blocks from the house, the rain stopped.  As we rolled up to the house, flags were waving and some 50 to 60 friends & family were there to Welcome Home Cpl. Johnson.  Tyler was ushered by Bryan Welden (LFB) to his large flag.  Diana Nagy (The Journey of Life album & others) opened up with The National Anthem.  Tyler was then presented with several certificates, flag and coins.  On a surprise note his father, a Vietnam Veteran, was also recognized and presented with certificates, a flag and coins.  What a great evening for this young Marine –  he couldn’t stop grinning.  Welcome Home Tyler AND Bruce!

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau

When Wendy from Callaghan Mortuary emailed me about this mission, she advised me that the family had specifically requested myself and the WWR to handle this mission.  I couldn’t remember who the family members were by name but they knew me.  We met at staging in the morning to receive the Lieutenant for his final escort to the Sacramento National Cemetary in Dixon, CA.  We stood the flag line as he came out of the mortuary and was placed in his coach.  We got staged up and rolled out of Callaghan’s heading for the freeway.  This is about 1 1/2 hour ride from Livermore to Dixon.  The freeways were clear so we made good time across the Benicia bridge with no problems.  We made it to Dixon with a half an hour to spare.  The staff came out and escorted us to the service area.

The ceremonies were very honorable and respectable.  The Honor Team were very professional and the Captain was also my teacher and trainer for the Honor Detail.  When the service concluded, we told the family we would escort them back home since we had escorted the limo from their home to the mortuary in the morning.  As we were about to leave, the rain started again.  Myself and Dane escorted the family home.  When we got to the house, we stopped and were invited in for a little reception.  Since the rain was coming down steady, we figured we should head out before it got worse.  Now, back to the special request from the family – the son of this fallen Sailor rode with us on a mission where I was the R/C.  He told me he was so impressed by the way the mission was accomplished that this was the best for his dad.  Farewell brother, farewell.

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau

This mission had a few twists and turns in it.  It was first scheduled for 12/23 and was supposed to arrive at SFO at 5 o’clock in the morning.  That was changed to the 22nd, scheduled to arrive at 2100 hrs.  The twists in this mission were that the friend (Rocko) who requested the escort met me a few weeks back on a mission & he has known our Chaplain, Trevor for quite some time.  Master Sgt. Jachobs is married to Rocko’s niece  His niece is the daughter of a friend of mine – Dell, who is also Trevor’s neighbor.  Dell was the Past President of the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley – an organization that we do a lot of support work with (have I confused you yet?)!

This mission was changed to the 22nd, and we already had a mission for midnight at SFO (Keating).  Since Msgt. Jachobs & Gunney Sgt. Scott were coming in at SFO at 2100 hrs., we decided to split the crew up.  The Msgt,. and Gunnery Sgt. were headed to Livermore & the midnight mission was going to Lafayette.  Trevor & I and 9 bikes headed to the airport to welcome home Msgt. Jachobs & Gunnery Sgt. Scott.  Once we got all their bags and everyone to the parking lot & staged, I escorted Trevor, the family and the rest of the riders out to the freeway.  I then headed back to staging to wait for the midnight riders.  Rick Lyon (Texas) and Chromeghost showed up first.  From what I was told when Trevor and the escort arrived at the house, friends & family were waiting.  Mission Complete.

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau

This mission started out with a couple of quirks – the first was his welcome home was planned for that evening at about 7pm.  We then found out that SPC Keating couldn’t get off the base in order to catch the morning flight.  The flight he could catch brought him into SFO at midnight, so the welcome home celebration had to be moved to the next evening.  We were already at the airport complete two other welcome home mission escorts.  Patrick was our last one for the evening.  We waited for his Mom, Kathie at the staging area.  When she arrived at staging, she brought two thermoses of hot coffee, cups and condiments for the riders.  This family has a lot of military background that served in the Army and all four theaters of war.  Medals included are bronze stars and purple hearts earned by Msgt. Jerry Keating, Patrick’s grandfather.  Patrick’s other grandfather, Jack Haller was an Annapolis graduate, retiring as a Lt. Commander.  Patrick also has an Uncle who is a Vietnam Veteran and a cousin who was a Marine who served in Afghanistan.

So, we are here tonight to pick-up this young Ranger and bring him home.  The flight arrived a little early.  Patrick headed down the escalator toward baggage claim & security.  He couldn’t believe there were three bikers standing there holding a “Welcome Home” sign.  We grabbed his bags, which had arrived before him from the flight he missed, and went to the parking lot before heading to Lafayette.  We crossed the bay bridge, which was chillier than chilly, although not as cold as it is back east!

When we arrived at Patrick’s house, Kathie ordered us into their home for tea and hot coffee.  The six of us sat around the dining room table shooting the shit for about an hour.  I did not coin Patrick this night due to the official surprise Welcome Home planned for the next evening.  My mission tomorrow night is bringing home a First Lieutenant to attend the same Welcome Home as Patrick and a whole other ride report.

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau

The escort for PFC Block is one of four missions today, with Bennie being the first.  We staged early at Callaghan’s Mortuary with our final destination being San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, which is approx. 80 miles away in one direction.  This mission started at 11am with services starting at 1300 hrs.  There weren’t very many family members in attendance so we stood a flag line as Bennie was brought out and placed in his coach.  Most of the riders were going to be busy with other missions, so this mission ended up with myself and Axel escorting.  We arrived at the cemetery at approx. 1230 hrs. where we parked and staged, and met the family & socialized for about 20 minutes.  Our mission was short today due to having other missions coming up within hours.  We said our goodbyes to the family and headed back home.  Farewell brother, farewell.

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau

This is the second mission of four on this day, one of which we did early this morning for Bennie Block.  One hour prior to us staging for Jared, Rick (Texas) and Chromeghost picked up Ssgt. Rachelle Renaud and escorted her to Tracy, CA (Texas Rick wrote & submitted the ride report, already posted).  Now, Jared’s flight was due in to SFO at 1730 hrs.  Trevor & 6-Pack were the lead RC’s for this mission at SFO.  Myself and Tim were at Oakland Airport awaiting a First Lieutenant at the same time.  I was talking to Trevor via cell phone just prior to them going to their parking area.  I was able to contact security at SFO with the intel from Trevor to clear them for parking.  They headed to the airport with 12 bikes.  Jared is a Captain in the US Army and is a pilot flying a CH-47 Chinook for the 101st Airborne Division and is the son of our very own Doug & Jan Miller, with the American Legion, VFW and Pleasanton Military Families (PMF).

They rolled out of the airport heading to Pleasanton.  Being a week day and in the middle of the afternoon, commute can be a nightmare, but the traffic Gods were with them.  The bikes arrived at roughly 1900  hrs. with Jared and his folks in the pack.  More than 100 well-wishers from various organizations were waiting with flags, signs and waves.  Two PGR bikes were waiting at the house as well.  Chris Miller, Past President of Pleasanton Military Families (and no relation) met the Millers and led them to the large flag provided by Lafayette Flag Brigade (LFB).  The VFW, American Legion, PMF, LFB, Blue Star Moms and a number of other organizations presented certificates, coins and well-wishes.  City Councilman Jerry Thorne presented Jared a proclamation.  After we mugged and hugged him at the house, we enjoyed a variety of spiced cider, hot coffee and snacks.  Welcome Home our brother, Welcome Home!

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau

This is our fourth mission for the day and going on at the same time as Jared Miller.  Myself and Tim staged at Bob Dron’s H-D and waited for Luisa, Marco’s Mom.  Luisa is a Blue Star Mom at Chapter 101 out of Danville, CA and also lives in Lafayette.  The night before as you remember, we brought home SPC Keating at midnight.  Tonight was the night of the big Welcome Home for SPC Keating and Lt. Oriti.  This whole Welcome Home was planned by Kathie Lind, Patrick’s Mom; Bryan Welden of Lafayette Flag Brigade (LFB); Luisa, Marco’s Mom and myself.  The plan was to have Patrick escorted from his house by Lafayette PD around 20 minutes prior to our arrival with Marco.  Now, back to the airport…  We waited for Marco, picked him up, got him downstairs and collected his bags.  We mugged & hugged him but didn’t say much more than a Welcome Home.  Our mission now was to take Marco to the Lafayette Veterans Hall and NOT to his house, where he thought he was going.  When we left Oakland Airport there was hardly any traffic on the roads when it’s usually packed.  We arrived 20 minutes early, came off the freeway exit where we were met by two Lafayette PD cruisers who escorted us to the Veterans building.  As we rolled up, the Fire Department was positioned at the front door and about 60 people were waving flags & Welcome Home signs for Marco and Patrick.  I also saw Patrick standing on the steps giving me thumbs up as he had arrived 20 minutes earlier to this surprise.

As we all headed inside the big meeting hall, Bryan’s (LFB) huge flag was hung and a buffet table was filled – catered by a local Italian deli/restaurant.  The hall was filled with all of Marco and Patrick’s friends & family as well as other guests.  Members from the local VFW, American Legion and the Marine Corps. League were there.  Also in attendance were the Mayor’s of Lafayette, Moraga and Danville, the Blue Star Mom’s and the WWR.  Tim, who rode in with me, didn’t stay & headed back to Pleasanton to support Jared Miller.  So, I was the lone WWR Representative.  As I was sitting there and listening to all the awards being given to these young soldiers, I received a text from Rick & Paul stating their mission to Tracy with Ssgt. Renaud was complete.  Twenty minutes later, I received another text from Trevor stating the Pleasanton mission was complete.  At that time I was called up to present the coins of the American Legion, The Legion Riders and WWR to both of these young soldiers.  This mission to Lafayette was the first mission in this city ever and to have 3 Mayors for 3 different cities was above & beyond belief!  Once all certificates, coins, proclamations and appreciations were given out, it was time to eat.

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau

This mission was on the “special side”, our Chaplain – Trevor & his brother Ron had a a special interest in Specialist Revilla.  This was their niece (their sister’s daughter).  We then found out that Rikki’s husband is also deployed and returning home in a couple of days.  We needed to ride out to San Francisco Airport (SFO) with the flight due in at about 1800 hrs.  We got to staging and waited for Rikki’s Mom, Teri.  When she arrived, we did a mug & hug, got staged and rolled to the airport with 12 bikes.  It was starting to get a little chilly with a light rain.  We parked in our usual spot (where PD parks) and headed upstairs.  We waited at the bottom of the escalator near baggage claim with our flags waving.  Fifteen minutes later, here comes Rikki and she was totally blown away!  She walked through the flag line and then we mugged & hugged her.

Shortly after that, we grabbed her bags and headed out to the bikes and headed to Martinez.  As we rolled out of the airport, the rain started to pick-up and as we got onto the freeway, the rain vanished.  It was approximately 45 minute to an hour drive to Martinez.  As we crossed the bay bridge, the wind was cruising at about 45 mph.  You could see all the bikes in your mirrors leaning away from the wind.  We got into her neighborhood at approximately 1930 hrs. and as we rounded onto her street, we could see all the people holding flags, waiving and holding signs.  By the way, Rikki did ride on her Uncle’s bagger from the airport to home.  After we parked, Bryan Welden from Lafayette Flag Brigade who I work with on all these Welcome Homes, grabbed Rikki and brought her up in front of his large flag.  Rikki received certificates, flags, coins and a 6-pack of beer from our very own Santa “6-Pack”.  Welcome Home Rikki!

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau

Mission started out good before we even met Lcpl. Noble.  Rick (Lyon – Texas Coordinator) and I stopped for a cup of coffee to discuss an upcoming mission he was taking.  We were at a local coffee shop around the corner from the staging area when we were approached by three bikers who stopped and asked what the flags were about on our bikes.  We told them who we were and what we do and we gave them our cards.  Since the mission, they have signed up to ride with WWR.  Shortly after that, we headed down to staging where ten bikes were already waiting (at least 45 minutes before KSU).  As we were at staging, we had a surprise visitor – Brigadere General Helix saw us at the stop light and decided to stop by and bless the ride.  After the General left, Major Hudson from 4th Force Recon – Alameda, CA saw us and decided to come and say hello.

The plan was to sneak down to a restaurant that was roughly 3 blocks away, where they were having lunch.  The funny thing is…  myself and three other riders eat at the same restaurant all the time.  So, the phone call came in from Mom saying they were having coffee after their meal, or “the GO sign”.  We rolled down to the restaurant with 25 bikes strong, pulled right in front and side by side, taking up nearly all of the parking lot.  We shut down and I walked inside barking “is there a Marine in this place?”  Tony Noble stood up and with a wide grin said “that’d be me”.  I said “Marine, I’ve got some friends that want to see you”.  I escorted him outside to the parking lot saying, “Tony, meet my friends & friends, meet Tony”.  Then it was on – the mugs & hugs…  He couldn’t stop grinning.

Shortly thereafter, we saddled up and staged, putting Tony & his Mom, Loretta directly behind the flag bikes.  We rolled through town with tailgunners in place, straight to their house.  As we came around the corner, people were standing out in the street with US flags and cheering.  A fire truck was in place, Lafayette flag brigade was all set, Pleasanton Military Families had signs posted, along with the local Blue Star Moms.  The WWR Photographer “Snapshot” had her tripod positioned and the camera clicking away.  As we parked, Tony came out of the car and was mobbed.  They brought him up to the Lafayette Flag Brigade large flag, where he received certificates, flags and coins.  His Grandfather was there who is a WWII Veteran of the Italian Army.  When all the presentations were finished, all the official hugs began from the crowd.  Our Blue Star Mom, Debra Burroughs and her two sons were there; one of which just came back from overseas & the other one is in the local R.O.T.C.  We found out that her son didn’t want a Welcome Home so he slipped in without us knowing.  We grabbed him and brought him to our bikes where we reached into the tour pack and coined his ass!  He gave us a big hug and a wide smile, saying “the coin looks really cool”.  Most of the riders started heading out but I stayed for a cup of joe with a couple other riders – Mission Accomplished.  Thanks to the HOG members and PGR riders for coming out to support our mission.

Respectfully Submitted – Fred “Spike” Schau

Ride Report posted for Spike

This was a S.F.O. Pick up,We staged at the local gas station about 1/4 mile away from S.F. airport.Just after Mom & Dad arrived,we rolled. We parked in our secured area,and went upstairs.We hung around the security area and waited for kayla’s arrival.With family and friends with us, she strolled up the walkway,seeing us got the biggest grin.Her
fiance’ grabbed her first.Then all her family,then us.She was so surprised to see all of  us.We headed downstairs to grab her bags and then to the bikes.With alot of the WWR gone on x-mas vacation,we still rolled with 13 Bikes. We got staged up and headed to the freeway with Kayla in the front seat,smiling her ass off. Now the Flagline is one thing,but
the 45 min. escort ride is a whole new experience.

Flagswaving off the bikes at 65 mph, crossing the bridge with the sunset reflecting off the Bay.What a sight,and seeing Kayla with that grin.We got to Livermore in about an hour,and  here stood her friends and family.With neighbors and us we counted up at around 60 or so .We presented her with a flag,certificates, the American Legion Coin,Legion Rider Coin,WWR Coin. Had some coffee and cookies and headed home.Welcome Home Kayla,Good luck in yourcareer.

Ride report posted for Spike

Started getting dark early,we staged at a gas Station 3 Blocks from where Cordell was staying. His Aunt ( mom) Tracey was on her way to meet us.She was on her bike,her fiance’ Uwe rode also. So, by the time tracey got to staging,we were 17 bikes strong. With them made 19 and 3 cages and a Spyder. We started out to the house,which was just around the corner.So,we parked infront of the house,and tracey goes inside to bring cordell out.The look on his face “Priceless”,Tracey & Uwe also had this look of disbelief.All this for my kid,was tracey’s remarks.

The answer “Hell Yes”. well,we got cordell in the car and head downtown to the local pizza shop.We got to the pizza joint and some of his family & friends were waiting.We mugged & hugged him,sang happy birthday to him,wished a safe journey to his next mission. Good Luck Cordell. See you when you come home.