T
Tony Fialkowski
National Coordinator
Warriors Watch Riders

Ride Report posted for Angel

Spc Joe served in the Army for 10 years. His service included 3 tours in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan.

On one of our first warm Sunday afternoons in about 3 months we rallied at the Golden Eagle Restaurant in Bristol, PA at about 1:45. As the temperature rose outside, so did the number of participants who arrived to welcome home Spc Joseph Booz. There were about 50 motorcycles and a few cages. The Bristol Borough police arrived around 2:00 pm and we had KSU at 2:05. The escort arrived at Spc Joe’s home at about 2:06…short ride….

We all lined up in front of Spc Joe’s house along with the Channel 6 Action News Van, (there’s that news van…) , NBC 10, and FOX 29. (Shown on all 3 channels). Spc Joe was in his house getting ready to go to his Welcome Home party, at the WM Penn Firehouse in Hulmeville. After, Marge Booz, Joe’s mother, received the phone call for the Ok to come out, her and Joe came out of the house, and were greeted by about 60 plus Warriors’ Watch members, friends and police officers…oh and don’t forget the Action News van.

Joe was so surprised he stood on the porch for a moment to catch his breath. After the initial shock and first mug and hug from, me, Fringy, his cousin, he proceeded down the long line, that went almost back to the restaurant, for the traditional Warriors’ Watch mug and hug. His mom was so excited she followed him taking picture after picture. Once the mug and hug was completed we lined up, revved all engines and began our escort of Spc Joe to his party, in Hulemville, which was about a 12 mile ride. It was a fully escorted procession including 3 police departments, Bristol Borough, Bristol Twp, and Middletown Twp. As we made a right on to Main Street in Hulemville we were greeted by a fire engine from the WM Penn Fire department who then escorted us to the firehouse. In the front of the firehouse, Spc Joseph Booz was surrounded by his family, friends and new found Warriors’ Watch while he was presented with his Warrior Watch Coin and award. My family and I would like to thank all of the members of Warriors’ Watch for coming together in welcoming home my cousin Spc Joseph Booz.

Ride Report posted for Liver

We arrived at Spring-Ford High School at 1020 on a beautiful spring-like day honored to send off the 228^th Engineer Company of the Pennsylvania National Guard who are being deployed to Iraq, the 4^th deployment for the 228^th since 2001.

Many of us were on the opposite side of the school and, thinking we were early, were wondering where everyone was. To our great surprise, when we were directed to the rear of the School, the Royersford and Spring City Fire companies were both on hand with a large flag draped between two ladder trucks and, what seemed like, the entire 228^th and their families standing outside of the school.

As we formed a flag line that covered both sides of the sidewalk the entry way was a field of red, white and blue held high by Warriors Watch, A Hero’s Welcome and others standing with us. The group was so large that we extended from the end of the sidewalk into the lobby of the building to the auditorium doors. All were on hand to welcome and support the many friends and family of the 228^th in attendance as well as the Soldiers themselves as they entered.

At 1055, as the last of the families entered the hall, the members of the Warriors Watch assembled along the back of the auditorium with two rows of flags stretching the entire width of the basketball court. The bleachers were full, speakers at the podium, while the 228^th stood in the center of the venue to hear words of encouragement, appreciation and blessing as well as the applause of the attendees.

We remained in place through the 40 minute presentation until we preceded those assembled and again held a flag line for their exit before many of the WWR departed for Bristol. While at Spring-Ford things were very fluid and the WWR dealt with every change as if it were scripted – doing what was needed to give our Heroes the send-off they deserved.

The 228^th will have a difficult and dangerous mission clearing routes in Iraq and keeping them safe. The WWR will keep in touch with the 228^th Family readiness coordinator and others close to the 228^th so that in a little more than year we can welcome them home. In the mean time we’ll keep them close in our hearts and prayers and wish them a safe return home.

Liver, WWR

Ride report posted for  Cheryl ‘beads’ Riley

This was one of those missions that just kinda happened.

On the way home last Monday (3/1/10) I noticed the marquee in front of the the local elementary school. They were welcoming home a Sgt Adam Colon. Since it was after school hours I had to wait till Tuesday to make contact with someone. So Tuesday, my husband Steve and I went into the school office and talked to a few of the “office ladies” who told us that Sgt Colon had come to the school on Monday and that the children had been sending “care packages and letters and homemade pictures” to Sgt Colon and his buddies for the past year. Sgt Colon had given the school a certificate stating the Flag he was also giving them had been flown in a combat zone in Balad, Iraq. The children were thrilled to finally meet this US Army soldier who had been writing to them.

Well after talking to the school secretary, Ms Jean Muesser, we explained who we are and what we do and if there was anyway we could help in the future please let us know. Well another member of the school staff, Mrs Barb Westerlund is a friend of Sgt Colon and she was having a welcome home dinner celebration for him on Saturday night and if we could do something for Sgt Colon then, that would be perfect. Icing on the cake so to speak. So we will plan a meet n greet.

Saturday night comes along and with our goofy Chicago weather, it was nice enough for a several members to bring out their bikes. We staged in a local shopping center and while waiting for our LEO to arrive, Sgt Colons family and friends arrive. Since this had been arranged by friends, the family would be showing up with us as another surprise to Adam. His mom Rosa had to fight the whole time to hold back those happy tears. Not only was Adam home safely, but that we were here to honor her son. And I’m not sure how it happened but momma ended up on the back of a bike for the ride to final destination. What a thrill it was for her. I understand she now wants a bike.

With our LEO from Lake Zurich in place (Greg (who happens to know the family) has escorted us thru Lake Zurich several times but this was the first time being part of the home coming.), we were ready to go. Across the street into the subdivision with the siren and lights from our LEO, the roar from our bikes and the horns of our cages (cars and trucks) we let them know there was someone important in the neighborhood. When we pulled up in front of the house, everyone came running out to see what all the noise was about… Surprise Sgt Colon, this is for you!

After all the hugs, handshakes, backslaps and tears, we passed the coin, presented Adam with a printout of all the wonderful well wishes on the thread and gave him a set of beads. Sgt Colon thanked me and told me he understood how much thought and meaning went into the beads and would treasure them always. We took a bunch of group pictures then let this wonderful family enjoy their time TOGETHER as we rumbled into the night.

Special thanks go to the wonderful facility at Cotton Creek School in Island Lake, Il for their dedication to our young people, to “the future of our country” as quoted by Sgt Colon in a local paper.

To the Westerland family who allowed us to “crash” their dinner party.

Thanks to Lake Zurich Police Dept for once again being there for us, for them! You guys ROCK!

TO the family and Friends of Adam Colon, for sharing him with us. For allowing him to be our defender and hero.

And to Sgt Adam Colon…for what you do, THANK YOU is NOT enough. You are an American Hero. I am so glad you were able to stop by the school and show the children a real role model, someone who puts himself in harms way for the greater good without thought to ones own welfare. THANK YOU SGT ADAM COLON, THANK YOU and WELCOME HOME!

Wishing you God’s Love and protection,
Cheryl Riley aka Beads
A Proud Marine Mom

Ride Report posted for Paulie
FIRST—- A HUGE THANK YOU GOES TO JINKSEY for leading us from his mission to this one. Great route,we made great time. THANKS DAVE!!!!!!!

Our mission was to welcome home Cpl.Timothy Missel,U.S.M.C. from his deployment in Iraq. Cpl Missel was deployed shortly following his marriage to the love of his life,Samantha.

When the 15 bikes and a several cages from the first mission, arrived at the rally point, we met up with about 8-10 more bikes and just as many cages. The Boy Scouts were represented by Troop 26-thank you Scouts, and our LEO escort set up by TOOLMAN were waiting for us. Our LEO escort was on his police bike and had a patrol car with him.
At the briefing I thanked everyone for coming out and especially our own CALAMITY JANE,BOBCAT,GPOPS & MICHELE and MARIA from A HEROS WELCOME.

After a short ride to the home of Cpl. Missel’s in-laws, Joette & Jim Ewen, we mugged & hugged our HERO and escorted him to his own home in the next town over where the Yellow Ribbon Club & about 100 of their close friends were waiting. As we rolled up, the Evesham EMT/Fire dept was there with the battalion flag suspended from their ladder truck. The flag is about 20′ x 30′ if not bigger. When you pull up and see that flag, it takes your breath away and puts a lump in my throat everytime.
Just as Cpl Missel had the deer in the headlights look at the house, his eyes grew even bigger upon seeing the flag and the huge crowd. Several presentations were made including a flag flown over the US Capital from the local Congressman John Adler, the township, Col Bancroft, USMC ret, the Girl Scouts gave cookies, the Yellow Ribbon Club gave their “BLING” and BUCK LANDELL, pres of the DEFENDERS MC gave Cpl Missel our magic coin. Buck was Cpl Missel’s soccer coach when he was 5 yrs old, and Maria of A HEROS WELCOME presented Tim with a certificate and hug & kiss. Due to it being a windy day we had a tough time keeping our eyes dry but at least we tried.
Cpl Missel’s in-laws are very actively involved with the Yellow Ribbon Club and it was a special time to see the Ewen’s on the receiving end of things for once. Jim & Joette give much of their time to support the YRC and Jim even makes his own “JARHEAD JERKY” (guarenteed to make you GRUNT) which is shipped in YRC packages all over the Middle East.
As with each mission, this one was special in its own way and memorable to say the least.
WELCOME HOME MARINE   THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Ride Report posted for Al Philo

Alfonzo W. Giambrone was an American Hero, as a Veteran of the Korean War, U.S. Army. He spent his last years as a resident of the Gino Merli Veterans’ Center, in Scranton, PA. The request was for a flag line, at the viewing and calling hours, Friday evening, February 19, 2010. My pictures were taken at the very beginning of the time frame, as daylight was waning quickly. A dozen members of Warriors’ Watch Riders, Friends of the Forgotten, and Rolling Angels For Armed Forces gathered on the porch of the funeral home, to hold Old Glory and the U.S. Army flag in his honor.

After an hour, we all went inside, led by Friends of the Forgotten Northeast Wing president Howard Lee, to pay our respects. Member Kim Atkinson read a poem to honor a Fallen Soldier. She then presented a framed printing of the poem to the family of this Hero. George Atkinson called our contingent to Attention, to Present Arms. Our Veteran members gave a Military Salute; our civilian members held hands over hearts, as Nick Fata played Taps, from an adjoining room, as from the distance.

As we filed out to resume our places in the flag line, other members of our organizations were arriving, to take part in the flag line vigil, and to pay their respects.

Our deepest gratitude to the Miller-Bean Funeral Home, Friends of the Forgotten, Rolling Angels for Armed Forces, and especially to Alfonzo W. Giambrone, for his service to our country.

His obitiuary reads;

Alfonzo W. Giambrone

February 16, 2010

Alfonzo W. Giambrone, 79, a longtime resident of Scranton, died Tuesday afternoon in the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center after a lengthy illness. He was the widower of the former Ann Marie Ellis who died on October 29, 1991.

He was born in Dunmore, the son of the late Angelo and Elvira Nonni Giambrone. He was educated in Scranton Public Schools and was a member of St. Peters Cathedral. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the US Army. Prior to retirement he was employed by Morris White Fashions.

He enjoyed Penn State and the Yankees Old Timers games.

The family would like to thank Dr. Weston, Dr. Baikada, Dr. Hyzinski and the staff at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center for their compassionate care.

Surviving are two daughters, Laura Gallagher and her husband Patrick, Archbald, Angie Farris and her husband Thomas, Dickson City; a sister, Carmela Buckman, Scranton; a brother, Frank Giambrone, Scranton; two grandsons, Sean Gallagher, Archbald, Bryan Gallagher, Archbald; nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be Saturday at 8:30 a.m. from the Miller Bean Funeral Home, Inc., with Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Peter’s Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Avenue. Interment will follow in the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Friends may call on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Parents Loving Children through Autism (PLCTA), 1243 Wyoming Avenue, 3rd Floor, Scranton PA 18509.

Respectfully Submitted,
Al “Bluesman” Philo
Warriors’ Watch Riders Pennsylvania State Coordinator, Northeast PA Region

Ride report posted for RC Glen DeVries.

This sendoff has two stories.  The first story is about our hero, 2LT Neil Fotre.  During high school, the thought of military service never came up for Neil.  His plan was to go to college and earn a degree.  Before graduating from college, serving his country was more on his mind.  Both of Neils grandfathers had served, one in the Army and one in the Air Force.  So just before graduating college, Neil enlisted in the Army and then went home and told his parents.  His mom and dad were a little shocked, but very proud of their son.  Neil told them “I wish to serve for a cause greater then my own”.  Neil completed Basic Training in Ft. Benning Georgia and OCS in Ft. Knox Kentucky.  Neils first assignment as a 2LT will be to Korea, the same place that his grandfather served in 1950-51.

The second story is about Neils dad, Scott.  Scott is a member of WWR and has been ride captain on some Welcome Home Missions.  Scott said he knows what an honor to be on the WWR side of a mission and now he said “It’s just so overwhelming to be on the other side of the mission”.  So Scott e-mailed the WWR to get involved with his sons sendoff.  The plan was to have Neil, his family and friends at a sendoff party in the bar of a local restaurant.

WWR would parade inside the bar, carrying flags to surprise Neil and thank him for protecting our freedom.  That is exactly what we did. Twenty WWR members gathered outside the restaurant.  With flags in hand we paraded inside and surprised everyone. Scott had one request, he wanted to present the WWR Honor Coin to his son.  Scott honored his son with the coin.  The beads were presented, pictures were taken and one last round of applause and thank yous were given.

Ride Report posted for MAG

Ride Report posted for Michael K.

Sunday January 31st, 2010 the Warrior’s Watch had the honor along with the townspeople of Elgin, IL to welcome home Army Medic Sp. Aaron Shaw. Aaron was coming home on a 2 week leave from one of the most hostile areas in the world today. Just a little background on Aaron..He and 26 other US soldiers and 20 something mixed Afghan troops are stationed on the northern most base right near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. Whenever they need supplies that have to be flown in by helicopter because of the extreme dangers. This just shows the kind of dangers this brave soldier is faced with each day. When I heard about this mission I was very eager to want to RC this mission and get in contact with both Aaron’s Mom and Aunt. Both were extremely helpful with assisting in getting this done for Aaron. Sunday wound up being one of the most gorgeous days…Yes it was cold, it’s a Chicago winter…But it was one of the first sunny days we had in a long time and I had to believe that this was because of the events to occur. As I was running a little behind time, I received a call from Glen aka Bear hug that the parking lot where we were staging was filling up with many “Warriors”, family members, and people just passing by who wanted to be part of today’s welcome home…As soon as we got everyone organized we were told Aaron was on his way…Once arrived the whole parking lot was full of people yelling “WELCOME HOME AARON”!!!!, clapping, and US Flags waiving in the air…Was one of the happiest moments for Aaron’s Parents, brother, Aunts and Uncles…By the way one of his Uncles was a “River Rat” from Vietnam, who was so happy to see Aaron…Especially seeing him receive the welcome home he so deserved compared to how Aaron’s Uncle and “brothers” were treated some 30+ years ago…Well getting back to the family, both Aaron’s Mom and Aunts were very emotional to see there son safely home. Once Aaron was hugged

to an inch of his life, we were set to escort him to the Riverside Club (Veteran’s hall) that the family was throwing a Christmas Party. Aaron’s family had waited this whole time to celebrate Christmas until there “Warrior” returned home to them…To celebrate such a special day like Christmas would just not be the same to them without having Aaron there with them…Again this is the type of families we serve and are eager to sign up and want to serve again and again. Well the celebration ended with our short presentation and let me say it again was a honor to give Aaron a hug and welcome him home. I honestly can say Aaron was the tallest/muscular person I believe I met in my life and I’m sure his buddies back in Afghanistan are glad for that as well…If needed I’m sure Aaron could throw one man over each shoulder. Although he was a “Goliath” of a man, he was one of the nicest/humble soldiers I have meet. Thank you Aaron for your service to our

country. We can never thank you enough for all that you have given and sacrificed on our part to protect the freedom we love so very much. Thank you Aaron.

Ride Report posted for Rick

            In spite of the panic phone call from the base personnel, this was an easy fix. We had a whole 8 hours to set this up. Capt. Carel wasn’t supposed to be arriving for several days, but….

            We staged at the Corpus Christi Airport, where the taxis park. Our local Airport admin is very supportive of our efforts, and we don’t have to park away from the ‘action’. I arrived early, (I thought) to find WWR already waiting. We confirmed time and placements, and waited for our Hero to arrive. No sign of his family, yet. Mrs. Carel is also a Captain in the Naval Reserves, a Hornet pilot with many accomplishments of her own.

            As time grew close, several other groups joined us. The Bahia Bay Ladies, American Legion Riders, Veterans of Vietnam MC, and another Military Support organization, totaling 12 Bikes and several cages to greet this Hero after his 12 month+ adventure away from loved ones.

            Capt Carel’s flight arrived early, and his family just made it to the Baggage claim area as he was deplaning! His CO met him at the gateway, and we rendered honors as he descended to the ground level. Between the American Flags, and blocking the end, were his two son’s, holding a banner of their own!

            Hugs and kisses, followed by many thanks and handshakes while remaining luggage was retrieved. We got the Captain aside and coined him, then watched as his family lead him to a chartered limo arranged for his well deserved transport HOME!!

            God Bless you, Captain Carel. Thank you for your Service, and good wishes for your next assignment in Oklahoma.