Welcome Home Events Archives

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Events: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

2012

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12/19/12 Welcome Home
Two Seabees PHL to Levittown, PA

Below is a request from a proud dad to do an escort for his son and fiancée:

Hello, My name is Scot Dence. I am writing you because my son and his fiancee who are both active duty Navy Seabees will be coming home for the first time since returning from a tour in Afghanistan. It would mean the world to my wife and I if we could request for your organization to escort them from the airport to our home. I am a veteran of the Navy Seabees myself. It would be awesome to see them receive a special welcome home.
Thank you for your consideration.

Scot Dence

Here are their bios:

Utilitiesman Constructionman Anthony Hansrote is a resident of Bristol Township in Bucks County Pennsylvania. He attended Harry S. Truman High School graduating in 2009. He entered the United States Navy’s delayed entry program in June of 2010. After a year in the program he went to Basic Training at Recruit training Command Great Lakes Illinois. Upon completion of basic training he went to Navy Seabees Utilitiesman, A School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls Texas.

Upon graduation he received orders to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eleven. Before reporting to NMCB Eleven he had to complete Expeditionary Combat Skills at Naval Construction Training Center Gulfport Mississippi. In February of 2012 NMCB 11 deployed to Camp Krutke at U.S. Marine Corps Camp Leatherneck Helmand Province, Afghanistan. They returned to Gulfport Mississippi September of 2012.

Builder Constructionman Ashley Smith is a resident of Brant Michigan. She attended St Charles High School graduating in 2004. She enlisted in the United States Navy in 2010. She went to Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes Illinois. Upon completion she went to Navy Seabees Builder A School at Naval Construction Training Center Gulfport Mississippi.

Upon graduation she received orders to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eleven. Before reporting to NMCB Eleven she had to complete Expeditionary Combat Skills at Naval Construction Training Center Gulfport Mississippi. In February of 2012 NMCB 11 deployed to Camp Krutke at U.S. Marine Corps Camp Leatherneck Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

They returned to Gulfport Mississippi September of 2012.
NMCB-11 was deployed to U.S. Central Command to conduct general, mobility, survivability engineering operations, defensive operations, Afghan National Army (ANA) partnering and detachment of units in combined/joint operations area – Afghanistan in order to enable the neutralization of the insurgency and support improved governance and stability operations.
Among the numerous missions, the battalion conducted were a large-scale road construction project in southern Helmand province in which they partnered with the ANA, a village stability platform mission in support of Marine Special Forces, construction of helicopter landing zones, in partnership with the Italian army, to facilitate timely medical evacuations, and construction of buildings and facilities for an ANA recruit training command.

Anthony and Ashley were engaged to be Married on November 1st 2012
” I can’t even put into words my Thanks for what you do for the men and women returning home. I never had a big welcome home when I returned from my time in the Navy Seabees. This makes it all the more special to see it for my Son and future Daughter in law.

Scot Dence

Main Rally Point FB69
Rally Time 1100
KSU 1145

Please call 484-679-1717 for updates or changes!

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From: A Hero's Welcome <info@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 8:54 PM

Escort and Flag line for
KIA Cpl. Christopher M. Monahan, Jr.
12/5/12

NJ Warriors' Watch Riders will be standing in a flag line to honor a fallen Hero. If you can join in this honor mission, please see details below.

Thank you.

12- 5+6 - 12 KIA escort and flag line for Cpl.Monahan Jr. 
The family of Cpl. Christopher M. Monahan Jr. has invited us to be there to honor Christopher as he is returned to NJ and laid to rest. To read the full obituary.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Viewing is scheduled from 2-9 at:
Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home
                      703 Main Street
                                                                        Toms River, NJ 08753

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From: A Hero's Welcome <info@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2012 5:59 PM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 12/14/12 - 12/19/12

WELCOME HOME
CHAPLAIN LT. COLONEL GORDON FURBAY

WWR has been contacted by our good sister organization Humble Hearts for Hope to see if there was any way possible we could do a welcome home for this evening. ABSOLUTELY...us WWR love a challenge!!!

Chaplain Furbay is excited to be coming home for the celebration of Christmas with his family and also because his youngest son will be coming home from Oregon to see his dad. He is coming off a 9 month deployment serving with the 655th RSG in Afghanistan. This is his THIRD DEPLOYMENT! While in Afghanistan, he supervised the opening of the Chaplains Ministry Center and also was able to open a new chapel. Let's welcome home this Soldier and show him our thanks.

WWR will be forming FLAG LINE for our Hero's arrival on the lower level of the airport. RC: None required, no escort. REPORT DIRECTLY TO THE AIRPORT (parking available in small construction lot). Any overflow, park in short-term lot.

Rally Point: LVIA / ABE AIRPORTRally
Time: 2200 Hours (10:00 p.m.) LOWER LEVEL
(As with all flights, stay tuned for changes) watch http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1355510551/ FOR NOTICES OF CHANGES Please bring 3 x 5 flags.

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Welcome Home
PFC Matthew Brown, U.S. Army

THIS MISSION IS A STAND DOWN WE WILL DO A MUG & HUG ON SATURDAY EVENING 12/15 DETAILS ARE BELOW

We have a request for a welcome home from proud dad Judge Leonard Brown of Bensalem. This welcome home will be for the Judge’s youngest of four military sons, Matthew.

Matt attended St. Ephraim school in Bensalem for eight years and then went to George School in Newtown for High School. He was the captain of the football team and also played lacrosse. He grew up playing with guns and toy soldiers from an infant. Matt grew up surrounded by three brothers who also fought for their country. One of Matt’s brothers lost both legs from an IED explosion under their Humvee in Iraq.

In Feb 2011 he enlisted in the US Army and went to Ft. Benning Georgia where he went through infantry training and finished first in his class. After that he completed airborne school. Upon graduating he was assigned to the second infantry division, third brigade, 123rd infantry Battalion. He deployed to Afghanistan in March 2012 until November 2012. He has recently been submitted to be a candidate for West Point by the US Army.
Lets show Matt how much we appreciate his service.

Main Rally Point
KMart Parking Lot
1837 Street Rd.
Rally Time 8:00 PM
KSU 8:30 PM

We will ride a short distance to do our famous Mug & Hug RC Seabee4

Thanks Rich!!

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12/15/12 Welcome Home
Cpl. Kwame K. Bradley, U.S.M.C. PHL to
Sharon Hill, PA

A Hero’s Welcome, Please join the Warriors Watch Riders for a late night welcome home from the proud dad of Lcpl. Kwame K. Bradley, USMC, he will be returning home on Saturday evening December 15, 2012, returning from a six month deployment in Afghanistan. We will be traveling from the Philadelphia International Airport to Sharon Hill, Delaware County, PA. which is approximately 5 miles.

Lets show Kwame how much we appreciate his service.

Kwame Kenyatta Bradley graduated from Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill, PA in June of 2010. Before graduating high school, Kwame expressed interest in serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. After graduation, Kwame officially joined the Marines and started preparing for Boot Camp. He shipped out to Parris Island on April 4, 2011. He successfully graduated from Boot Camp on July 3, 2011, and became a Private. Kwame then went on to Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger. After successfully completing Marine Combat Training, he then went on to his MOS training as a Combat Engineer at Camp Lejeune. Kwame completed his MOS training in November 2011 and achieved the rank of Private First Class. He was then assigned to his Permanent Duty Station in Twenty-nine Palms, California. Kwame’s first deployment to Afghanistan was in June of 2012. While in Afghanistan, Kwame achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. He served approximately six months in Afghanistan and returned to the United States on November 20, 2012. Kwame is currently at his PDS in Twenty-nine Palms and will be returning home for the first time in over a year for a well deserved leave to spend time with family and friends. 

Main Rally Point FB69
Rally Time 10:45 PM
KSU 11:15 PM

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From: A Hero's Welcome <info@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 2:14 PM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 12/1/12 - 12/2/12

A Hero's Welcome
upcoming events for 12/1/12 - 12/2/12

Don't forget to bring your American Flag! Tell a friend! 
12/1/12 Welcome/Escort E3 Dominic Baker U.S. Navy PHL to NE Phila

NJ Dec 1, Greg Dalessio 5k Run flag line

ECPA SEPA 12/1 Welcome Home
378th CSSB Allentown, PA

12/2/12 Mug N Hug for
James Puccella, U.S. Army/Korean War Veteran
East Norriton, PA

any questions or for additional info call 484-679-1717 Thank you! 

(732-349-5700) As always, it would be appreciated if you can be there a half hour prior to the viewing time to have a flag line set for the family's arrival. This is a long period of time to stand and whatever time you can give is appreciated. All we ask is that you come and go quietly. Thursday, December 6, 2012: Be at the funeral home by 10:00 am for the escort to: St. Barnabas R.C. Church
33 Woodland Ave.
Bayville, NJ.

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Welcome Home
SP/4 Aaron Nelson, U.S. Army
& Wounded Warrior Bethlehem, PA

From Army wife Kristy Nelson:

My husband Aaron Nelson, is in the Army and was in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom from April 2011 - September 2011. His deployment was cut short on September 11th 2011, when an IED exploded and left him with three broken vertebrae. He was sent back to his duty station at Ft. Wainwright, where he began his healing, and was awarded a Purple Heart. He was told that he could no longer be an infantry soldier and needed to change his job or be medical boarded out of the Army. He chose to stay in the Army and is currently going through training for his new job. He will be returning home next month for the first time in almost two years. 

BIO:
Age: 24
Hometown: Bethlehem Pa
High School/College: Freedom High School Class of 2007
Parents: Stephen and Laura Nelson
Branch of Service: US Army
Unit: 1st Battalion 5th Infantry Regiment 1/25 SBCT (during deployment) new unit 18th Fires Brigade (Airborne)
Rank: SP/4
Specialty: 11 Bravo (Infantry) (during deployment) new job 88 Mike (Truck Driver)
Served: Afghanistan
When: Operation Enduring Freedom April 2011 - September 2011
Medals Earned: Purple Heart, 2 Army Commendation Medals, ISAF tour, Global War on Terrorism, National Defense, Combat Infantry Badge, Professional Development Ribbon, Certificate of Achievement.

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See the latest USO Newsletter
Issue 23, October, 2012

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Welcome Home
James F. Brogan IV, US Army, Phila

James was a Vietnam Vet with the US ARMY as a gunner with the aviation's division.

He voluntarily joined the ARMY in 1966 and was deployed to Vietnam in 1967. He was an E5 rank. He did two tours and returned home in 1973.

We will surprise James at the VFW Post on Frankford Ave in the Fishtown area.

Let's get out and show James Brogan how much we appreciate his past service to our country.

Rally: Dunkin Donuts at 2437 Aramingo Ave, Phila
Rally time: 13:30 (1:30pm)
KSU: 14:15 (2:15pm)
Destination: VFW Post in Fishtown, Phila., PA.

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Welcome Home
Sgt Daven Markle Witt, US Army 

Daven Markle Witt is 28 years old and is married to Heather. They have two beautiful sons, Aidan and Rowan. Daven grew up in Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey. He enjoyed playing baseball and football and excelled at wrestling while in High School at Rancocas Valley Regional. He is a graduate of class 2003. His siblings are Adrienne and Ryan, and step parents are Peter Anderson and Tammie Witt.

Daven has always been a natural leader whether it was getting all of the neighborhood kids together to play outside to leading a bunch of internet gamers on the many on-line games to take over the world.

Upon joining the military, Daven quickly realized his leadership talents, dedication and commitment to responsibility were the perfect fit for him and the US Army. The US Army honed his skills and Daven quickly rose to the rank of SGT. He has received many awards, medals, letters of commendation, special assignments and earned the utmost respect.

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WELCOME HOME
PFC Daniel J. Estrada, U.S. ARMY

Private First Class Daniel J. Estrada from his deployment in Afghanistan. 
PFC Daniel J. Estrada is 21 years old and is a Cavalry Scout in the 82nd Airborne.

Daniel graduated from Spotswood High School in Spotswood in 2010 where he was a member of the track and football teams. He went to boot camp in August 2011 at Fort Benning, Georgia and graduated One Station Unit Training in December.

After graduation he attended
Jump school Georgia and received his wings and became part of the 82nd Airborne in North, Carolina. In March of 2012 he was deployed to Afghanistan. 

His Mom Denise, Father Joe, sisters April and Robyn and brother Joey are very excited to see him home!!! 

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WELCOME HOME
PETTY OFFICER BOB STEINER, U.S. NAVY 

Welcome Home and Thank you for your Service
ET1 Bob Steiner.

PO1 Steiner has been in the Navy for 13 years. He has been on Numerous Deployments and assigned to a Multitude of Locations. Although He is stationed in California Bob and His Wife are from this Area (NJ) and they are returning home for 3 weeks leave to his Parents House in Camden. NJ.

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WELCOME HOME
CPL NICK IAVECCHIA, USMC

S. Philly to Horsham
Thank you Jesse!

Here is what we got from his uncle:

My nephew has returned from an 8 month tour in Afghanistan September 5th. He is a Marine Lance Corporal with the 2/5. He lives in Santa Clara, CA but all his family is here in Phila. area. His Dad, Uncle and Cousin will be at the airport to pick him up. His request is to stop at Pat’s Steaks in South Phila. upon landing before we head to my house for 3 days in Horsham, PA where the remainder of his extended family will welcome him home.

Here is some more information about the family:

Looks like we will have 3 heroes from the same family to welcome home.
Nick’s Granddad is Veto Iavecchia who was a bombardier on a B24, flew 2 missions on D Day. His plane was shot up on a bombing run 6 days after D-Day. The crew voted not to ditch the plane in Germany and were able to barely get across the Baltic where they crash landed in Sweden (lost all their hydraulics). The crew was interned in Sweden for 6 months. Veto will be at my house to welcome Nick…..unless you think we should get him to Pat’s so he can experience the escort?? Veto is 92 years old.

Nick’s Father is Jeff Iavecchia who will meet him at the airport. Jeff served stateside only during the Viet Nam War. He was an ex-ray tech caring for the wounded soldiers sent back to the states. So there will be 3 generations of military.

So it looks like “Cheese wit” for breakfast. 

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Welcome Home
Master Chief Lewandowski, US Navy

Master Chief Lewandowski has served over 20 years of active duty with 10 more in the fleet reserves. Some of his awards and medals are Vietnam Service Medal with 1 bronze star/Vietnam Campaign Medal with device/Combat Action Ribbon/Good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze stars.

John will be turning 65 on October 16th!

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Welcome Home
Navy Corpsman Anthony Hunt

My son Anthony Hunt is a Navy Corpsman attached to the Marine Sniper Unit 1/7 currently in Afghanistan, his return is hopefully the end of September 2012, He will then return to his home base Twenty-Nine Palms where he will wait to be eligible for a 96 to come home to Northeast Philadelphia.

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A Hero’s Welcome
Mug N Hug 8/12/12 for
1st LT Steven Biggs,
Newtown, PA

We’ve been asked by the family and friends of 1st Lt Steven Biggs, if we can surprise him and escort him back to his house for a party in his honor.
by Meatball: Here's the deal (I think lol), they’re going to send Steven out for some ice at the Newtown Acme. We’ll intercept him, give him a WWR mug-n-hug and escort him back to his home.
ROCK STAR TREATMENT!!!
Rally - Chick-Fil-A
4 West Rd, Newtown Pa. (same one we meet for the unattended vets ceremony)
Rally Time - 1700 (5PM)
KSU - 1730 (5:30PM)
We’ll be escorting the Lt a short distance to his home.
RC’s - Meatball and Brett Santai

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Honor Mission for
SSG Francis Carelli,
US Army
8/13/12 Bensalem, PA
A FREIND OF ONE OF OUR OWN

SSG Francis ”Frank” Carelli is a dear friend of the WWR’s own George ”Daddio” Delia.

SSG Carelli, ARMY, 82nd Airborne, served 2 tours in Korea and was a PATRIOT, through and through.
We’ve been asked to honor SSG Carelli with a flagline and an escort to his final place of rest.

Lets show this hero and his family how much his service and sacrifice means to us.

We’ll set our flagline at the Burns Funeral home, escort our hero to Our Lady of Fatima Church for mass then onto his final resting place at Resurrection cemetery in Bensalem.

RALLY-Great American Pub, Bensalem Pa
2900 Street Rd, Bensalem Pa 19020 (this is NOT the one near Brian’s HD)
RALLY TIME-0645 ( 6:45 am)
KSU-0700 ( 7am )

Watch our site http://www.aheros-welcome.org/ for upcoming missions in our area and across the country!
Watch us on Facebook or
Join us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/#!/AHeroesWelcome It’s FREE!

Please check the AHW Hotline 484-679-1717 for last minute updates and changes.

For more information call Maria @ 610-327-2916

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A Hero’s Welcome
UPDATE! 8/11/12 for Husband and Wife Marines, Eddystone, PA

We Received a request from Myrna Russi to see if we could welcome home her son and his new wife. Well you know what the answer was. Here is what mom had to say:

My son graduated from Ridley High School in 2010. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and left for Boot Camp to Parris Island in April 3, he graduated in July 2, 2010. He meet Private First Class Brittany Hennion another Marine in 2010,

They are happily married serving in the United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Morales (Jesse) likes to play X-Box 360 Live in which he keeps in touch with his brother Billy Joel and his favorite cousin Jose Colon and other close friends and family. 

His 21st Birthday was July 27

I REQUEST YOUR PRESENCE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2012. MY SON LANCE CORPORAL JEZIEL MORALES AND HIS WIFE PRIVATE FIRST CLASS BRITTANY MORALES ARE DRIVING HOME FROM NORTH CAROLINA. THEY WILL ARRIVE HOME FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, BUT I DON'T KNOW THE TIME, THEY ARE BOTH MARINES WHO CAME BACK HOME IN APRIL FROM AFGHANISTAN. THIS IS HIS FIRST TIME HOME FROM BEING DEPLOYED. THEY CAME BACK TO CAMP LEJEUNE BASE IN APRIL 18 AND GOT MARRIED SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2012. THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO CELEBRATE THEIR MARRIAGE OR HAD TIME OFF SINCE THEY CAME BACK. I AM HAVING A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR LANCE CORPORAL MORALES ON SATURDAY AT 5PM. IT WOULD BE NICE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEM AND WELCOME BOTH OF THEM.

Rally Time: 4:00 PM
Rally Place: FB 69 / 82nd and Bartram Ave. Phila, PA
KSU: 4:30 PM / Escort Destination to the Don Manion Lighthouse Park
Don Marion – Lighthouse field where an Eddystone National Night Out has been planned by the community. We will be joining the community at 5:00 in recognizing Jesse and Brittany for their service to our country.

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MUG-N-HUG
VIETNAM VET JACK PALMER
8/12/12
NE Philly UPDATE

Time and Location Update!

We have requested to do a well over due welcome home for Vietnam Veteran Jack Palmer father of Michael ”Puff” Palmer of the Bullets mc.

John Edward Palmer JR
Enlisted October 1965. Honorably discharged Sept 1970 as E7. Boot camp, Camp Lejune 10/65 1/67.
State Department
January 67-68 Ceylon, India
January 68-69 Kenya, Africa
Camp Lejune January 69-dec 69
Vietnam/Japan December 1969 - September 70.

where: 8th District 3100 Red Lion Rd. and Academy Rd Northeast Philadelphia
Rally time: 3pm
ksu: 3:45
Rc: Duff and JDuffy thanks guys for stepping up

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A Hero’s Welcome 7/30/12 
Spc. Evan Flora, U.S. Army
Collegeville, PA

I was contacted by Jay Murphy, Chief of the Collegeville FD as he was asked by Cheryl Flora to help her welcome her son home. We are ready, willing and able to get this Hero welcomed in Rock Star Fashion!

Spc. Evan Flora, US Army will be arriving at PHL on July 30, 2012.
We will meet the Flora family in Collegeville and escort their Hero to their home. Evan will ride in a Collegeville Fire Truck just like his Grandfather did as Chief Engineer!!!

Let’s help the Flora family bring home their HERO!!!! It’s a great time of day.. Let’s do it!!!!

Rally Point: Raymour and Flanagan store parking lot
300 Waterloop Dr. Collegeville, PA (off Rt 29)
Rally Time: 7:00 PM
KSU: approx 7:30 PM or when our Hero arrives from the airport
Escort to our Hero’s home in Collegeville, PA
Bring your friends to meet a real American Hero!

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7/28/12 Fourth Annual Hospitalized Veterans Tribute at Gorgas Park, Phila. PA

Place: Gorgas Park, Ridge Avenue and Hermitage Street, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Date: Saturday July 28, 2012 - 10am until 3pm

The Warriors’ Watch Riders will escort hospitalized Vets from Coatesville Veteran’s Hospital.
A Hero’s Welcome will stand in a flag line as they arrive to welcome the Veteran’s to the event.
This may be the first Welcome Home some of these veterans have ever received! Please join us to show our appreciation to these un-sung Heroes.

Other events of the day:

Operation Bedding will host a Flea Market (7:00 am) / All proceeds to benefit Operation Bedding in support of our troops. Operation Bedding has deployed more than 10,000 care packages to our troops deployed through out the world.

9:30 am: Classic Cars and Military vehicles will be positioned in Gorgas Park and will remain on display for our veterans and community throughout the day.

10:00 am All activities in place and ready to go.
Activities and tables include information from numerous community and civic groups.
Music, face painting, Classic cars. Local Boy and Girl Scout troops along with many members of our community will assemble to form the flag lined "Walk of Honor" for our visiting VIP's from the Coatesville VA Medical center. This has been a major part of the event as people gather to welcome our veterans.

10:30 Veterans from Coatesville VA Medical hospital arrive with a motorcycle escort from numerous veterans groups including Operation Bedding, Warriors Watch, Hero's Welcome, Legion Riders and more. Classic cars from the Ridge Runners will also escort the bus carrying our guests. Each hospitalized veteran will be greeted as they are escorted through the walk of honor to their seats for the concert and picnic.

11:00 am Merion Concert Band with more than 50 volunteer members under the direction of Nathan Snyder will conduct music consisting of show tunes, classical, and patriotic arrangements. The Merion Concert Band has been performing this concert since the inception of the event. 

Noon Old Academy Players will perform a scene from their popular series of one act plays. This has become a favorite portion for our veterans.

1:00 pm Merion Concert Band with more than 50 volunteer members under the direction of Nathan Snyder will conduct their second set of musical arrangements consisting of show tunes, classical, and patriotic arrangements.

2:00 pm Coatesville veterans depart.
The veterans will depart and be escorted through the Walk of Honor were the community will again thank our warriors for their service to our country. Operation Bedding will provide each veteran with a care package to return to the hospital.

Warriors’ Watch Riders will be escorting Veterans from Coatesville Veteran’s Hospital to Gorgas Park

6400 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA

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A Hero’s Welcome 7/28/12 
Sr. Airman Stephen J. Hopkins
Chalfont, PA

Rally time: 3:15 PM
KSU: 3:45 PM
Rally: Giant Food Store
Rt 202 (W. Butler Ave) and Lenape Dr. Chalfont, PA (address may be updated)
RC: Techgirl

We received a request from John C. Lynch, a school mate and fellow veteran of our friend, Charlie Becker. John’s and his wife Elaine (Hopkins) Lynch are grandparents of Sr. Airman Stephen J. Hopkins. Steve (Bucky) who has just completed a 7 month deployment as an Air Force Security Forces, at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. At this time he is at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

Steve (Bucky) Hopkins will leave Europe, and arrive at Philadelphia Int. Air Port, Friday, July 27, 2012. Steve lives with his parents Stephen W. Hopkins and Peggy Anne Hopkins and sister Jenna A. Hopkins in Chalfort, PA 18914.

John has requested that A Hero’s Welcome and Warriors Watch assist with this Homecoming! OF COURSE WE CAN!! WE”D LOVE IT!!!

The family will be celebrating his homecoming on Sat. July 28, 2012 in the afternoon in Chalfont. More details to follow.
“Thank you for your service to our Troops”

John C. and Elaine Lynch.
RC is Karen/Techgirl. thanks Karen!!!

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7/28/12 ECPA Welcome Home
Spc. Donald Zook, U.S. Army
Wyomissing, PA

WWR was contacted by Army mom Tammy Schlouch to see if we would be able to surprise her son SPC Donald Zook for his welcome home party. Tammy, we'd love to!

Spc Donald Zook is in the infantry with Alpha Company 2-8 Cav 1BCT 1CD. He will be arriving back from deployment to Iraq as well as Kuwait.
Our hero has earned the Army Commendation Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
We will be escorting our hero from his home to a party his family has arranged to welcome him home. The escort will be less than five miles in distance.

RC: CanAmChris
Main Rally Point: Wawa at 100 Lancaster Pike, Wyomissing, PA
Rally Time: 4:50 PM
KSU: 5:15 PM

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Welcome Home
Alex Poli, U.S. Navy Corpsman
Roslyn, PA

Alex deployed in December for Afghanistan and returned last week. He was assigned to 2/9 Marines out of Camp Lejeune. Many of you might remember we did a send off for him right before he left. Well, Mom says her sons birthday is the 22nd of July and he is also coming home that weekend and we could say both welcome home and happy birthday to him as a two-fer of sorts. 

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Welcome Home
Sgt. Robert Derr, U.S. Army
Lancaster, PA

SGT Derr serves with the 378th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion as an Information Tech Specialist. He has earned two Army Achievement medals as well as Certificates of Achievement. He has also helped to build a FOB in less than 30 days – a first!
Rob is excited to come home and see his 11 year old daughter as well as his sister (a soldier as well) who will be traveling up from Florida to see him.

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Welcome Home
Shane Maxton, U.S. Army

Shane is U.S. Army, HHC2-28 Infantry and has returned from Afghanistan. 

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^{Unattended Veterans Service
Washington Crossing National Cemetery
Thursday
July 26th, 2012
2:00 p.m.}

Military Honors will be performed in honor of those veterans interred in the month of June who had no one attending their service.

The names will be read, the Pennsylvania Military Honors team will present the flag to a cemetery volunteer who will receive the flag on behalf of all of the veterans. The Guardians will perform the rifle salute and provide live Taps if available. If not, the electronic bugle will be used.

The unattended veteran’s service will take place after the scheduled 1:30pm service has been completed.

It is our hope that all cemetery employees will be present along with any interested individuals wishing to attend. Feel free to invite anyone you wish. Clergy of all faiths are invited to attend. If they care to offer any words during the service, please contact Gina Accardo, at (215)504-5610 extension #202, or e-mail gina.accardo@va.gov.

Respectfully Submitted,
Gina M. Accardo, PhDc
Management & Program Analyst/COTR
DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
National Cemetery Administration
Washington Crossing National Cemetery
Newtown, PA 18940

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Welcome Home
Sgt. James L Ritter Jr.
U.S.M.C. Newportville, PA

RALLY: NEWPORTVILLE FIRE COMPANY
2425 New Falls Rd.
Newportville, PA

RALLY TIME: 7-15/12 1300
K.S.U.: 1315

We will escort our hero to a party in his honor being held a short distance away.

Bio from family:

James L. Ritter Jr. entered the Marines after graduating Truman High School in 2003. Upon graduating boot camp from Parris Island NC he entered Aviation Electronics School in Pensacola FL. He was then stationed at Cherry Point NC. He married his wife Linda Marie Myers Ritter and had two beautiful children, James Anthony Ritter, six years old, and Abigail Victoria Ritter, four years old. He was deployed four times over his nine years of active duty, once to Iraq in 2005 and three time to various MEUS all over the world. He is classified as an Aviation Electrician working on the Harrier Jump Jet among other specialties. He achieved the rank of Sgt.

To access this mission’s thread on our web sites forum, click.

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SEPA Mug-n-Hug
Thomas Buseman, U.S.M.C.
Holland, PA

Welcome home LCP Thomas Buseman USMC. We’ve been asked to join Warriors Watch to join them at a second welcome home/Mug n Hug on Sunday. This request came from a proud Marine mom for her retuning hero.

We’ll roll up to their house in true, make some noise, rattle the neighbors and give Thomas the ROCK STAR TREATMENT he deserves! This will be the 2nd of 2 missions on Sunday. Let’s make a day of it !!!

FROM PROUD MOM, DENISE:

My son Thomas Buseman will be coming home to this area this weekend and we are having a party to welcome him home after serving 6 months over in Afghanistan. I would like to request a mug and hug for Sunday. Please let me know if you can help Thanks Denise 

RALLY-Wawa 236 Holland Rd, Holland Pa (215 357-2602)
RALLY TIME-1515 ( 3:15 pm) 7/15
KSU-1545 (3:45 pm)

ALSO FROM MOM:

Thomas has no idea we are planning this and he will be shocked when you pull up!

Graduated Parris Island boot camp January 2009 and was assigned the job of Forward Observer. He was then moved to Ft. Sill Oklahoma to learn his MOS. He spent time in Quantico Marine Corp base learning joint fire observer. He spent time in Coronado Navy Base learning navel gun fire forward observer.

December 2011 to June 2012 he was sent to forward observing base “Vegas” in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan he controlled fixed wing aircraft and rotary wind aircraft, located targets and radioed coordinates back to helicopters that would drop bombs. “Toms Highlights of his vacation”.. he fired a 203 grenade launcher.

Tom has received many ribbons during his service to include his latest one “Good Cookie” global war on terrorism, national defense, sea service deployment, Afghanistan campaign.

Tom will be out of the service late 2012 and then will serve 4 additional years inactive duty. 

My son would like to become either an FBI Agent or join a police force as his choice of careers. To this I often say to him – That it is so ironic his choice of professions because when he left for boot camp he was still running from the police! 4 Years, Marriage and a baby will and can straighten anyone out!

Thank you so much for caring for our Troops, it means a lot for them and also the family!

Tom’s interests outside of his family - Avid Fly Fisherman, hunting.

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A Hero’s Welcome for
Petty Officer Gerdaitis, U.S. Navy
South Phila.

We have been asked by the father of Petty Officer Gerdaitis to welcome home his son and that is what we are going to do!

HM3 Gerdaitis has been stationed with FMF 2/9 Weapons company deployed to Afghanistan since December.

The Warriors’ Watch Riders will be escorting Petty Officer Gerdatis to a party in his honor.

A Hero’s Welcome will rally, 7/14/12, at 1831 S. 2nd St. Phila PA 19147 with American Flags and our banner to welcome home our Hero!

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A Hero’s Welcome for
SPC Brett Verbich and SGT Charles Brown,
U.S. Army Fairless Hills, PA

WELCOME HOME, 2 FOR 1

On Saturday July 14th, we’ve been asked to do a welcome home/escort for not just one but two HEROES!

We’ll be picking up both soldiers in the Fairless Hills Pa area and escorting them to a party being held in their honor at a local American Legion.
Please post if you can attend this welcome home.

FROM MOM:

Brett is a 2001 graduate of Pennsbury High School, and Bucks County Technical High School. Brett has lived in the Fairless Hills area all of his life. He has been in the army for 31/2 years. He is a Black Hawk Crew Chief. He is currently stationed at Ft. Hood and is a part of the 1st Air Cav.

I can’t tell you a whole lot about Charles. He is one of my son’s SGTs and I met him while visiting Brett in Texas. I have adopted him as another son. He is from California and he, too, is a black hawk crew chief. He also was stationed in Afghanistan for a year. He, too, is stationed at Ft Hood, but will be leaving for Germany in Nov. And he is a part of 1st Air Cav as well.

LET’S GIVE THESE 2 HEROES A WELL DESERVED WELCOME HOME.

RALLY - CONWELL EGAN HIGH SCHOOL
611 Wistar Rd
Fairless Hills Pa 19030

RALLY TIME -1500 (3 PM) 7/14/12 

KSU- 1530 (3:30 PM)

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Welcome Home
LCPL Guadalupe U.S.M.C.
PHL to N. Phila

From Elizabeth:

As a single parent I knew that as I watch my children grow up and into adulthood there are many joys, thrills, laughter, terrors, ups, downs, scares, sadness and always love. As my child moves from one momentous moment to another, my heart felt like it will burst with love, Nico is my Pride and Joy. He is my oldest son and has one brother.

As he was growing up he always wanted to be different. He loved all kinds of sports but basketball was his favorite. In high school was his first real struggles but always reached to the top, Graduated from MBA Charter School 2007 was awarded best artist in school, was also selected for the best mascot artist which was chosen to be printed on the school shirt. At Senior Prom was Prom Prince. Nico was also the student who was selected to win his high school ring. (I did not have to pay for it). After high school he went to CCP for 1 1/2 yr. He also worked for Lowes & Toys R Us. But one morning he decided that he wanted to do more, I came home from work and he gave me the news of him becoming a US Marine. In January 07, 2011 Graduated Boot Camp. In November 29, 2011 was deployed to Afghanistan. He is in a Scout Sniper unit where he always dreamed of becoming. After deployment he will be going to Scout Sniper School for three months.

"Nico has made me a proud mom"

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Welcome Home Escort
US AIR FORCE Michae Koeheler

He is attached to a Bomber squadron where he works as a Technician on the planes performing vital Maintenance and repairs.

Our Hero grew up in Logan Twp., NJ where he attended High School at the Gloucester Catholic Graduating in the top 10% of Gloucester Catholic. He went on to College at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) 

Michael Received a perfect SAT math score and a 98 out of 100 for the US Air Force entrance Exam.

Michae has been deployed to Overseas, London England for a year and is returning home to a VERY supportive and welcoming family. 2 Younger Brothers; Paul (19) & Dan (17), Mom and Dad
Michael and Jacqueline Koehler. 

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Welcome Home
Sgt. William Stalnecker,
US Army Bensalem, PA

Sgt. William Stalnecker will be coming after his second tour once in Iraq and Afghanistan for a year. Bill will be coming home from Colorado with his wife and 1 daughter and 3 sons for a party his family is throwing for him.

SGT Bill Stalnecker enlisted in the Army in January as a Combat Medic. In 2008, Bill was deployed to Iraq where he served one year and worked in the field administering emergency medical treatment to battlefield casualties. Bill was again deployed in May, 2011 – this time to Afghanistan where he provided first aid and trauma care in the field. On February 25, 2012 Bill was awarded the Combat Medical Badge for helping a fellow soldier and friend. Bill personally wrote 

“On August 11, 2011 a friend stepped on a mine and I was able to help him out. Thanks to my platoon for helping me that day. And thanks to Tae for having a smile on your face when I got to you. You made my job a lot easier. Today I was awarded the CMB.”

Bill is dedicated and takes pride in his work – caring for people. He especially loves taking care of children in need. Bill returned to the United States in May 2012. He is currently stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. In June, Bill will be coming HOME to Bensalem where his parents and “EVERYONE” will celebrate him! 

Bill was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia/Bensalem area. He graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in 1991. Bill and his wife Tina have four beautiful children, Kierstyn 16; Robert 14; Nicholas 10 and Christopher 5. 
We are so proud of Bill and love him very much. We wish him all the best, happiness and continued success in his career. 

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WElCOME HOME
Lt. Paul Stanko, US Army
Pottstown, PA

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WELCOME HOME
Cpl. Jeremy Michael Messner, USMC
PHL to Birdsboro

Corporal Jeremy Michael Messner has the Marine been enlisted in the USMC for 4 years. He is attached to the
1st LAR Bn H&S Co. JUMP, Camp Pendleton, CA. with the 0313 Infantry LAV Crewman as a Gunner.

Ride Captain: Aeropilot
Cpl Messner has served 2 tours in Afghanistan. Jeremy is a Graduate of Penn State University 2007 and has worked as a Camera man for Channel 69 news Berks county. His hobbies are Film, reading, and video games.
Jeremy is married to LeeAnne Pikula and has a sister (Kendra) and brother (Kevin), Mother Colleen, Father Rick.
Jeremy comes from a long line of Patriot’s with military background including;
Maternal Great Grandfather WW I
Maternal Grandfather Air Force
Paternal Grandfather Merchant Marine, Marine, Navy
Father Army
Below is a picture of Cpl Messner during deployment in Afghanistan (Marine with hair!)

 

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Welcome Home
Petty Officer Nicole Diviny,
U.S. COAST GUARD

Petty Officer Nicole Diviny in the Coast Guard is coming home from the Gulf after serving a year Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq.
I ask for the Warriors to meet her at the airport to welcome her home. I am a Police officer at the airport and I see how wonderful and grateful our Troops and Families feel.

Thank you and God Bless

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Welcome Home
Sr. Airman Brett Bellemore, U.S.A.F.
Marlton, NJ

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Welcome Home
Captain Steven Baldino, USMC 

Steve Uniform	Chris & Kristin wedding	Steve Performing at Hard Rock Cafe 12.11.10

Short bio:

Captain Baldino is a Naval Academy graduate (2007) and graduated from the Salesianum High School in Delaware. He was awarded for outstanding achievement in music among a class of 263 graduates. Salesianum High School Jazz Quartet (2001-2003). Various paid performances at country clubs, museums, hotels and restaurants!

Steven is with the Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division as Assistant Operations Officer and deployed to Afghanistan during 2011 and 2012. He has also completed a deployment to Iraq in 2009. 

Our Hero will be returning from Afghanistan, arriving on May 23 at the Wilmington train Station and I was hoping to have a hero’s welcome for him. He does not like to be the center of attention so I don’t want it to be too much, but maybe just a few military who have been in his shoes would be great. Can you make some suggestions for me? His name is Captain Steven Baldino, US Marine Corps. Thanks so much,
All my best,
Donna Baldino

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Welcome Home
Cpl. Brad Woods, USMC
NE Philadelphia

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Welcome Home
Spc. Danny Duffey, U.S. Army 
Plymouth Meeting, PA

We have been contacted by the proud family of Spc. Danny Duffy to see if we could assist in a Welcome Home for him, okay you already know the answer so we will be Welcoming Home Danny and escorting him home to the awaiting family and friends

Bio:

Dan attended LaSalle College High School from 1998 to 2002 where he was active in music and stage shows. Upon graduation he received a scholarship to Mercer University in GA, but decided to remain in the Philadelphia area where he attended Drexel University. He is an avid Phillies fan, going to Spring Training, and was on the field during the 2007 Division win. Dan graduated from Basic and Infantry training from Ft. Benning, GA on August 20, 2010 as a Mortarman.

Dan’s paternal Grandfather Walter J. Duffey was also stationed at Ft. Benning, GA before he was sent to Europe during WWII. He was stationed at Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska when he deployed to Afghanistan with the 5-1 Cavalry. This was his first deployment. Dan has recently been promoted to Specialist, and will decide what future path to take with the military.

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Welcome Home 5/12
SSgt Jason Kertz, USMC
PHL to Collins Lakes, NJ

Welcome Home SSgt Jason Kertz, USMC
SSgt Jason Kertz, USMC is returning home from his 4th tour in Afghanistan. That’s right folks, FOUR times this Hero has gone to A-Stan, THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS SAY THANK YOU.

He was with the 1/3 stationed in Hawaii, coming home on leave and returning to Texas for recruiting duty. Jason is a 1998 graduate from Hammonton High School. He is bringing home a special person to meet his mother Barbara who hasn’t seen him in two years. Jason will also be celebrating his 32nd birthday on May 12. Let’s make this a birthday he won’t forget.

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Welcome Home
Cpl. Granville B. Cantrell III USMC
Glenmoore, PA

Grant was injured by an IED on September 28, 2011 while serving his second tour with the 3rd Battalion 6th Marines in southern Afghanistan. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and injuries to his feet and legs. After 8 months of multiple surgeries and setbacks; he is now able to stand and is learning to walk again.

Grant is a 2008 graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, and is the son of Sandra Cantrell-Edwards of Pottstown and the late G. Barclay Cantrell Jr. of Malvern.

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WELCOME HOME
CHIEF STEVE JANCSO, U.S. NAVY
FT. WASHINGTON, PA
May 8th

We have been given the honor of welcoming Master Chief Steve Jancso home from his long deployment to the war and absence from home. He was just promoted to Master Chief, and is awaiting orders assigning him to a Command Master Chief position. He has had quite a career (and he is a new father of twins, who he has only seen a short time).

Diane writes:

My husband, Steve, (AWCM Steve Jancso) was born and raised in Blacksburg, Va. He is completing 22 years in the Navy this August (2012). He has been stationed locally at Willow Grove NAS for the majority of his career.

He has worked both as a mechanic and crew chief on C-12 and DC-9. He left VR-52 after assisting with the squadron’s transfer to NJ due to the closing of the base. Recently (Feb. 2012) he was detached to Rhode Island for The Senior Enlisted Academy. Then in May he went to ECRC in Norfolk, Va. From there, he went to South Carolina for combat training.

He was deployed to Bahrain as the Bahrain Afghan/Kyrgyzstan Desk Officer for Task-Force IA. While over in the Middle East he was selected and promoted to Command Senior Chief. Then on April 19th, 2012, he was selected as the only one Senior Chief to be promoted to Master Chief in his rate. He is currently waiting orders for a Command Master Chief position for his return.

He was been away from his family for a total of 14 months. I am so proud of him & the sacrifices he has made… having to leave home after just having twin babies. He was been gone almost half of their lives. Thanks again for helping me give him the best home coming.

The Chief and family will be driving up from Virginia on TUESDAY, MAY 8. There is a school in Delaware where a class of children has been writing to him, so they will stop at that school before school is out (around 2pm?) This will give us a better chance to narrow down the arrival time as I will be in constant contact with Diane.
We will meet the family car as it exits route 309 in Fort Washington, and escort them (as a surprise) the rest of the way home to Glenside.

WHAT: WELCOME HOME ESCORT, CHIEF STEVE JANCSO
WHEN: MAY 8, TUESDAY, AT 4:15 PM
WHERE: RALLY POINT: 8OO BLOCK OF Fernhill Rd, Glenside, Pa. 19038
CO-RC: Lutz
CO-RC: Navy Chief

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5/8/12 WELCOME HOME
CPT. MIKE BURNS, U.S. ARMY
PHL

We have been asked to welcome home Captain Mike Burns from his tour in Afghanistan and bring him home to Springfield. Let’s welcome this Hero home in grand WWR Style!

Captain Mike Burns grew up in Upper Darby and graduated from Upper Darby
High School in 2003. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Nursing from
Widener University in 2008 and commissioned as a 2LT in the US Army Nurse
Corps through ROTC.

He has been stationed at Landstuhl Regional Medical
Center in Germany since 2009 & earned his Army critical care specialization
in 2010. He has just returned from a six month tour as a Critical Care Staff
Nurse in Afghanistan at Bastion R3 Hospital, the busiest trauma center in
theater. While there he participated in the care of an average of 200 trauma
patients each month consisting of US & Coalition service members as well as
Afghan military and local nationals. In addition to his duties, he also
earned his Critical Care Registered Nurse certification from the American
Association of Critical-Care Nurses and is in the process of applying to the
US Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing.

Rally Point: FB 69
Rally Time: 2120 (9:20pm)
KSU: 2145 (9:45pm)
Destination: Springfield, (Delco) PA 19064

If you would like to meet at the destination, please let me know ETA approx. 10:45 pm

Questions or for more info please call Maria @ 610-327-2916

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WELCOME HOME!
SGT. Tom Fillippo
Malvern, PA

WELCOME HOME TOM FILLIPPO,
U. S. ARMY FROM 3RD TOUR IN AFGHANISTAN

I just received a request by Tom Fillippo, Sr. (via Rich Davis) to welcome home his son, Tom Fillippo, Jr. from Afghanistan. Tom will be separating from the U.S. Army at the end of April after 4 yrs of service… but has put in most of his time in service deployed! Let’s give him a super welcome home once and for all!!! 

His Dad said it’s ok if we can’t pull something together, it is short notice.
“Don’t go crazy” he said! Well... too late.. we’re already crazy! 
So let’s get ready to give Tom one heck of a welcome home!! One he won’t forget!

Tom will be flying into PHL and will meet us in Malvern for an escort home to family and friends. Please join us! 

bio from Dad:

Tom Fillippo just completed his 3rd and final tour in Afghanistan. Tom is a resident of Malvern, PA. Tom graduated from Great Valley High School in 2002. He was an all-conference soccer player and captain of his team. Besides soccer Tom was a stand out on the lacrosse team. Tom studied at Elizabethtown College and went on to play lacrosse for the college. Tom worked at Devault Foods prior to joining the Army in 2009. Tom will be retiring from the Army on April 26, 2012. Future plans include furthering educational interests.

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WELCOME HOME
SGT. ANTHONY CABASSA,
DOWNINGTOWN, PA 

Short Bio:

His name is Anthony Cabassa (Sgt. Cabassa). He is Sgt. (E5) in the Military
Police Corp stationed out of Fort Richardson (Jber,Al.) with the 164 MP Co.

He just reinlisted reenlisted and is a 2 yr E5 and will be going to the E6 board in June and will be going to military police investigation school in August. He will be returning from his first tour in Afghanistan in late March but won't get back to Pa. until April 6.

His awards include Germany Eff badge, 3 arcoms, NATO, Good conduct, GWOT, ASR, CAB, Overseas service, 2 Afghanistan campaign medal and Nco Professional Dev. 

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WELCOME HOME
SGT. ERIK BERG, U.S. ARMY
DOYLESTOWN, PA

WELCOME HOME AND THANK YOU ERIK

FROM MOM, SUSAN BERG:

Erik joined the Army in June 2006 as a Combat Engineer. Trained at Ft Leonard Wood, he then served 18 months at Ft Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. Interested in joining a light infantry unit, he requested a transfer to 10th Mountain Division and began serving at Ft Drum, NY in late 2007. 

Erik was deployed to Afghanistan in December 2008, and served one year there, continuing his work as a Combat Engineer doing route clearance and detonating IEDs. He deployed for a second tour in March 2011, returning in March 2012, still working as a Combat Engineer, this tour doing air assaults, along with infrastructure rebuilding.

On a personal note, he married Amanda just before he deployed, and is thrilled to join her now and begin their life together on the same continent! He loves video games, and plans to start college to study to be a civil engineer when he leaves the Army in nine months.

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MEDIA “WELCOME HOME TROOPS” PARADE
Media on April 28!

Some of you are familiar with Dom Giordano, long-time talk-show host on “The Big Talker” 1210. He has teamed with the mayor of Media to put on a “Welcome Home Troops” parade in Media on April 28.

Dom emailed Wayne Lutz and requested to have the Warriors’ Watch motorcycles be a part of the parade…. this includes A Hero’s Welcome.

Wayne hasn’t worked out details, but we are going to arrange to have a “mock welcome home” like we did in the Glenside July 4th parade two years ago. We will put two or three troops who we have recently done welcomes for in the back of a convertible, and our bikes will “escort” those troops through the parade. Volunteers will walk on the sides of the bikes handing out brochures.

Please let me know who can join us in this parade (and bring your walkin’ shoes!)

What: Media Welcome Home Troops Parade
Where: Media, Pa.
When: April 28
Rally: To be determined
Rally time: To be announced.
Details will follow as the date approaches.

Please call Maria @ 610-327-2916 for more information

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WELCOME HOME
SSGT. RUSSELL GLANTZ, USAF 
PHL TO POTTSTOWN, PA 

At the request of Kim Glantz, Warriors' Watch Riders will Welcome Home her husband Air Force National Guard SSgt Russell Glantz upon his safe return from Afghanistan. SSgt Glantz and his unit will be on US soil soon, and final details are pending. Trevor Drake, Russ' dear friend and a Member of the Centurion's is helping put this Welcome Home together.

From Kim "This is Russ’s second deployment. He is currently serving out of Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, under Operation Enduring Freedom. He is committed to serving his country and maintaining our freedoms. He has wonderful family and friends who love him and are excited to have him back home!"

SSgt. Russell Glantz has been enlisted in the Air Force for 15 years and is currently in The National Guard Unit, Willow Grove Joint Reserve Base 111th Fighter Wing Ground as a Radio and Electronics Tech.

Russ was also deployed in Iraq 2006 and has been awarded The Hometown Hero award (Iraq Service), Air Force Good Conduct medals, Operation Iraqi Freedom medals

SSgt Glantz Graduated from Mechanicsburg High school, 1996, Mechanicsburg, PA and attended Kutztown University. Russ is employed at Bergy’s Chevrolet. Russ enjoys working on/collecting Corvettes and riding his motorcycle. He is married to Kim Glantz. Russell’s parents are Linda and Paul Glantz and he has a brother and sister, Rachael and Andy Glantz. Other family military history is Paul Glantz, Master Sergeant, Air Force, Vietnam (Father) Richard Ulrich, Army, WWII (Grandfather)

We can't wait to help you welcome him home! Let's show the SSgt. how much we appreciate his service and sacrifice for Our Country!

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4/18/12 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE 
PETTY OFFICER RETHI, U.S. Navy Fairless Hills, PA 

RALLY - PATHMARK, 5000 LINCOLN HWY, FAIRLESS HILLS PA 19030

RALLY TIME - 1745 (5:45PM)
KSU (KICK STANDS UP) - 1800 (6PM)

Warriors’ Watch Riders received a request from Jodi at Chick Fil A in Fairless Hills, PA (our frequent rally point) that Jake Rethi was retiring from the Navy and she invited WWR and AHW to join in his retirement send off.. Details below.. please join us in honoring Jake, who has given so much of his life serving our country!!!

From Jodi at Chick Fil A:

Event - Flag Raising: He is retiring from the Navy and gets 3 flags to raise at different places. He wants to do one here. He has about 15 military personnel coming with him. It's very basic- they will lower our flag, raise his, then lower his and put ours back up. He then gets to keep the flag in a shadow box with a certificate. We will be getting a flag and photo/certificate about this event to put on our wall at the restaurant also. 

After that, we will be hosting a buffet dinner for him and his family/friends, courtesy of Dave. Your escort crew will be welcome to a meal here also.

Jake Rethi is retiring from the US Navy. Lets show Jake how much we appreciate his years of service to our GREAT COUNTRY!

TIME TO GIVE THIS HERO THE WWR ROCK STAR TREATMENT AND A GRAND ENTRANCE TO OUR FAVORITE CHICK FIL A!!!

Also from Jodi:

It would be great to have the WWR bring Jake here, stay for the flag raising, and eat a meal with us. 

Thanks!

LETS DO THIS!

Can Am Chris (USN) has stepped up to RC-THANKS BROTHER

Pride, honor and integrity live here

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Welcome Home Wounded Warrior
Cpl Russell Carter,
U.S. Army

United States Army Corporal Russell (Rusty) L. Carter and his platoon were hit by friendly fire and he suffered a severe concussion from the blast. He and the rest of his platoon were evacuated to a local Army hospital to recover. Rusty returned to duty a month later.

Then, on January 2, 2011, Rusty and five other soldiers were returning to base from a patrol when the MRAP they were traveling in had a mechanical failure, causing the driver to lose control. The truck went off of a bridge into a ravine, and landed 50 feet below in the river bed. All of the soldiers escaped with relatively minor injuries except Rusty.

Rusty’s injuries included several broken bones in his face, severe laceration to the skull, as well as a C4 complete spinal separation. He was initially treated in Landstuhl, Germany where he underwent spinal and neck surgery to fuse his spine and neck together. Seven days later he was transported to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington, D.C. where he was reunited with his family and to begin the initial phase of his long recovery and rehabilitation.

Russell has lost all motor function; he is paralyzed from the chest down and has no feeling from the elbows down. He also suffers from minor traumatic brain injury. The prognosis is that he is permanently disabled, will never walk again and no longer has use of his hands.

On February 7, 2011, Russell was transferred to James A. Haley Rehabilitation Hospital in Tampa, Florida. He settled into his rehabilitation routine there, both physical and occupational therapy. He had a full schedule Monday through Friday and looked forward to weekend passes to leave the hospital for short trips. Russell remained at the Rehab Hospital for nine months.

Rusty was moved to the University of Pennsylvania spinal care hospital in December of 2011 at 18TH and Lombard in Philadelphia for continued PT and OT as he prepared to transition home.

Now, RUSTY IS COMING HOME! He will be released from the U of P hospital on April 14th to go home. His friends and family have requested a Warriors’ Watch escort for him from the hospital to his home in Delaware County.
His stepfather Gene and friend Tony ride as well and will most likely ride with us up front. Mode of transport for Rusty yet to be determined – probably ambulance.

The Phila Police Commissioner Ramsey is notified and will send assistance from the Phila PD for leaving the city.

The Springfield PD will choose a route that will make more of a “parade” that people can come out and see – the family wants a lot of hoopla and that’s what we do best!

NOTE: They want to ARRIVE in Springfield at 1pm, so be on time!

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Welcome Home
Spc. Jeff rey Albano,
US Army Allentown to Perkasie, PA

Bio: Spc Jeff rey Albano is a rigger in the 173rd Airborne and to this point has spent over 4 years in the Army. Jeff has also completed a tour in Iraq. More to follow.

Welcome Home Jeff, thank you for your service and sacrifices.

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Welcome Home
SPC Moyer,
U.S. Army Lansdale, PA
THANK YOU

This is from Eric’s girlfriend, Samantha:

Eric joined the United States Army in 2009. He is currently servings as an Army Medic in the 3rd Battalion Ranger Regiment. He left for his first deployment in December 2011. Before Eric joined the Army he graduated from North Penn High-school and Montgomery County Community College. He also spent his time volunteering at Souderton Ambulance and at the Colmar Fire Department. He is the son of proud parents Barbara and Robert, loving brother to Jamie, loyal boyfriend to Samantha, and a trustworthy friend to many. He is an outstanding solider and truly lives up to the Army’s 7 Values in everything he does.
LET’S DO THIS!

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Welcome Home
SFC Alex Almeida,
Browns Mills, NJ

Our Hero Alex Almeida is an SFC (E-7) in the army. He has been in for 12 years. Been to Kosovo once and Afghanistan 4 times. (YES THIS IS His 5th TIME Deployed.)

His awards and medals are 1 bronze star medal, Arcom 4, AAM 4, Meritorious unit commendation 2, army good conduct medal 3, national defense service medal 1, Kosovo campaign medal 1, Afghanistan campaign medal 3, global war or terrorism expeditionary medal 1, army service medal 1, overseas medal 3, NATO medal 3, outstanding volunteer medal 1, combat action badge 1, air aslt 1.

His Wife, Aida Almeida informed us that their family is made up of 5 children. 3 are his step kids. There names are Catrece Ford 14, Anthony Ford 12, Alec Ford 11, Amani Almeida 6, Alexander Almeida 4.

When he left for deployment he was still taking the classes to become a volunteer firefighter. He loves being part of a community and volunteering as much as possible. He was also the coach for his 6 year old daughters soccer team before he left. Before he left he was also attending college courses.

This Hero is one Busy Man!

We are going to KNOCK ON OUR HEROES DOOR with a little THUNDER… Then do a little Mug and Hug and Escort Him and His Family to a Celebration at a local Fire Station (Where he happens to be involved during his Spare Time)

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HONOR MISSION
FOR
SGT WALTER LOVE, USAF
VIETNAM VETERAN
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION

Sgt Love was a Viet Nam era veteran. I think we owe him.
Sgt Love loved the military and serving his country.

About a month ago Sgt Love was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His family lost him yesterday and we lost an American Hero.

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Welcome Home
SPC Steven Johnson,
U. S. Army
PHL to Thorndale, PA

SPC Johnson is coming home from his tour in Afghanistan and looking forward for much need relaxation and time with family.

Message from Mr. Johnson:

My son, SPC. Steven Johnson, is coming home on leave from a deployment to Afghanistan. He will be arriving in Philadelphia Pa. on 26 March 2012 and traveling to Thorndale Pa.

In June of this year, SPC. Steven Johnson will have completed his 4th year in the Army. Once he completed his basic training at Fort Knox he attended A school at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Once this was completed, he was stationed in Korea for a year. Upon his return, he was stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana.

In July of 2011 he deployed to Afghanistan and returned in March. His MOS is Quartermaster Chemical Equipment Repair.

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From: Maria <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 11:29 PM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 3-1-12 to 3-3-12

3/3/12 (A) Welcome Home
Travis Bush, USMC
NE Philadelphia

Short bio: Travis Bush, 24 years old, went into the Marines right out of high school. From Sealy, TX. Been in 6 years. Currently stationed MCAS Beaufort, SC. Previously has two tours in Japan, currently in Afghanistan, Camp Leatherneck. Comes from long line of military family, all branches. Older brother is in the Navy stationed in Guam. Stepbrother is currently a Philadelphia Policeman.

RALLY: 2327 Cotman ave. Dunkin Dounuts (ROOSEVELT MALL) TO MORRISVILLE
RT: 12:15 pm
KSU: 1:00pm
RC Navy Chief thank you for stepping up

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3/3/12 (B)WELCOME HOME
PFC JOHN MCBRIDE, U.S. ARMY
NE Philadelphia

We have been contacted by the proud brother of CPL McBride to see if we could help pull off this big surprise for his brother. I just love surprises and I know you do too, so we said yes.
We will be doing a Birthday party invasion and giving our Hero a Mug-n-Hug at that location please stand by for further details.

BIO:
PFC John McBride graduated from Northeast Catholic high school. He is assigned with the 170th Infantry 4-7th Battalion. He is a Cav Scout with D-troop and has received combat spurs.

Date: 3/3/12
Rally Time: 6:15 PM
Rally Location: TBD
KSU: 7:00 PM
Destination: Birthday Party being held @Teamsters local union hall 623.
4369 Richmond st
Phila PA 19137

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 3/3/12 ECPA Mug n Hug for WWII Vet
William Murschel
Mechanicsburg, PA area

Tank, a WWR brother from Georgia, recently contacted T, and asked if we in EASTERN PA could do a “Mug N Hug” for a friend’s aging Uncle. Tin Teach offered his assistance and phone number. When Dave (William Murschel’s nephew) contacted Mike by phone and asked if we could do something for (Uncle) Bill, can anyone guess what the answer was.

William Murschel is a decorated WWII vet, that received the “Bronze Star” for heroic action against the enemy on Feb. 24, 1945. Bill volunteered to evacuate wounded American soldiers, while under heavy mortar and artillery fire to deliver medical attention to fallen comrades. ”Artillery fire you don’t mind so much you can hear it coming in”, ” mortar fire you can’t hear”.

William served in Company B, 10th Armored Infantry Battalion, and also served in the 4th Armored Division under General George Patton. William was also present during the liberation of concentration camps. FYI: just for this “Mug N Hug” Williams nephews will be coming in from New York and Georgia.
I for one feel both honored and privileged to do this for (UNCLE BILL) and look forward to meet and talk to this hero.
This will be to the Mechanicsburg area. No escort

Rally Point: Rodeway Inn Conference Center, 1151 Bulldog Drive, Allentown, PA
Rally Time: 11:30 AM
KSU: 12:00 (NOON)
Questions, please call Maria 610-327-2916

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3/2/12 UPDATE! WELCOME HOME
1st LT. JOSHUA KOPSIE, U.S. ARMY
Plymouth Meeting, PA

We have been contacted by the very proud father of 1st LT. Joshua Kopsie to see if we could some how help in carrying out a Welcome Home fitting for this Hero. His father shared a story with me that I will tell at a later date with our members but assure you that Joshua is a fine young man and soldier. We would be honored to assist in any way we can to give this Hero a "Rock Star" treatment when he returns.

We are in the planning stages and we are going to pull off a surprise Mug-n-Hug for this young LT. and hopefully show him how much his service means to this country.

BIO: 1st LT. Joshua Kopsie is assigned as a Field Artillery Officer to the Army 1st Armored Division, 3rd Brigade, TaskForce Bulldog in Afghanistan. He is an '09 grad of West Point, and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. His current assignment is Aide to the Brigade Colonel, conducting battlefield review of outposts, attending tribal meetings, and meeting with Afghan and NATO leadership. It's good he enjoys winter weather as there is plenty of snow where he currently resides. Josh looks forward to much needed R&R prior to returning to Afghanistan. Cheesesteaks, Pizza, and Beer are most definitely on the menu! And meeting up with all his family and friends in the area as well.

Date: 3/2/12
Rally Location: Barren Hill FD
647 Germantown Pike
Lafayette Hill PA, 19444
Montgomery County Station 29
Rally Time: 5:30 PM
KSU: When we greet our Hero and head out to his home (approx 5:45)
Final Destination: Plymouth Meeting area Pa.

We have an RC for this mission it will be Navy Chief (George) THANK YOU for stepping up on this mission George

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3/1/12 Welcome Home
Cpl. Anthony N. Stea, IV
FOLCROFT, PA

We have been contacted both by the very proud wife of CPL Stea as well as the Folcroft FD to see if we can assist welcoming home the Hero. Well I don’t have to tell you we naturally said yes. We will be greeting this Hero at the Pa. Welcome center at the Pa./De. border and then escorting him home from there. We will be teaming up with the Folcroft FD who will assist us from the rest stop to his hometown Folcroft Pa. Please come out and join us welcoming home Marine CPL Stea.

Short Bio:
Cpl Anthony N Stea IV. This is his second combat deployment he has just returned from. His first deployment was to Marjah, Afghanistan in 1/6 as a mortar man. This deployment he was a dog handler for 1/6. He was just recently promoted to a Corporal a few months ago. During this deployment he missed the birth of our first son, Anthony Nicholas Stea Jr. Although he wasn’t there in person he did get to see the whole thing via Skype. We were featured in our local newspaper, The Daily Times. Anthony was also recognized by the Veterans Affairs Department in the Government office in Media, PA where his picture is hanging on their wall along with many other local veterans.

Date: 3/1/12
Rally Time: 5:00 PM
Rally Location: Pa. Welcome Center border of Pa. and Delaware on I95 North bound side
KSU: 6:00 PM
Final Destination: Folcroft Pa.

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WELCOME HOME
CPL. JOSH MURRAY, U.S.M.C.

February 25, 2012

Folks we have been contacted by the PROUD mom of CPL Josh Murray to see if we could assist her in showing Josh how much his two tours in the sand box were appreciated by so many. Well you know what answer was so we will be doing a Mug-n-Hug @ Barnaby’s (Havertown) and showing Josh how much America appreciates his service and sacrifice.

Short Bio: My son Josh is friendly and loyal. He is the youngest of three. He has an older brother Kevin (also a Marine) and sister Jamie. He also has a son Donte and another little one on the way. His father is John Murray and his mother is Teresa Murray.
Josh went to vocational school for automotive technology. After graduating high school, Josh starting repairing cars in his dad’s shop. After a while, Josh wanted to be challenged and try something different. He later decided that he wanted to join the Marines like his older brother. He and his good friend Tj made a pact to go together on the buddy system. They wanted to do something better with their lives. They both wanted to leave before things got worse with friends, drugs and everything else that was changing. They left behind the hood and all the bad going down in it.
After boot camp, Josh was stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina. He was assigned to Squad 123 as a combat engineer. He did two tours of Afghanistan returning in September 2011.
We are so proud of all Josh and all he has accomplished. His a dedicated and loyal person his family, friends and fellow Marines.

Semper Fi
Teresa Murray

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WELCOME HOME
CPL. DIANE TICKELL,
U.S.M.C. Havertown, PA

My name is Christine Procaccio. You did a welcome home for my son TJ Procaccio on 1/20/2012, which was AWESOME. You and I spoke about a plan B for his girlfriend Corporal Diane Tickell. She also is an aviation mechanic in the Marine Corps. She did her deployment in Iraq. She is from a very small island off of Hawaii. She doesn’t get to go home very often and would never have this opportunity in her homeland. She is an awesome woman doing the job of a man in the Marine Corps and she just takes it in stride. I would love to see her have some thanks for being the Marine and a wonderful woman.
Well how could we possibly say anything but YES to this. Lets show this Marine how her country feels about her service and sacrifice for us.
We will be invading a local eatery (always fun) and showing Diane our appreciation, please come out and join us in the Welcome Home.
Her boyfriend TJ cam home on 1/20 and what a great family.

Bio:
Diane Elsie Tickell, born March 21, 1986, is a corporal in the United States Marine Corps who is currently stationed at New River Air Station in Jacksonville, NC. Diane was born on the island of Pohnpei to Mark and Esther Tickell. Diane has two sisters and two brothers, Julia, Olivia, Mark Jr, and Tommy. She also has two nephews, Ronny and Derek.

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of growing up and becoming a princess, Diane didn’t. She dreamed of soaring, flying and becoming a pilot. The sky was never the limit when it came to her. She graduated from high school in the honor society in 2004 and went on to pursue a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the College of Micronesia. In June of 2005, her father suffered a heart attack and passed away. Diane struggled both financially and emotionally but in 2007, she made her us proud by once again graduating with honors.

In 2008 she met with a recruiter and joined the United States Marine Corps. After countless months of rigorous training, Diane was assigned as a helicopter mechanic at New River Air Station.

Being a woman in a male-dominant world was very challenging but she did not let that get to her. Diane worked as hard if not harder than anyone she has worked with. In August, 2009, she was deployed to Iraq until December, 2009. Diane was also privileged to be assigned as a General’s aid at Camp Lejune, the largest Marine base in the US. She has completed countless assignments and training that I am not at liberty to say but I will say that Diane E Tickell earned the right to be called a United Stated Marine Corporal.
Diane may be thousands of miles away from home and rarely gets to see or talk to her family but she always starts her day with a positive, can-do attitude. The sky will never be her limit!

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WELCOME HOME
SPC. GREGORY NYCE, U.S. ARMY
Perkasie, PA

Proud ARMY parents Greg and Malisa Nyce of Perkasie, have requested we WELCOME HOME their son Spc Gregory Nyce.
Spc Nyce is returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, where he is serving as an MP. Both father and son are also Fire Fighters for Perkasie and Sellersville. 
Spc Nyce attended Pennridge High School and Bloomsburg University, and is very excited to return home to see his two year old son Jamison.

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WELCOME HOME
SPC. KYLE STOUT,
U.S. ARMY Bethlehem, PA

Proud Army mother Karen Kiefer has requested a Welcome Home for her son, Spc Kyle Stout. Kyle is returning from Afghanistan date is not yet confirmed but should be enroute. Kyle is serving in the 307th MP, which was hit at the gate to their base just prior to leaving Afghanistan. This is to be the second of the day.

Bio follows;
NAME Kyle Stout
AGE 21
HOMETOWN Nazareth, Pa
HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE Notre Dame High School
BRANCH OF SERVICE Army
UNIT 307th MP 3rd Platoon
RANK Specialist
SPECIALTY Gunner
SERVED WHERE? Afghanistan
WHEN? March 2011 to January 2012
Kyle is looking forward to coming home and seeing his family, girlfriend, and friends. He is also looking forward to his Mom’s cooking.

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RICK SNYDER, U.S.M.C.

Stand by for more info!
Burlington TWP, NJ

Bio to follow, but what we know is LCpl Rick Snyder is coming home from a one year deployment to Afghanistan. Rick is also a member of the Burlington Twp FD, and they are a excited to be participating in his homecoming.

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Welcome Home
Army Spc. Zachary Ball
Pottstown, PA

Bio:

Spc. Zachary Ball enlisted in the Army Reserve in April 2008. He is attached to the 307th MP BN, New Kensington, PA. This was his first deployment.
His MOS (job) is 31B – Military Police. Zach has received Several marksman awards and A Combat Action Badge. His Great grandfather was a fighter pilot in WWII.

Zachary’s civilian job is as a Drug & Alcohol Counselor. He earned a B.S. in Psychology at Valley Forge Christian College.

Spc. Ball enjoy’s reading, music, baseball, guns, motorcycles and movies. He has been married for 8 years (9 in May) with 3 girls (2 years old & 8 months old twins!).

Zack is a wonderful husband & father. He is very humble about his service and takes excellent care of his fellow soldiers & family. He was heartbroken to miss the birth of the twins this year, but still has been an amazing father from 7,000 miles away. We are very proud of our soldier!

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WELCOME HOME
SGT. DANIEL DRODDY,
U.S. ARMY

Bio:

Sgt Daniel Droddy graduated from Solanco high School in 1998. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard. In 2003, he volunteered to deploy with the North Carolina National Guard with whom he spent a year in Iraq. (Dec 2003-Dec 2004) After returning, he met and married his wife, Ashley, in 2006. They were blessed with the births of their two sons, Mason in 2008 and Hunter in 2010. In February 2011, he left for his second tour leaving behind his wife and two sons, ages 2½ and 7 months old. During his deployment he has traveled to Kuwait, Afghanistan and Qatar. Outside of the military, Dan enjoys golfing, landscaping and Penn State football as well as his most important role as “dad”. He is looking forward to summer days spent with his boys at the park and teaching them how to ride their bicycles as well as a nice family vacation at the beach.

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WELCOME HOME
SGT. JENNA STANZIONE,
U.S. ARMY
2/11/2012

Welcome her home upon her safe return from Afghanistan.

Sgt. Jenna Stanzione returning home from Afghanastanin. There will be a party in her honor at the Ottsville Pa firehouse. She is a door gunner with the 159th Combat Air Brigade and has been stationed in Kandahar with the 101st Airborne. She was deployed there for a year and will return to Fort Campbell at the end of the month. We are planning a welcome home party for her on February 11, 2012.
We Look Forward to Welcoming Home This Hero and Thanking Her for Her Service and Sacrifice For Our Country in Style!!!

Who: Army Sgt. Jenna Stanzione
What: Welcome Home Escort
Where: Family Home to Ottsville Fire House
When: Saturday 2/11/2012
Rally Time: 12:30PM
Rally Location: Turkey Hill store
8310 Easton Rd 18942 (intersection of rts 611 and 412)
Link to Rally Point:
http://maps.google.com/maps/pl…..17967520792405481728
KSU: 1:00PM
RC: doctord Thanks for steppin up Damon!

Here’s a bio from Jenna’s Proud Father Bob:
Sergeant Jenna L. Stanzione served for 4 years, was discharged honorably, then re-enlisted and has 2 years to go on this 4 year enlistment as active Army.

She was deployed in 2003 during the second Iraq war to Israel on a Patriot Missile detail.

Sgt. Stanzione is a door gunner – C Company/ 4-101 Aviation Regiment (Blackwidows), Task Force Lift (101st Airborne’s 159th Combat Air Brigade, 4th Battalion)

Jenna and her team had the distinct honor of flying countless General Officers from many different countries and several globally influential figures to include President Hamid Karzai, US Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, numerous members of US Congress, and the ISAF Commander. In addition, she and the Blackwidows have had been given the privilege of flying our Nation’s fallen heroes on 12 separate occasions, a very difficult mission that Blackwidows consider the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a US Army Aviator.

As a member of Charlie Company, Jenna was an active participant in these missions with over 500 combat flight hours to her credit. She is a brave soldier who performed her duties professionally and with veracity. Her love of flying and commitment to her team and their missions did not go unnoticed. Jenna’s commanders and those units with whom she interacted recognized her efforts by awarding her the following medals, accommodations and ribbons: 

• Combat Action Badge,
  Air Medal,

• (2) Navy Seal Team Ten coins,

• (2) Special Forces coins from 17th Calvary Division
  Afghanistan Service Ribbon,

• Joint Services Achievement Medal Ribbon

• NATO ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Medal Ribbon
  Promotion to Sergeant

• Combat Flight Hours Award – Sikorsky Award – over 500 combat flight hours

Jenna has 60+ credits toward a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, and enjoys saltwater fishing.

Her Grandfather was a 1st Sgt during WWII and earned two Bronze stars and a Purple Heart.

She’s a tough but compassionate US Army Sergeant who flew many difficult and high risk missions. Her efforts were recognized by many of the special forces units she worked with. You would want her backing you up

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Welcome Home
SN Jones,
US Coast Guard
2/12/2012

Welcome Home SN Jones, U.S. Coast Guard
Laurence Jones’ family hasn’t seen him in almost a year. Think about not seeing one of youre family members for a year.
Lets help this family celebrate the return of their son.
Laurence was aboard the POLAR STAR, located in Seattle Washington. He was offered to join the crew of the HEALY. He took that opportunity to join the Healy crew and head out to break ice for the tanker RENDA.
Laurence will be coming into Philly on Sunday 2/12 and we’ll be there to greet him and escort him home to the Feasterville Pa area.
RALLY- Engine 69 Bartram Ave, Phila Pa
RALLY TIME-1445 (2:45 PM)
KSU (kick stands up)-15 :15 (3:15pm)

Please contact Maria for more info or questions 610-327-2916 

WELCOME HOME TO 2 AMERICAN HEROES!!!

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WELCOME HOME
SGT. DEVON RICHIO,
U.S.M.C.
30th St. Station to S. Philly!

“Sgt. Devon Richio and Cpl. Andrew Einstein will be returning from Afghanistan on January 11th at xx a.m. through 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. We would love if you could escort these Marines home as this is their second tour.”
There are 2 Marine’s arriving together, 1 lives in South Philly and 1 lives in SNJ. SEPA and SNJ WWR will rally together, then head over to 30th Street Station to greet our returning Marines. From 30th Street Station, SNJ will escort their Marine along their route, and SEPA will escort our Marine to South Philly!
These Marines are not stranger’s to service. Sgt. Richio is a Philly Firefighter, and Cpl. Einstein is a Riverton NJ Police Officer!
They were deployed together in 2009 to Afghanistan, and again in 2011 and have been there
for 7 months. They are in Sangin, which was the deadliest place on earth in 2011. They are with the 3rd recon battalion as civil affairs opperators. During their 2009 tour they were clearing explosives.

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WELOME HOME
Cpl. ANDREW EINSTEIN, U.S.M.C.
30th ST. STATION TO NJ!

Our Hero is coming home from his second tour in Afghanistan. He joined the Marines right out of high school and his family thought he was going to college until they were at high school graduation. The principal said they were taking a moment to honor the graduates going to protect the country and he stood up. He left in July of 2006 for boot camp. He served two tours first in 2009 and second in 2011 which he is coming back from.
Here is a short Bio for Cpl Andrew Einstein USMC, Explosive Ordinance Disposal)
Deployed to Afghanistan June 2011 to present
Volunteer Fireman & EMT in Mount Laurel NJ
Policeman in Medford and
Graduated from Lenape HS in 2006
Graduated from USMC boot camp in 2008
Deployed to Iraq in 2009 Mission - EOD Riverside NJ

Top

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2011

WELCOME HOME
SR. AIRMAN JASON THOMAS,
U.S.A.F. Wyomissing, PA
12/31/11

Kim Thomas, mother of Senior Airman Jason Thomas requested a welcome home and escort of her son. This will be the first time in three years that Jason will be home for Christmas.

"I would love for him to be honored for his dedication and sacrifice for our GREAT COUNTRY. I can't think of anyone better to honor him than his family, friends, and Warriors Watch."

Kim witnessed a recent Welcome Home and wants to do one just about exactly like it.

This will be for 12/31/11 can you think of a better way to end the year?

More info to follow.

RC- TraceyLee Thanks for stepping up

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12/31/11 SHORT NOTICE
Mug n Hug for Vietnam Vet
Sgt. Leroy Acker, U.S.M.C.
Prospect Park, PA

We have been asked by one of our own members Dan O'Kane if we could help pull off a long over due Welcome and Mug-n-Hug for this Hero, as you can see from his bio he is truly another American Hero that deserves a welcome home well you know we said we could help and we will. Requesting a LONG OVERDUE welcome home, Mug And Hug for my neighbor and friend, Sgt. Leroy K. Acker, USMC. I have cleared this mission with his wife and son, Kenny, who is a member also of WWR. AKA, " DOC ".

Short bio:

Sgt. Leroy Acker, USMC, HqCo. RLT -26 FMF Pa. Enlisted 10 June, 1964. Shipped to Camp Schwab, Okinawa March 16, 1967. In country on demand; Arrived home April 1968. Honorable Discharge May 16, 1968. Service Medals: National Defense Service Medal. Vietnam Service Medal w/*. Vietnam Campaign medal w/device; Good conduct Medal1st award and 2nd award Meritorious Mast; Roy was stationed at Parris Island right out of boot camp. Married and welcomed his son, Kenny, at Beaufort Naval Hospital on Oct. 29, 1956, NAVY DAY

Date: Sat. Dec. 31, 2011
Rally Point: Interboro High School parking lot, 500 16th Ave. Prospect Park, PA 19076
Rally Time: 11 am
KSU: 12:00 noon
Final Destination: Norwood Pa.

RC For this mission will be Capt' Dan Sgt. Leroy K. Ackers very good friend, neighbor and WWR member. Thank you Dan for stepping up.

**********

These are late but we want to post them.

WELCOME HOME
AUSTIN LEACH, U.S. ARMY
December 30th 

From Austin's mom:

My son Austin Leach will return home from Iraq on Friday, December 30th. I would like for you to come to my house and line my street. My daughter will pick my son up at the airport and drop him at the end of the block so that he can walk through "His welcome home committee". Please let me know if this is possible and thank you Very Much!!!!

Well of course we can Mrs Brooks! It'll be our honor to be Austin ’s WELCOME HOME COMMITTEE!!!

Austin has, since he was a small child, wanted to join the military so when it came time and he did join, we (nor anyone else) were the least bit surprised. He enlisted for 8 years and is in the 1-229th Avn. Rgmt. stationed at Fort Hood, Tx. He currently is a helicopter mechanic and is interested in flying, infantry and joining the airborne. He left for Iraq in June and returned to Texas on Thursday. He is currently in de-briefing and will be "released" to come home for a 25 day leave on Friday. He will return to Hood on Jan. 23 (7 days before he turns 21) and then will be stationed in Afghanistan for an unknown period. Austin enjoys shooting darts (we had the local dart league ship them boards, darts, etc. while in Iraq )


Austin's Father, Bob Brookes, is an Army Vietnam drafted vet (1968 - 1971). 
His Uncle Russell Brookes (Brother to Bob - same Vet history as Bob - One came home, one left). 

Their father Arthur Brookes was also in the Army in WW2. dec'd
His Uncle Rick Keller (my bro. - is a Marine Vietnam Vet (same time period). 
Grandfather, Bruce Erdman (my dad Army (1959 - 1961). 
Uncle Ron Erdman (Grandfather's brother - Army Vietnam vet - 1962-1964) - dec'd
Aunt Karen Laricks (my sis. was in the Air Force)
Aunt Kathy Keller (my twin sis. was in the Army).
Cousin Jeremy Naussner currently serving in the Army stationed at Fort Drum, NY


* * * *

12/30/11 Funeral Escort for Air Force Veteran
Terry Thomas

12/30/11 Funeral Escort for Air Force Veteran Terry Thomas/Ephrata, PA
Warrior's Watch Riders was contacted by Shelly Gibson in regards to the passing of her father.

Shelly writes: "Warrior's Watch Riders recently did a Mug-N-Hug for my son, Richard Gibson on December 11, 2011. This past Sunday, December 18, 2011, my father, Terry Thomas, passed away from a massive stroke. I was hoping that the Warrior's Watch Riders would be able to be present at his service, which is being held December 30, 2011, at the Church of the Nazarene."

The Warrior's Watch Riders would be honored Shelly, to escort your dad, whom is also US Air Force.
Mr. Thomas served as a Airman 3rd Class, from 6/57 - 1/60. Served in Greenland in a Combat Support Group; Discharged honorably from the 380th Field Support.

Escort will be from the family home to the Church of Nazarene, 110 Durlach Road, Ephrata, PA, approximately 5 miles. 

From: Maria <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sunday, December 25, 2011 10:26 PM

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank you for your help this year welcoming home our Heroes,
I look forward to seeing you in 2012.
Remember, we can’t be sure our Troops Get the Proper
Welcome Home without YOU! 
Please, consider bringing a friend or two on
the next welcome home. 

12/27/11 WELCOME HOME
SR. AIRMAN SEAN MARTIN, U.S.A.F.

We have been contacted by Trish Lee, if that name sounds familiar we just welcomed home her daughter Sr. Airman Patti Lee. Well we made such an impact to their family that they would like us to try and show Sr. Airman Sean Martin the same appreciation. Sean is down in NC and on his way up for the holidays. His mom and dad are with him now in NC and will be saying good bye there. What Sean doesn’t know is that he will be surprised by the WWR and family with our ever popular Mug-n-Hug at a local eatery. So lets get out and show Sean how much what he has sacrificed means to us and his country.
Sean will be going back to Afghanistan after his holiday R&R.

Bio to Follow:

Date: 12/27
Rally location: CVS Pharmacy
3780 Main Street
Philadelphia Pa 19127
Phone# 215-508-3607
Rally time: 6:30 PM
KSU: 7:00 PM
Final Destination: Manayunk Brewing Co. for Mug-n-Hug

RC for this mission will be “Tamale” Thanks Pat for once again stepping up to the task.

A Hero's Welcome Home 12/26/11
Marine LCpl Daniel Croak

A Hero’s Welcome and the Warriors' Watch Riders have received a request from Kathleen Croak to help her family Welcome Home her son Marine LCpl. Daniel Croak upon his safe return from Afghanistan!

From Kathleen:

“Hello, My son is a US Marine who just returned from Afghanistan after a 7 month deployment. He is coming to our hometown this Monday December 26. He and his wife are driving up from Camp Lejeune NC to Pennsylvania. They are leaving NC around 5 am which should put them home around 1:30-2 pm. I think what you do is so awesome I would love to have this for him.

While my son was away in Afghanistan I started a socks for soldiers collection and collected over 20,000 pairs of white boot socks for our soldiers.

We are so proud of all our men and women who serve our country. Thank You for all you do”

Let's show this Marine and his family how much we appreciate their sacrifice for Our Country!

Bio

Daniel has been a Marine since January 2010. He is assigned to the 2nd LAR and his MOS is Infantry.
This was the first deployment, and he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Global war on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal, ISAF Afghanistan.

Daniel graduated from Council Rock High School South Class of 2003 and his special interests are snowboarding and Hockey. He is married to Leah Fountas-Croak. Parents: Kathleen and George Croak. Brother Matthew and Sister Jennifer.

For More info: call Maria 610-327-2916

Late Notice
We will honor
PFC Jacob L. Brubaker Escobar

We can never say "Thank You" enough!......God Bless!

Welcome Home to show our support for his service. This returning vet was best friends with Pfc. John Kihm, KIA Afghanistan April 19, 2011 so lets get out there and show our support for this Medic and Hero.

Short Bio:

PFC Jacob L. Brubaker Escobar is a Combat Field Medic was in Afghan from April 2011 until Nov 2011 he has been stationed in Bamberg Germany since Jan 2010. PFC Brubaker took Basic in Fort Benning GA and has been in since 2009.

Note from Mom :
First thing he wants is a Yuengling Beer and a Philly Cheese Steak! 

UPDATE

There was a delay in leaving the theater. The unit arrived on American soil TODAY. The entire unit is over 300 troops who must be processed out. Look for next weekend for the escort from Dix to Philadelphia. All logistics have been worked out with Fort Dix authorities and the Southampton Road Authorities and the Family Readiness Group. Mission is a definite ‘go,' estimated to be next weekend.

What: Escort the buses taking the soldiers of the 131st Transportation Company from Fort Dix to Home, the Southampton Road Armory in NE Philly. The unit has completed a 10 month deployment.

We escorted this unit for their sendoff, last November. Sadly, three of those soldiers who we sent off will not be returning, having died in Afghanistan. (Lindsay Omlor, in the other thread, earned her Combat Action badge when her vehicle came under enemy fire.)

A link to the ride report, there are links to photos at the bottom of the report.

12/3/11
Welcome Home
Sp4 Lindsay Omlor, U.S. Army

We have a request from the family of SP4 Lindsay Omlor, US Army, to welcome her back to her home in Roxborough after a 9 month deployment to Afghanistan!
” I’d like to try to arrange for a “neighborhood welcome home”, not sure if that is what it is called. I’ve seen in the news media where soldiers are welcomed home by their neighborhood fire company and local police, and the Warrior Watch. Do you know how I would go about coordinating that?

"Lindsay would be thrilled (as would our family) to have you guys and the neighborhood here to welcome her home! It is going to be very hard on Lindsay and her Unit as they are coming home less three of their comrades that were killed and others that were seriously wounded. They’ve seen a lot, as I am sure you know having experienced it yourself, and it would be great for her to see how your organization and everyone feels about these soldiers.”

Let’s get out and show this Soldier how much we appreciate her service and sacrifice to Our Country!

Who: Spc. Lindsay Marie Omlor
What: Welcome Home Escort
Where: NE Philly to Roxborough
When: Saturday 12/3

Link to map.

Rally Location: Wawa
Grant Ave & Blue Grass Rd Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114
Rally Time: 10AM
This time may swing a little either way based upon completion of 131st drop off at Southampton!
Right after completing drop off of 131st Transport at Southampton Armory
KSU: 25 minutes after Rally

Lindsay is a member of the 131st Transportation Company, Southampton Armory. You will remember that we escorted that unit to their sendoff, taking them from the armory to Fort Dix.

Bio:
Spc Lindsay Marie Omlor has been enlisted for 1 year 7 months attached to the 131st transportation Company.
This is her first deployment and her MOS is Truck Driver.
Lindsay was awarded a “Combat Action Badge,” for her role in safely transporting supplies under direct hostile enemy fire during operations on June 9, 2010.

She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary grade school in Roxborough Philadelphia and Hallahan High School in center city Philadelphia.

Lindsay loves to dance and socialize with friends. She will be looking into schools that have a good nursing program. She hopes to be able to start in September.
We would not be surprised if she applies for a position within the Philadelphia Police Dept. if and when the opportunity arises!!

She has a brother, Dave Omlor is a Philadelphia Police Officer along with her Uncle. Father, Dave Omlor is retired from the City of Philadelphia where he worked for 28 years. Mom, Patti Omlor is an administrative assistant at St. Aloysius Academy grade school.

Lindsay’s father, Dave and three Uncles were in the Navy and another Uncle in the Marines. She has a cousin who served in the Marines and served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

We are just so proud of Lindsay. She has always been a fighter and will stand up to anything throw her way!!! She and her unit have endured a lot. She has grown so much during this deployment and we are so very proud of how she has handled herself.

A link to a local paper’s report on Lindsay’s return.

12/3/11
UPDATED! Welcome Home
SPC. Yvenson Dure, U.S. Army

Warriors’ Watch Rider’s has received a request from Jasmine Dure to help her Welcome Home her husband Spc. Yvenson Dure upon his safe return from deployment in Afghanistan.

“I had a couple of questions for you regarding our homecoming, first my father would like to volunteer to ride with you guys if that is possible. Second I wanted to find out about the individual homecomings. I would like to do this for my husband. Thank you for your time. And thank you guys sooooo much for your support.

I just found out that my husbands truck was hit while out on a mission, and he was there to recover the vehicle of our fallen soldiers SSG Vangiesen, Sgt Mowery, and Sgt Koehler, again we our soooo proud of him and thank God for bringing him home safely.”

Well Jasmine, Yes, we would love to have your father Eric ride with us when we escort the 131st from Ft. Dix to the Armory and YES we can’t wait to welcome home your husband and show him how much we appreciate his service to Our Country!

Who: Spc Yvenson Dure
What: Welcome Home Escort
Rally Location: Dick’s Sporting Goods Willow Grove Mall
2510 Moreland RoadWillow Grove, PA 19090
Link To Rally Location:
Rally Time: 1PM (13:00 hours)
KSU: 1:25PM

We will walk in on Spc. Dure at a local restaurant, make some noise and escort him home!

Bio:

SPC. Yvenson Dure (its pronounced Evenson Durae), has been enlisted for 3 years attached to the 131st transportation unit. Philadelphia/Southampton Rd.

This was his first deployment.

His military MOS (job) is 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, and awards include Serving In Time of War, ARCOM, Overseas, Afghan Campaign, Combat Action Badge

Spc Dure graduated from Batram High School in 2003 at the age of 16. Attended college for a few years before enrolling in the national guard. After his return home he plans to continue his education with a degree in culinary arts. He loves to cook and he’s a very hard worker, he strives to be the best at anything he does.

He was married to Jasmine M. Dure on October 9, 2010 and has a 1 yr old son named Joshua Ian Dure. He is an excellent father and husband who works hard to take care of his family. For someone who wasn’t born in this country (originally from Haiti), he has given up a lot for this country including missing out on the first year of his first born and for that we are so proud of him. He has taken his job of being a soldier/mechanic and has embraced it, always studying to learn new things. That is one of the reasons I love him so much, because he is such a dedicated person and always gives it his all.

12/3/11
Welcome Home
Spc. Rob Kislow, U.S. Army

Homes for our Troops will be presenting Spc Rob Kislow with a specially adapted house at a KEY ceremony. We have been asked to participate in an escort on Saturday, December 3rd at 11:00 AM. We have been asked to provide a flag line and possibly escort for Spc Kislow for the Key ceremony. Leo has been secured, also participating will be Mario Andretti, who will be providing the transportation of Spc. Kislow.

Some of you may remember Spc. Kislow as he was severely wounded and lost a leg as a result of wounds sustained in battle. Rob was shot five times.

RC: CanAmChris if available, or DirtyDog
Ride is approx. 5 miles
Rally Point: Covenant United Methodist Church, 2715 Mountain View Dr. Bath, PA 18014
Rally Time: 10:00 AM
KSU: 10:45

More info

12/4/11
Welcome Home
Spc. Todd Boothe, U.S. Army

Warriors’ Watch Rider’s has received a request from Theresa Booothe to welcome home her husband upon his safe return from Afghanistan.

Specialist Boothe must be a great guy, because we also received a request from his neighbor Miss Rome!

Who: Army Spc. Todd Boothe
What: Welcome Home Escort
Where: Limerick to Pottstown
When: Sunday 11/4
Rally Location: Wawa 579 North Lewis Road Limerick, PA 19468-1129
This is the Wawa right at the Limerick exit of 422, not the one on ridge pike!

Link to Rally Location

Rally Time: 10:15 am
KSU: 10:55 am
RC: Gpopss

Specialist Boothe is in the Army National Guard. He has been in the service 9 years accumulative, not consecutive. His MOS is Primary (non active) FMS #4 Mechanic at Phoenixville Armory and (active duty) 91 Bravo Mechanic, 85 Mike Transport Operator, Hotel 88 Recovery Specialist, 52 Delta Generator Specialist. 

Todd also served in Desert Storm.

Other family in the armed forces- His sister-in-law Sgt Tamara English, Brother-in-law Sgt Tyrone English, nephew PFC David Dilworth
I am his wife of 10 years Theresa Boothe, He has five children and 4 grandchildren.

Todd graduated from John F Kennedy High School in Suffolk, Virginia and spent 1 year at Reading Area Community College in Reading, Pennsylvania
Todd enjoys spending time with his family having cookouts (he loves to cook) he usually ends up inviting all the neighbors as well. He also is an avid sports fan totally engrossed in football. His favorite team is NY Giants.

Todd is also a big movie buff. He has a very extensive DVD collection. He enjoys Sunday afternoon matinees as a way of spending quality time with his wife. He is a lover of music as well, any kind. He can name most artists and songs he hears playing and probably has them in his ultimate CD collection.

Todd is a special kind of man that doesn’t come along often enough. He is outgoing and friendly and not afraid to show emotion or affection openly towards those he loves. He is open, out spoken, and honest. He helped me raise my three children as if they were his own. He provided for them all these years. He has never been a “Step dad”, He has been a true DAD in every sense of the word. Todd will help ANYONE no matter what the need is or who it is. He has a strong will and determination to always help a fellow person. From giving rides, buying groceries, lending money, and yes – even babysitting. If you need help, he is there. EVERY TIME.

Please call 484-79-1717 for more info or questions call 610-327-2916

PA 18014
Rally Time: 10:00 AM
KSU: 10:45

More info

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011
Subject: 1/23/11 WELCOME HOME PFC Christopher Asher, U.S. ARMY

WELCOME HOME
PFC Christopher Asher, U.S. ARMY
NO MEDIA REQUESTED, PLEASE

We have been contacted by the father of PFC Christopher Asher to see if we could assist with a welcome home for his son. Seems Christopher came back to his post about a month ahead of his Brigade and there was no one there to meet him including family. Well, I say yes we can, this young man deserves a Welcome Home and we will do the best we can to provide one. We will be gathering with the family at the airport and perform our ever popular Mug-n-Hug, this is a surprise to Christopher as well as his mother and sister so we have to keep it on the down low, so our quite escort into the neighborhood is out. 

Christopher was a dog handler and was injured by an I.E.D during this last tour.

Short Bio to follow: PFC Christopher Asher is with the 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Division stationed in Fort Polk Louisiana,
he has just returned after 6 months in Afghanistan.

Date : 11/23/2011 
Rally Location: FB69
Rally Time: 12:50 PM
KSU: 1:30 PM
Flag line at: Philadelphia Int.

SIDEKICK has stepped up to RC this Welcome Home! 
Thank You for doing this and I have made the change to reflect a Welcome Home Mug-n-Hug at the Airport only.

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Upcoming Veteran's Day Events

A HERO’S WELCOME

Please try and join us for one or both of the Veteran’s Day Events

Friday Nov. 11, 2011 “Teach The Children” Barkley Elementary School, Phoenixville, PA
http://aheros-welcome.org/blog/2011/11/07/111111/

Saturday Nov. 12, 2011 Salute the Troops Event: Rose Tree Park in Media, Delaware County, PA
http://aheros-welcome.org/blog/2011/11/07/111211-salute-the-troops-event-rosetree-park-delaware-county-pa/

call Maria @ 610-327-2916 for more info or questions.

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Friday, November 4, 2011
Subject: 11/5/11 UPDATE!! Welcome Home LCpl. Brandon McCulley, U.S.M.C.

11/5/11 UPDATE!!
Welcome Home
LCpl. Brandon McCulley, U.S.M.C.

We missed this welcome last weekend due to the weather conditions, but it’s been rescheduled so
COME ON OUT and say “THANK YOU”!!!!
New Times:

NEW RALLY POINT- 2101 Howard Boulevard, Reading, PA 19606-1827 (Arner’s Family Restaurant)
RALLY TIME – 14:30 (2:30 pm)
KSU – 14:55 (2:55 pm)

We saw Brandon return safely from his first deployment in May of 2010, now, his family has asked us to welcome Bradon home again, from his second deployment… this time… our 
MARINE WILL BE SEEING HIS BRAND NEW DAUGHTER FOR THE 1ST TIME!!!
LCpl McCulley will be seeing his new daughter for the 1st time! How lucky are we to be invited to be there, welcome this Hero and see his face when he lays his eyes on his beautiful baby girl! 

10/16/11 Home
LCpl. Matthew Hubner, U.S.M.C.

Marine mother, Robin Hubner has asked us o welcome her son Lcpl Matthew Hubner.

This will be a Mug N Hug only, at their home. Matt has spent 5 years in the Corps, and will be driving home today.

Sunday, October 16th @ 2:00 PM in Quakertown

It will be our pleasure to Mug N Hug this hero, who has been deployed to many different locations, which include:
Gitmo Cuba, Bahrain, Jordan, Africa, and Afghanistan

Matt was primarily with the FAST teams and later transferred to 2nd BN 6th Marines. Joined in Oct. 2006

RC ---Tamale--- Thanks for stepping up Pat

Primary Rally Point: Quakertown WAWA (corner of W. Pumping Station RD. & N. West End Blvd. aka Rt 309)
Rally time 1:00 PM
KSU: 1:45 PM
Secondary Rally Point: McDonalds, 14 Main St. Hellertown, PA
Rally Time: 12:15 PM
KSU: 12:30 PM

10/15/11 WELCOME HOME
LCPL BEYER, U.S.M.C.

If you remember, we stood in the rain in Schwenksville to give Ryan welcome home from boot camp. He was named “Iron Man” at Parris Island, he was the fastest (runner) recruit they had! Now, Ryan has completed his first deployment and his Mom would like us to be there to welcome him home!

LET’S DO THIS!

FROM RYAN'S MOM:

My son is LCPL Ryan Beyer (USMC)
He is returning this Saturday October 15 and I would like to request an escort.
Ryan, a former student of Lockhaven University, receiving a Wrestling Grant, but only attending 1 year of, quit College knowing he would have to pay back the tuition, to join the USMC, that had been his dream since he was 5 or 6 years old.

Last June while graduating boot camp in Parris Island SC, Ryan was awarded the "Iron Man Award" (most physically fit, mentally endured Marine) of the entire graduates of the USMC on Paris Island, at that time. Ryan scored a 596 out of a possible 600 pts. On his final PT. Ryan then went on to become a Machine Gunner, (0331 Infantry 3/2 India Co.) to be meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal.

He was sent to Afghanistan in early February 2011 (1st tour) where he lived in hostile territory behind enemy lines, until this past September 19 when he returned to Camp Lejeune NC., turning 21 in Afghanistan. Ryan is in the Force Recon division, and is basically headed back to Afghanistan in the near future. His first tour was a bit depressing for him, as he lost some of his fellow brothers while in combat. On October 31, Ryan will be going back to Camp Lejeune NC to begin a Sniper training.

I would like it to be said that this is a true brother. Ryan wears the names of a few of the fallen men that he served with while in Afghanistan: Cpl Adam Jones, Cpl Jabari Thompson and Sgt Mark Bradley.

I have a friend who owns a 57 Chevy truck, meeting him at the Philly airport with Ryan’s only sibling... his brother Austin.

The street will have neighbors out at their driveways greeting him, to be welcomed at his home with about 150 of Ryan's close friends and family. This would really help bring this Marine's spirit up as he is headed back to Afghanistan in the near future.

Thank You for all you do. I am now a member, and will possibly be riding along, provided I can batten down the fort at home!

Sincerely,
Joan Beyer

RALLY - 222 E Main St Collegeville Pa 19426 http://maps.google.com/maps?q=.....426&t=h&z=19
RALLY TIME -1530 (3:30pm)
KSU - APPROXIMATELY 1600 (4PM)

This Hero has lost some close friends. Let’s get out and give him the Hero’s Welcome he deserves.

Warriors' Watch Rider's has received a request for
10/15 or?/11
Welcome Home Navy
Petty Officer Shane McClennan

Stand by for updates!

Stan McClennan has asked us to welcome home his son, Navy Petty Officer Shane McClennan, after a 13 month deployment to Honduras.

"Son coming home from being deployed for 13 months. As of now looks like Oct 15, Shane will be back in the area.

All I can say at this time. Not sure which date we can do because do not know times as of yet.

We met Stan during a Welcome Home he came out to support in Royersford in early October.

Let's show this young man how much we appreciate his service to Our Country!

More Details to come. Please watch our site for updates on this welcome home.

Who: Petty Officer Shane McClennan
What: Welcome Home Escort
Where: TBD to Gilbertville
When: Saturday 10/15 Late afternoon
Rally Point: TBD
Rally Time: TBD

Petty Officer Shane McClennan is a 2008 graduate of Boyertown High School. He joined the Navy shortly after graduation and is an E4 Master of Arms Security Specialist, Security Dog Handler.

10/14/11 GROUP WELCOME HOME
TO MARINES AND CORPSMAN!!! FOLSOM, PA

PLEASE JOIN US AT THE FOLSOM VFW TO WELCOME HOME OUR MARINES AND CORPSMAN! 

Date: 10/14/2011
Rally Time: 4:00 PM
Rally Location: Rest Stop on North bound I95 Pa/DE border.
KSU: We are hoping for 5:00 PM (subject to change)
Final Destination: Folsom VFW
VFW Post 28 Herbert W Best
1805 Macdade Boulevard
Folsom, PA 19033-1213

We have been contacted by the proud mom of Cpl Quinn to see if there is any possible way we can assist in a Welcome home escort for her son and 7 other Marines and a Corpsman coming home from Camp Lejeune. Our Heroes will be riding up together to have a celebration at the Folsom VFW (did large Marine send off couple years back) and then they will be going separate ways to be with family. This is our window of opportunity to try and show how much their service has meant to our country.

Short Bios of our Hero’s:

LCpl. John Quinn, (Ridley, PA) mortar man/rifleman – has been a United States Marine for over 1 year. In that time he has served with the 3/2 Weapons Company for the last eight months in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His duties consisted of searching out Taliban and securing previously unsecured areas and opened roads for the Afghani Army to use in maintaining that security in remote villages.

LCpl. Christopher Showman, (Ridley, PA) mortar man/rifleman – has been a United States Marine for over 1 year. In that time he has served with the 3/2 Weapons Company for the last eight months in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His duties consisted of searching out Taliban and securing previously unsecured areas and opened roads for the Afghani Army to use in maintaining that security in remote villages.

LCpl. Daniel Miller, (Alabama) mortar man/rifleman – has been a United States Marine for over 1 year. In that time he has served with the 3/2 India for the last eight months in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. During his deployment his unit maintained security in hostile areas and helped build relations with local populace.

LCpl. Matthew White, (New York), mortar man/rifleman – has been a United States Marine for over 1 year. In that time he has served with the 3/2 Weapons Company for the last eight months in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. While there his duty station protected the roads and wadi from Taliban and insurgents searching for IEDs.

LCpl. Joshua Overton – (North Carolina) mortar man/rifleman – has been a United States Marine for over 1 year. In that time he has served with the 3/2 Weapons Company for the last eight months in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. While there his duty station protected the roads and wadi from Taliban and insurgents searching for IEDs. 

LCpl. Anthony Lester – (Ohio) mortar man/rifleman – has been a United States Marine for over 1 year. In that time he has served with the 3/2 Weapons Company for the last eight months. During his deployment his unit maintained security in hostile areas and helped build relations with local populace.

Cpl. Xu Liang – (China/New York) mortar man/rifleman – has been a United States Marine for over 1 year. In that time he has served with the 3/2 Weapons Company for the last eight months in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. While there his duty station protected the roads and wadi from Taliban and insurgents. Cpl. Liang moved to the United States from China to become a United States Marine.

Doc. Vince Edera – (Philippine/Washington State) A Navy Medic for the past 5 years, was assigned to the 3/2 Weapons Company and stationed the last eight months in Afghanistan, Helmand Province. Doc was with LCpl. Quinn and LCpl. Showman and others in heavy combat taking care of his Marines and locals and Afghani Army in any medical capacity needed.

SSgt. Renard Singleton – (Illinois) has been a United States Marine for 19 years. Serving three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan his last tour with the 3/2 was as the Platoon Commander responsible for the security and safety of Senior Command Personnel of Afghan and Coalition Forces, to travel and build positive relations and strength in the communities with the local populace against enemy forces now and in the future.

10/14/11Welcome Home
LCpl Joseph Monastero, U.S.M.C.

LCpl. Jospeph Monastero has wanted to be a Marine for a long time. He joined the “Young Marines” and continued his dream and you know what they say “once a Marine, always a Marine!” Joseph will be returning from his deployment and we’d love to make this a welcome home he’ll never forget. Plymouth Township Fire Departments are pulling out all the stops for this welcome home and we’ll join them as we arrive in the area from PHL. Please join us at the airport or at the Victory Business Campus in Plymouth.

Whatever is easier for you. Just pleases join us!!!! for the final stage of the escort

Short Bio by Joseph’s Mom:

Our son joined the Marines after high school. Since the age of three he wanted to be a Marine. At age eleven he joined the Young Marine program which helped prepare him for boot camp and military life. He refused to consider any other branch of the military because he said the Marines are the best. He is finishing his first tour in Afghanistan. He currently works as a diesel mechanic of the 2nd Maintenance Battalion at Camp Lejeune NC.

Date: 10/14/2011
Rally Time: 6:30 PM
KSU 7:15 PM
Primary Rally Point: FB 69 (Picking up Hero at Airport then to secondary rally at Victory)
Second Rally Point: Victory Business Campus
Secondary Rally Time: Approx 8:30 at Victory Business campus at Germantown and Chemical Rds. Plymouth Mtg Pa.
Destination: Plymouth Meeting area

RC for this mission will be SJS so please lets get out there and support Sheldon on the mission. Thank You Sheldon for stepping up.

WELCOME HOME
US MARINE JEREMY 

Jeremy's Bio:

Jeremy grew up in Levittown. He loves sports. He has played Little League from T-ball to High School Ball. He also played football and enjoyed bowling and hockey with his friends. Jeremy decided early in high school he wanted to be a US Marine. He even wanted to attend the Valley Forge Military Academy. He graduated from Truman H.S. in June 2008 and left for Paris Island July 7, 2008.

Jeremy has always been an outgoing and independent person. Oct. 3, 2008, he graduated at Paris Island as a PFC. The following spring 2009, he became LCPL and the fall 2010, he became CPL.

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011

WELCOME HOME FROM IRAQ
CW2 BILL MOWERS, US ARMY
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 OR MONDAY, OCTOBER 10

WE ARE STILL AWAITING FINAL DETAILS!!!!!

RALLY LOCATION: ENGINE 69 FIREHOUSE BARTRAM AND ISLAND
AVENUES, PHILA., PA
WHEN: OCTOBER 9 OR 10
RALLY TIME: TBA
DESTINATION: WEST CHESTER AREA FROM PHL

CW2 Mower is coming home to West Chester, Pa., from a long deployment in Iraq, since September 2010. He is an Apache Helicopter Pilot and is with the FLYING TIGERS 8-229TH out of Fort Knox. In civilian life, he is employed as a commercial airline pilot for US Airways.

This request came from a very proud and happy father, also named William Mowers, of West Chester. He tells us that his son will be coming home to parents Bill and Kay, wife Katie, sisters Victoria and Kay and their families, and that in attendance at the airport greeting will be two nieces, two nephews, and five godchildren, ranging in age from 2 to 11 years.

Father, Bill, is a proud and loyal member of the American Sheepdogs of West Chester (http://americansheepdogs.com/) and heard about the Warriors' Watch there. In fact, it was Phil who gave Mr. Mowers a WWR brochure, and he was deeply moved by our mission as stated in the brochure. Bill wrote to us, "Thank you for your patriotism and as an American and the father of an American soldier, I am truly proud and honored by your selfless gift of yourselves to our American troops." He closed his email with, "Again, I am truly grateful and very excited about this Welcome Home for Bill."

Warriors' Watch, what an impact you have on our troops, their families, our culture, our nation!

CHECK OUR WEBSITE: www.aheros-welcome.org or call 484-679-1717

WELCOME HOME
SPECIALIST SPRING SULLIVAN
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9,2011

We have been requested by the Spring's parents to escort her home from a meeting place in the Wilkes Barre area. SPC Sullivan is with Unit 1244 Transportation Company and stationed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Her deployment was from Sept. 2010 through Sept. 2011.

RALLY LOCATION: TBA
RALLY TIME: 11:00AM
KSU: TBD

Hot Shot is the contact for this and will be coordinating with Rolling Angels.

AFGHANISTAN DEPLOYMENT
US MARINE 1ST LT. TYLER ROBERTSON
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011

WHAT: Mug 'N Hug
WHERE: Harleysville, PA
WHEN: Saturday, October 8, 2011 Late Afternoon
RALLY LOCATION: Wawa Food Market 4121 Skippack Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473
RALLY TIME: TBA

Warriors' Watch Rider's has received a request from Steve and Lynn Robertson to help them send off their son, Marine 1st Lt. Tyler Robertson on his deployment to Afghanistan. They will be hosting a party for Lee on Saturday Oct. 8th and would like us to stop by and make some noise and let this Marine know how much we appreciate his service to Our Country.

Link To Rally Location:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=.....473&t=h&z=16

RC: Gpopss

We met Steve and Lynn when they came out to support two missions in early October. Below is the request we received:
During the 2 rides on Sept 18, I mentioned to a few folks (and Tamale) that our son 1st Lt. Lee (Tyler) Robertson will be leaving for Afghanistan in Oct. I was told that send off rides have been done and was encourage to make a request.
We will be having a send off party for Tyler at our home on October 8th (starting at 4pm) and were wondering if you would be willing to stop in to encourage this young aviation supply officer as he heads off to serve in an infantry billet.

Tyler (Lee), 26, is a 3rd generation Marine. He was just married last July and will be leaving his young wife behind at Cherry Point, NC. We are, needless to say, proud of this young man and his willingness to serve and his love for his country.

Tyler will be leading a border patrol made up of a squad of Marines and 30 Afghanistan troops. Our prayer is not only for this safe return but safety for all those serving with him. Thanks so much for your consideration, Lynn and Steve Robertson (USMC Retired)

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Subject: EXTREME SHORT NOTICE!

9/27/11 EXTREME SHORT NOTICE!
Welcome Home
Sgt. Frank Attwood, U.S. Army

Rally Time: 1530 ( 3:30 pm)
Rally Location: Fire Base 69 82nd and Bartram Ave, Phila., Pa 
Rally Location #2: Pica’s Restaurant • 7803 West Chester Pike • Upper Darby, PA 19082
Rally Time/Location #2: 4:30 pm

SGT Frank Attwood is scheduled to return for R&R from Camp Ramadi in IRAQ, his second tour/ his first in South Korea. Although he is from NJ his sister and family, who have been on WWR missions, have asked that we escort him from the airport to Pica’s on West Chester Pike in Upper Darby. We’ve had this info for a couple weeks but the family still does not have his arrival information so please stand by for this escort!

Details of Request: Dear Members of Warrior Watch, It is in keeping with your vision: 

WE WILL HONOR OUR NATION’S WARRIORS HERE AT HOME, AND SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES WHILE THEY FIGHT FOR US ABROAD…and it is with the greatest pride and gratitude that we write this letter on behalf of our own SGT Frank Attwood and request that you do him the honor of escorting him as he returns to his home at the end of this month. Frank is coming home for R&R from Camp Ramadi, Iraq. His time in Iraq is his second tour; his first was in South Korea.

In addition to these deployments, despite some very serious and valid reasons (primarily his family, including his toddler son, Ayden) and some very alluring opportunities that would have been afforded him in the civilian world, we found out just today that Frank has selflessly re-enlisted in the army. In his younger days, Frank gave us reason to fear that his amazing strength, courage, determination and brilliance may have lead him down a not-so-honorable path, but to our relief, he instead gathered all of his extraordinary talents and characteristics and became an honorable and brave United States Soldier with the 82nd Airborne. We’re really excited at the prospect of Warrior Watch support as we, along with Frank’s Uncle Matt, Aunt Kathy, his brother Richard and other members of the family frequently are involved in escort events. Sometime in October, we will be making similar request of Warrior Watch as we see Frank’s brother, John Paul, off to Afghanistan.

Please, along with us, consider showing him how proud and grateful we are for and to him by cheering him on to “FEEL APPRECIATED, HONORED, RESPECTED AND LOVED BY THE CITIZENS [he] Risks [his] Life TO PROTECT…” Thank you for your time and effort.

Contact: Maria 610-327-2916 for more info

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 18, 2011

9/20/11 Honor Mission for
SGT James Lyons, U.S. Army

Warriors Watch has been asked by the family of SGT James Lyons to attend the funeral of this HERO. He is a friend of our own Phil Altringer. Lets get out in force to honor this young hero. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday 9/20

United States Army Sgt James E. Lyons, Senior Sniper, Apache company, 1st 1FT Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 24 years old, a hero who loved and served his country honorably, was taken too soon on September 12, 2011. Jim served multiple terms over-seas and in hostile territories and was expert at his missions. Jim was a true leader and mentor to his team. He participated in the military national marksmanship competition where he ranked at the top.

Jim graduated from Concord High School, Wilmington, DE and upon graduation joined the Army to defend his country. While in High School, Jim was a member of the crew team. Jim was an avid motor cyclist and rode often with his father and mother when he was home on leave. Jim also loved to participate in paint ball activities. Jim loved his family and was always there for those who needed him.

RALLY POINT-UPPER CHICHESTER COMMUNITY CENTER, LOCATED RIGHT OFF OF I-95 NEXT TO DiCOSTANZAS SANDWICH SHOP. DiCOSTANZAS ADDRESS IS 1930 MARKET ST, BOOTHWYN PA 19061. WHEN YOU GET OFF OF I-95 AND HEAD SOUTH ON 452, THE COMMUNITY CENTER IS RIGHT BEFORE DiCOSTANZAS ON THE RIGHT.

RALLY TIME -0930 (9:30 am)

KSU -0950 (9:50 am)

PLEASE KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THIS THREAD FOR UPCOMING INFO.

GOD BLESS SGT JAMES LYONS. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH JIMS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

9/18/11 (A) Welcome Home
LCpl. PJ Dunn, U.S.M.C.

Date: 9/18/2011
Rally Time: Approx 2:00 PM
Rally Location: CVS/pharmacy, 3 South Pennell Road Media, PA 19063
KSU Time: Approx 2:30 – 2:45 PM
Final Destination: Media Pa.

PJ’s Mom, Bonnie, contacted AHW and asked if we could help her welcome her son home from Afghanistan. She stressed over and over her concern about us keeping this welcome very low key. Sounds like our Marine is as humble as I have found many of our Heroes. This is the beautiful part of our young men and women, they put their lives on the line every day and they don’t feel THEY deserve thanks for any of it.. they call it “their job” well, guess what kids? Our job is to make sure they DO know how we feel!!! Let’s join Bonnie in welcoming her son home. This will be a short Mug n Hug.. no Fire Department escort or Media.. but there will be fan fare! AHW and WWR fan fare for sure! Well rally at the CVS and all ride over to PJ’s Aunt’s home to give him one of our famous Mug n Hugs (or as Lorraine likes to call it.. HUG n MUG.. let’s get our priorities straight, right Lorraine ???)

Short Bio:

My son, LCpl Patrick (PJ) Dunn, has just returned from Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion 8th Marines stationed at Camp LeJeune, NC on August 6. This was his first deployment. He is an 0311 Infantry. Some of my family members took me down to Camp Lejuene for the happy occasion when they came back to the base by bus. Such an emotional event. We only had really 1 day with him down there before we had to return to our hometown, Aston, Pa. Even though PJ returned to the states on Aug 6, They did not receive block leave until Sept. 2.
When I told him people are proud of him and just want to say thank you and acknowledge his service to our country. He said it only mattered that I was proud of him! Aawww, such a sweet thing for a son to say to his mother!
We will have plenty of time to make the Royersford mission so what say you lets get out and do this for this deserving Marine.

************************************

9/18/11 (B) Welcome Home
LCpl. Andrew Hagman, U.S.M.C.

Date: Sept 18 2011
Rally Time: 5:45 PM
Rally Point: Giant Food Pharmacy 967 S Township Line Rd, Royersford, PA 19468
KSU: 6:30 – 6:45 PM
Final Destination: Royersford Pa. Area

LCpl. Hagman’s family has heard about what we do and how we do it.. the ROCK STAR Treatment is what they would LOVE for their son, Andrew! So.. let’s do it kids.. let’s show this Marine how much we appreciate what he is doing and HAS DONE for us… grab your American Flags and let’s get moving on this welcome home.. We’ll do a Mug n Hug w/ the Warriors’ Watch Riders for this special Marine who has wanted to defend our country since a very young age!!!!! 

Check out his short bio by family:

He always had an interest in serving in the military. At the age of 12, I can remember him telling me that he wanted to join the Army so he could fight all the bad people who did not like the United States.

While at Spring-ford High School, Andrew participated in track and field and was on Special teams and defense for the Spring-ford football team. Andrew also attended Western Technical School in his junior and senior year of high school where he became an expert in construction. He helped build a home that continues to be constructed for a lower income family in Limerick. Andrew received Honors while in high school and was inducted into the National Honor Society in his senior year of school. Andrew graduated from Spring-Ford High School on June 12th 2009. Also Andrew became a fire-fighter and ran with the Spring City Volunteer fire company.

Before Andrew turned 18, he came to me and stated he would like to become a Marine. Andrew and I went to see a USMC recruiter and he was signed up. He took the physical and written tests and passed with high results. Andrew was taken to Parris Island, South Carolina where he began boot camp training on August 23, 2009. While in Boot Camp Andrew received a meritorious promotion and graduated boot camp on November 20, 2009 as Squad Leader and Pvt First Class. On January 18, 2011, Andrew was flown to serve in Afghanistan for 7 months. While there Andrew received another promotion, this time to Cpl. He is now known as Cpl Andrew Hagmann and is currently stationed in Camp LeJuene, North Carolina.

Thank you so much for this. It means a lot. I know Andrew says that he does not need acknowledgement.
He is a Marine because he wants to serve his country and to help whomever he can. He doesn’t do it for the honor and praise.
But I think he is a real special kid.

* * * * * * * * * **

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
To: "andread50@yahoo.com" <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome upcoming events 9-15 to 9-18-11

Welcome Home
TSgt. Steve Maniscalco

Rally Date: Thurs. 9/15/11
Rally Time: 1700 (5 pm)
Rally location: DE Rest stop,I-95 South, Newark, DE
KSU/depart for BWI 1720 (5:20 pm)

If you can't make it to the airport, please consider being at the destination address in Newark, DE when our Hero arrives!!!

Please contact Maria for more info (maria@aheros-welcome.org)

Bio from Steve's wife:

My husband Tsgt Steve Maniscalco has been deployed, with the 142nd AES since May 2nd overseas. It has definitely not been an easy deployment for him, not that any are ever easy, but just in these 2 short months, we have buried 2 of his very close relatives, his Uncle, who was like a 2nd father to him passed just 2 weeks after he left, you see Steve's dad passed when he was a teen and his Uncle Bob kinda was like a surrogate and here recently his 47 year old brother died on June 26th. Both had been ill with Cancer and although he was prepared for his uncle's passing the passing of his brother was quite a shock as he had been doing really well when he left. Steve opted to not return home for either service, although the funeral home for his brother did live stream the services for him to be able to watch, Steve felt as though it would be too much for him and our 2 small children for him to take leave and come home only to have to go back, so we as a family supported his decision to stay and "complete his mission."

He is due to return home in September and because of these extraordinary circumstances that he has dealt with during this deployment. I am trying to find out how to arrange a "special homecoming" for him.

Thank you again for any help.
Sincerely
JoLynn Maniscalco
Location
Newark DE

PLEASE CALL 610-327-2916 FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS
CALL 484-679-1717 - PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE AND UPDATE HOTLINE

9/3/11 Welcome Home
LCpl James Yeager, U.S.M.C.

MARINE MOTHER Laura Harrier, who is also a WWR member has requested a WELCOME HOME and ESCORT of her son Lcpl James Yeager USMC. Lcpl Yeager is currently in Afghanistan and is due to return to the Lehigh Valley on Saturday, September 3, time has been confirmed, as always time and date could be tentative, but looks good. This is to be a total surprise. Lets make sure everyone brings their sunglasses, just in case your eyes sweat.

Escort to be from ABE airport to home, approximately 11 miles, simple route.
FYI: Not only is James mother a member of WWR, so is his father, and uncle.
Let’s give this MARINE a welcome home, that he will never forget.

RC_____CanAmChris _____ THANKS FOR STEPPING UP
Rally Point: Wachovia Bank (now for lease) Airport Rd. and City Line Rd. Allentown PA (directly across from Airport entrance)
Rally Time: 9:45 AM
KSU: 10:15 AM

Brief Bio: Lcpl Yeager USMC is in the 2/8 Weapons Co., MAP 2. He is a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Easton PA.
When James told his mother of plans to join the Marines, he was asked to wait a year to see if he felt the same way. Exactly 1 year later James was a Marine.
Lcpl Yeager turned 21 years old in January while serving in Afghanistan. James was recently in 3 battles where 3 Marines in his unit were KIA.
WELCOME HOME MARINE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! 

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome upcoming events

Please watch www.aheros-welcome.org for info on upcoming welcomes. Updates and final plans will be posted here. Thank you! 

9/2/11 WELCOME HOME
LCpl. JASON KILMARTIN, U.S.M.C.

What: Welcome Home Escort
When: 9/2/11
Where: Escort to Worcester Area
Rally Location: Walmart Parking Lot (Behind Chick-fil-A)(Up Trooper Rd from Valley Forge HD)
650 S. Trooper Rd
Norristown, PA 19403
Rally Time: 1730hrs (5:30pm)
KSU: 1815hrs (6:15pm)

We have received a request from Marine Mom, Diane Kilmartin, to Welcome Home her son when he returns from deployment in Afghanistan Serving Our Country.

"My son LCpl Jason Kilmartin with the 2nd Bn 8th Marines deployed to Afghanistan will be returning to NC early August with leave at home scheduled later most likely closer to Labor Day. What steps are required to start to plan his homecoming?
Thank You, Diane Kilmartin"

WELL, YOUR FAMILY HAS DONE PLENTY DIANE!
WE'VE GOT IT FROM HERE!
LETS GET OUT AND SHOW THIS MARINE HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE HIS SERVICE!

UPDATE   UPDATE   UPDATE

Brief Bio

Our son LCPl Jason Kilmartin, 2nd Bn 8th Marines returns home on leave in early September,
He Graduated Kenrick Kennedy High School 2006, attended Kutztown University and Montgomery County Community College but always wanted to join the Marine Corps.
He followed what was in his heart to serve our country and graduated Parris Island March 2010.
Jason has a brother Brian and sister Kelly. He loves sports and played Ice Hockey since he was 7 and plans on joining a mens league when he gets back to Camp Leguene where he is stationed.
Our names are Brian and Diane Kilmartin and we are grateful for your help!!!

8/31/11 WELCOME HOME
LT. ROBERT MERRIWEATHER, U. S. ARMY

UPDATE!

DATE: WED. AUG. 31, 2011
TIME: APPROX 6:00 PM (WATCH THE AHW SITE FOR UPDATES)
RALLY POINT: TBA/SPRINGFIELD, PA AREA (EXACT RALLY POINT AND TIME TBA)
ESCORT TO: MRYTLE AVE, MORTON, PA

We received a request to welcome home Rev. Raymond and Debra Merriweather's son, Lt. Robert Merriweather, U.S. Army.
His family is so excited to see Robert and so are we! Let's get out and show our Hero how much we appreciate what he is doing for us every day. Robert is from Morton, PA in Delaware County and is on his way home from Afghanistan!
We will keep you updated on time and location for this very happy event. Standing by Lt. Merriweather. WELCOME HOME!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!

Short bio from Lt. Robert Merriweather's Mother, Debra:

Graduate of West Point Military Academy 2009, 24 years old
Branched Infantry trained platoon in Kentucky @ Fort Knox
Airborne Ranger Qualified
Deployed since Jan 4, 2011
Youngest of 3 siblings
Hobbies: Martial Arts (Black Belt), Golf, Boxing, Reading

I would love to see him receive a Hero's Welcome!

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Upcoming events

8/31/11 Welcome Home
Lt. Robert Merriweather, U.S. Army

We received a request to welcome home Rev. Raymond and Debra Merriweather’s son, Lt. Robert Merriweather, U.S. Army.
His family is so excited to see Robert and so are we! Let’s get out and show our Hero how much we appreciate what he is doing for us every day. Robert is from Morton, PA in Delaware County and is on his way home from Afghanistan !

More info to follow on rally time and location. 
We will keep you updated on time and location for this very happy event. Standing by Lt. Merriweather. WELCOME HOME!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!

Short bio from Lt. Robert Merriweather’s Mother, Debra:

Graduate of West Point Military Academy 2009, 24 years old
Branched Infantry trained platoon in Kentucky @ Fort Knox
Airborne Ranger Qualified
Deployed since Jan 4, 2011
Youngest of 3 siblings
Hobbies…Martial Arts (Black Belt), Golf, Boxing, Reading

I would love to see him receive a Heros’s Welcome

8/30/11 PENDING…WELCOME HOME
PV 2 RAYMOND NOCITO, U.S. ARMY

PLANS STILL IN THE WORKS FOR RAYMOND’S WELCOME/PLEASE WATCH THIS SITE FOR UPDATES!!!!
PENDING DATE: 8/30/11
PENDING TIME: 6:00 PM
PENDING LOCATION: WILLOW GROVE MALL AREA

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Subject: SHORT NOTICE! SHORT NOTICE! 8/24/11 Welcome Home Sgt. Christopher McAndrew/SPREAD THE WORD!!!!

Welcome Home
Sgt. Christopher McAndrew

A Hero’s Welcome has received a request to Welcome Home Sgt Christopher McAndrew upon his return from deployment in Afghanistan.
UPDATE SHORT NOTICE
When: 8/24/2011
Rally Point: Firebase 69 (82nd & Bartram Ave )
Rally Time: 1130hrs (11:30am)
KSU: 1225hrs (12:25pm)
Escort to 2600 BLOCK OF HILLCREST AVE. East Norriton, PA (ETA 2:00 PM)

From Sgt. McAndrew’s wife Justine;

My name is Justine McAndrew.
My husband Sgt. Christopher McAndrew is due to come home from Afghanistan after a year active duty deployment. I think what your organization does is really great, and I know my husband would really appreciate it too. We have a 6 month old son, Colin, who he only had the chance to see for a short time since he was born in the middle of his deployment. There is no certain date yet for my husband's return other than sometime in August 2011. He will be flying into Philadelphia International Airport. Could you please respond to me and let me know what I have to do to set the hero’s welcome up for my husband??
Thank you so much.

Justine

WELL JUSTINE, YOU DID ALL YOU NEEDED TO! WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOUR HUSBAND AND THANKING HIM FOR HIS SERVICE AND SACRIFICE FOR OUR FREEDOM!
RC: Tamale

Christopher T. McAndrew, is from Blue Bell, PA and comes from a military background. He graduated in 1993 from Devon Preparatory High School, he was very active in school and lettered in three Varsity sports, golf, baseball, and winter track.
He then went onto Temple University where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Marine Biology, and was on the golf team. After graduation, he decided not to pursue Marine Biology and went to Manor College to obtain his Certification in Veterinary Technology. He has worked as a Certified Vet Technician for twelve years now.
He has worked in a few local emergency animal hospitals, and is employed with North Penn Animal Hospital.

Post 911, Chris decided he wanted to do something to serve his country, and he joined the Army Reserves. With the 422nd Unit as an Animal Care Specialist, CVT, based in Maryland, he became a Sergeant, and has traveled throughout most of Central America, on missions, vaccinating livestock, performing and assisting in surgeries, and teaching the farmers how to keep their livestock healthy.
His first tour was a 14 month deployment to Djibouti, Africa where he traveled throughout most of the country helping the farmers and vaccinating livestock. There is a wonderful article about his mission with his picture and the Major’s on the cover of Warrior Medic Magazine, Summer 2009. In March of 2010, he was called to active duty a second time, to Afghanistan, with the 358th Medical Detachment, based out of Tuskegee, Alabama.

Since, August 21, 2010 he has been serving as an Animal Care Specialist, CVT, at Camp Leatherneck primarily and also at Kandahar Air force Base in the surgical/veterinary centers. He role has been instrumental in the intake of IED sniffing dogs, completing physicals, surgeries, and treating dogs with PTSD.
He has become very close with the Marine Dog Handlers and their animals there, most respectfully to Lt. Colton Rusk. He has just received the Army Merit Award presented to him by the Commander, highlighting his dedicated service and impeccable clinical skills.

Chris has three children, most recently a son, Colin, who is 6 1/2 months, born on Christmas Eve, and two daughters, Elizabeth, 14, and Molly, 11. All of who he loves and misses very much. His family and friends are anxiously awaiting his return sometime by the end of August, 2011.

He continues to love his hobbies, and on the weekends you can find him either fishing or golfing, and spending time with his family. His wife, Justine, loves him and misses him very much as he his her heart and soul, and is looking forward to celebrating their second wedding anniversary, together, this Halloween. 
Bio from Justine McAndrew

QUESTIONS? MORE INFO? CALL MARIA 610-327-2916

8/21/11 WELCOME HOME
SPC. JAY QUILES

U. S. Army
Spec Jay Quiles arrived at Ft Bragg July 28th after 13 months in Afghanistan and a previous tour in Iraq. He and his wife Samantha have been at Ft Bragg securing housing since that is where he will be stationed along with their son Joey and daughter Megan. Jay’s only request when he got home was to have a BBQ. Jay’s Mother-in-Law, Robin McCarthy, saw what we do on TV and submitted a request hoping we would consider giving Jay a welcome home.
Robin you take care of the BBQ and we WILL give him a WWR & AHW, ROCK STAR, Welcome Home!!!
Date: Sunday, 8-21-2011
Rally point: Madison Ave Parking lot.
300 N Madison Ave
Lansdale, PA
Rally Time: 1230 (12:30PM)
KSU 1320 (1:20PM)

From the family:

Would like to know if you could welcome home soldier at our home as he is coming up from Ft Bragg, and we don't when they will arrive in PA. Our soldier is Spec J Quiles. Arrived Ft Bragg on Jul 23 & is spending time with wife and son until he returns here. We are planning a welcome home party for him on Sun Aug 21. We would appreciate it very much if this welcome home could be done at our house and witnessed by the whole family. Thank you for consideration, Robin McCarthy

8/17/11 Short Notice Honor Mission for
Cpl. Nicholas Ott, KIA 

Date: Wednesday, 17 August, 2011: Cpl. Ott will be released from Dover, DE at 10:00 am. and proceed to NJ.
Rally point - John Fenwick Service Area, Oldmans, NJ (NJ Tpk mm 5.4 north)
Rally time-10:30 am
We will form a flag line as he enters, then mount up for the escort to

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home
3010 Ridgeway Road
Manchester, NJ 08759

Date: Thursday, 18 August, 2011: We will form a flag line for viewing at
St. John's R. C. Church
619 Chestnut Street
Lakehurst, NJ 08733

3:00 pm to 8:00 pm (flag line to start at 2:30, but whatever time you can give is appreciated)
Friday, 19 August, 2011: flag line should be set by 10:30 am for the 11:00 am mass at St. John's R. C. Church.
after the mass, we will escort Cpl. Nicholas S. Ott to the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery
for the 1:00 pm Military service.
**********

8/18/11 Honor Mission
Navy SEAL Michael Strange
(UPDATED)

8/15/11 UPDATE: PO1 Michael Strange’s remains were released from Dover and escorted in a manner befitting this hero by the Philadelphia Police Department.
Dozens of MC Police and vehicles escorted Michael to the funeral home where Spring Garden Street was shut down for his arrival and he was greeted by a flag line in his honor. Follow this link to a few photos taken by a photo-journalist there today. Thank you Philadelphia Police for showing honor to this fallen Hero.
http://joekaczmarek.blogspot.com/2011/08/navy-seal-killed-in-action-returns-home.html

On behalf of Charles and Betsy – Parent’s, Chaz and Katelyn – Brother and Sister, and all the members of their family, Warriors’ Watch Rider’s support has been requested to Honor Navy SEAL, Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange who was killed in action on 8/5/2011 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan when his chopper was hit with an RPG.

Mike was a fine young man who worked hard to advance to be Petty Officer First Class as a member of Navy SEALTeam 6.
Mike loved serving His Country. He loved his family and his fiancé Bre. He loved his friends and his community and he gave his life fighting to protect them.

UDPATE!

Services have been arranged for PO1 Michael Strange as follows;

Viewing to be held Thursday 8/18/11 at 11:00 am at The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th & JFK Parkway.
Mass to begin at 3 pm after the viewing.

Military Honor Services to be conducted immediately following the mass directly outside the cathedral at Logan Square.

Warriors' Watch Rider's will escort PO1 Strange's remains from the Funeral Home to the Cathedral. We will then form a flag line, to be in place during visitation.

Rally Time: 8AM.
KSU TO FUNERAL HOME: 8:20AM
RALLY LOCATION:
BEST WESTERN HOTEL HAS GRACIOUSLY OFFERED THEIR PARKING LOT FOR OUR RALLY POINT.
501 North 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130-3507
LINK TO RALLY POINT

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=BEST+WESTERN+Center+City+Hotel&cid=8793560090781413709

**********

8/18/11 & 8/19/11 Honor Mission for
KIA Sgt. Alessandro “Sandrino” L. Plutiono, U.S. Army

*** UPDATED Aug 15 ***
Thank you all for your Patience, We held off with this information until this mission was confirmed.
We have been asked by PITMAN POLICE to NOT travel to DOVER for this Dignified Transfer. 
So we will pick up this Hero on 295 North Bound Rest Area. ( See Below)
Sgt. Alessandro “Sandrino” L. Plutino, age 28 died on August 8, 2011. Raised in Pitman, NJ he was a graduate of Pitman High School in 2001. He attended Western New England College and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Wilkes University, Wilkes Barre, PA in 2005. Sandrino wrestled and played football at Pitman High School and wrestled at Western New England College and Wilkes University.
Sandrino was a Sergeant in the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment out of Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA. Sandrino was killed in action on August 8, 2011 in Afganistan.
“He was planning to go into law enforcement — maybe the FBI, the ATF, or a state trooper,” his mother said.
Plutino was also planning to get married to Natalie Layton of Glassboro, his sweetheart for the last 10 years. “He proposed on Jan. 1, and the wedding was going to be next August,”
——————————————————
HONOR Mission Sgt. Alessandro “Sandrino” Plutino
Aug 18 Thursday
Rally Location: Rest Area 295 north bound (just pass exit 2)
GPS 39.689009,-75.473784
Rally Time: 0830
KSU: ( Depart) on arrival of KIA Sgt. Plutino escort from Dover
Escort Destination is expected to arrive at the
Kelley Funeral Home
125 Pitman Ave
Pitman, NJ 08071
Estimated arrival time: 1000After a Family Viewing we will form a flag line for transfer
Time 1245
Our Lady Queen of Peace
161 Pitman Ave
Pitman, NJ 08071
GPS 39.733138,-75.125485
After the service, Sgt. Plutino will again be transferred to
Pitman High School
225 Linden Ave
Pitman, NJ 08071
GPS 39.740731,-75.128015
for a public viewing
Flag Line Time: 1600 – 2100. 
———————–
Aug 19 Fri
Flag Line in place by 0900
After the service, 1130, Escort to cemetery interment
Destination:
Hillcrest Memorial Park
550 Delsea Drive
Sewell, NJ 08080
REMEMBER your 3X5 Flags
**********
Updates and changes: 484-679-1717
Additional info or questions, please call 610-327-2916 

From: maria hyland <mariahyland@comcast.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011

8/13/11 MUG ‘N HUG FOR
BRANDON COMSTOCK

We have been asked by a very good friend of Brandon Comstock (Iraq and Korean veteran) if we could help show our appreciation for his service to this country. He was discharged on 7/26 and Leslie thinks it would be great if we could quietly roll up (like we always do) and show Brandon that his service was not in vain. Well what say you can we do this ???? You bet we can.
We will be rolling up on a picnic being thrown in his honor and we will be coining him there.

Bio to follow

Date: 8/13
Rally Point: TBD
Rally Time: 3:30 PM
KSU: 4:00 PM
Final Destination: Southampton Pa.
RC for this will be our own Karen Ackley, this will be Karen’s first time.
THANK YOU for stepping up Karen!!!!

8/12/11 WELCOME HOME
MGYSGT JIM BABST, U.S.M.C.

MGySgt Jim Babst will be returning from a 6 month tour in Afghanistan to Phila on Friday Aug 12th. Exact time not yet confirmed, but should be in the early evening hours and we would like to request an escort to see him home where he will be greeted by family and friends. Also Jim is a Philadelphia firefighter and a good friend of mine.

Northeast Philadelphia
RC: Hogrider
Rally Time: 4:15 pm
Depart from Fire Base: 4:30 pm
Rally Location: Fire Base 69
82nd and Bartam Ave. Phila. Pa

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011
Subject: 8/11/11 UPDATE!!!! Lcpl Dan Akers U.S.M.C. ROYERSFORD, PA

8/11/11 UPDATE!!!!
Lcpl Dan Akers U.S.M.C.

LCpl Akers was deployed in January of 2011 and will be heading back home in August.

We’ll be there to give Daniel the welcome home he deserves and ROCK STAR TREATMENT!

LETS DO THIS! 

WHO - Lcpl Dan Akers USMC
WHAT - Welcome home /Escort /Rock star treatment
Rally Point: Royersford VFW 730 S 4th Ave, Royersford, PA 19468-2614
WHEN - Thursday 8/11/11
Rally time - 7:00 pm

Danny graduated from Spring-Ford High School in 2009. His older brother also served in the Marines. He has one younger sister who is a Sophomore at Spring-Ford High. Danny was awarded the NAM with a V(Navy Achievement Medal with a V for Valor). This was his first deployment.
He enjoys music (He recently bought a new Les Paul guitar), spending time with his many friends and sports

From: Maria Hyland <mariahyland@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Subject: 8/10/11 EXTREME SHORT NOTICE WELCOME HOME/Norristown, PA

Welcome Home
Ensign O’Brien, U.S. Navy
EXTREME SHORT NOTICE!!!!

Somehow missed Ensign O’Brien's coming home but its not to late to welcome home this hero!

From Jeanne, Kevin's Mom:

Kevin is returning to our home after a 6 month Deployment over seas. He is an Ensign serving on the USS Barry out of Norfolk, VA. Kevin is returning after a deployment that involved contact with Libya, they were the first to launch. Safe keeping in South Africa and peace mission in Egypt. The ship had a busy tour and we are glad to have our son home safe.

Kevin will be having dinner at his parents house on Wed 8/10 and his parents want to know if we can get some folks over there to make some noise, alarm the neighbors and give this hero the welcome home he deserves?

I know its very short notice but I think we can!!!!

LETS DO THIS!
RALLY-TBD
RALLY TIME-6:00 PM
KSU-6:45 PM

WHO WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THIS HERO WITH OUR CERTIFICATE??

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2011
Subject: AHW - several events, please join us!

A Hero’s Welcome

Please check our website for daily updates and changes. If you would like to present the AHW certificate at any welcome home celebration, please let me know!

Thank you for your continued support; it’s a busy time of the year and we appreciate you coming out to say Thank You to our Heroes! 

8/6/11 Pocono Racetrack Veteran’s
Event for 2 Wounded Warriors

On Saturday 8/6, ECPA will be escorting one local Hero (who has had an extended stay in Walter Reed) to Pocono Racetrack, the second local hero that also had an extended stay at Walter Reed has a wedding that day and will be arriving later, where they will be given VIP treatment, including a meet and greet with Dale Jr. (driver of the Army National Guard car) Also included in the VIP treatment will be USMC SSgt. Chambers, this is the Marine who salutes for hours during Rolling Thunder in Washington DC. Since 2 men have been selected from the Wilkes Barre - Scranton area, we ask that WWR NEPA also get involved in the escort. We are seeking support in this mission. This also happens to be Nascars Official "Salute the Troops Week."

Rally Point will be at the American Legion, Gravel Pike Road, East Greenville, PA 18091 @ 7:00 AM.
There will be a ONE HOUR PHOTO OP, for anyone who wishes to have their photo taken with SSgt. Chambers in front of the 9/11 Memorial, the final resting spot for the steel from the WORLD TRADE CENTER from last years escort called the "IRON RUN" held in October of 2010.

KSU at 9:00 AM SHARP
John Cramsey will be RC
NEPA - We will pick up our VIP and meet up with the rest of the group.
Rally Point: Sheetz - 1101 O'Neill Highway - Dunmore, PA
Rally Time: 10:00 am
KSU: 10:25 am PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN RALLY POINT
ECPA-SEPA
Rally Point: American Legion, Gravel Pike Rd., East Greenville, PA
Rally Time: 7:00 AM
KSU: 9:00 AM SHARP

The following is the Rally location and times for entire group, NEPA and those from the south

Rally Point: Dennison Township Volunteer Fire Co. Parking lot. Just north of Intersections of Susquehanna and Towanda Streets, White Haven PA
Rally Time: NOON
KSU (departure): 12:30 PM 

There is an offer for more activities Saturday and Sunday under the NEPA board.
http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1310990925/

8/6/11 Welcome Home
1SG Robert Lillard, U.S. Army

We have been contacted by the fiancé of 1SG Robert Lillard with the 10th Mt. Division if we could help bring her fiancé home and show how much he is appreciated for what he has sacrificed for this great country. And again you know we are suckers for Welcome Homes. We will arrive at our Hero’s home before he leaves for his vacation down the shore and both welcome him home and send him off in style. This will allow his daughters to be there as well and hopefully show them how much what there father does means to this country.

Short bio:

Robert Lillard is absolutely dedicated and believes in what he is doing. He is an amazing father and has three beautiful daughters. He loves spending time with family, cooks and makes second grade iced tea (person joke; he will love).

This is his third deployment in five years and he never complains but it always willing and able to serve his Country with utmost pride.

Not only is he a leader, but he is also dedicated to making sure his Soldiers have everything they need. He waits until they pick their R&R dates before his own.

As far as military accomplishments, I know he has many and will try to find them out secretly.

Date: 8/6
Rally Point: McDade Mall Parking Lot (2600 Macdade Blvd, Holmes, PA)
Rally Time: 11:15 AM
KSU: 11:45 AM
Final Destination: Secane, PA 19018.

8/6/11 Candle Light Service for KIA
MSG Kenneth Elwell, U.S. Army

As you may know MSG Kenneth Elwell, killed last week in Afghanistan, is to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, he will not be coming home here to the Newtown area.

His family has asked the WWR to be present at a memorial service to be held up here on Saturday, August 6.

From his sister, Sue:

"I am starting to arrange for Kenny's candlelight vigil on Aug. 6, 2011 at Council Rock North High School.

I would really LOVE the presence of The Warrior's Watch for this event since this is MY last way to honor my brother Kenny. Please feel free to call me any time for any thing."

What: KIA Memorial Service
Date: August 6
RALLY - Petsmart, 2600 S EAGLE RD, NEWTOWN PA 18904
RALLY TIME - 1900 (7PM)
KSU (kick stands up) - 1930 (7:30 pm)
Service Location: Council Rock North High School.

Please watch this space for final rally point/times. Please join the WWR in standing for this American Hero.

RALLY POINT AND TIMES

We'll ride a very short distance to Council Rock North HS and set up a flag line, either at the entrance of the football field or on the track around the field.
THE VIGIL STARTS AT 8 PM.

Let’s get out and support the family of this fallen hero.

8/7/11 Welcome Home Lt. Robert F. Poiesz, U.S.A.F.

This one is a very special Mug-n-Hug for several reasons. We have been asked by our very on SeaBee 4 (Richard Resh) if we could help welcome home his nephew Lt. Robert F. Poiesz who is in the United States Air Force and will soon be promoted to Capt.

A party will be thrown in his honor by the family and we will be escorting him to that party in our usual quiet way.

Special part 2 one of the family members attending the party will be SeaBee4 brother who is a two tour Vietnam Vet with US Army Intel, SeaBee 4 will be coining his brother and Welcoming him home as well (long over due), So please join us on the special mission.

Short Bio:

Born in 1982, Rob (known by his family) grew up near Dulles Airport, and developed a love of airplanes at a very young age.

Rob got his private pilots license and flew for fun out of the Harrisburg area in the early 2000s, while completing his undergraduate studies at Messiah College. Just after completing his MBA at LaSalle University, in May 2007 he joined the U.S. Air Force. Rob was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on August 10, 2007. He was assigned to Special Operations and completed his flight training at Canon Air Force Base in Enid, OK. On August 14, 2009 Rob received his wings. 

While his assignment was to fly xxxxx, he volunteered for training on xxxx and a tour of duty in Afghanistan that began January 2011. After successfully completing in excess of 130 missions, Bobby (known by his Air Force peers) is expected to return to the U.S. on August 2, 2011. On August 10, 2011 Rob will become Captain in the U.S. Air Force. He expects to have a second tour of duty abroad at the end of 2011.

Date: Aug 7th
Rallly Time: 1:30 PM
Rally Point: Brothers Restaurant at 705 Gettysburg Pike (RT 15) Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055 
KSU: 2:00 PM
Final Destination: Mechanicsburg area

Secondary Rally Point

Bensalem area
Rally Point: Cracker Barrel 
Rally Time: 10:30 AM
KSU: 11:00 AM
RC will be SeaBee 4 and this will be his first, so THANK YOU for stepping up to take this mission.

Welcome Home
SSgt. Lindner

RC - CanAmChris - Chris Santo

This is the end of Eric's third deployment, after his second in Iraq he went directly to Korea.
Eric is married with 3 children, the youngest of which has barely seen. He is Crew chief on F-16's.
Please join in welcoming home SSgt. Eric Linder in true Hero's Welcome style!!!

Date: Sunday, 8/7
Rally Point: Becky's Drive In: 4548 Lehigh Drive, Walnutport Pa.
Rally time: Noon KSU 1:30 PM
Destination: Neffs PA

Please call 484-679-1717 for updates or changes
610-327-2916 for additional information

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2011
Subject: AHW - Another welcome for Monday!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Welcome Home
Cpl. Thomas Kent

We have been asked by proud dad Harry Kent if we could help welcome his son Thomas home. Well, it might be a short notice but what say you, can we do this?? Well, you know we can, let's go folks! Let's get out and show this young 10th Mt. Cpl how much we appreciate his service for this country!

Short Story:

My son Cpl Thomas Kent is coming in from Afghanistan he is with the 3bct 4-25 10th Mountain out of Fort Drum NY. He is coming home to Philadelphia airport. He is on 2 week leave his wife Roseann and 2 sons are staying down here for the summer. This is Thomas's 2nd tour he was in Iraq in 2008/2009.

Bio from proud Dad:

My son Cpl Thomas Kent is from Clifton Heights, went to Upper Darby High School. He has been stationed at Fort Drum, NY for the past two years, and is with the 3BCT-4-25 10 Mountain Division. Tom first was with the 812th MP's out of Orange County, NY. He was in Iraq in 2008/2009. He shipped out again in March 2011. Tom is coming home for two weeks, then goes back until March 2012. Thomas is a Clifton Heights fireman. I am the president of the firehouse and been a member for 34 years. Tom joined when he was 16. He is 26 years old now.

Please follow this thread as soon as we get more info, we will post.
Date: Monday, August 1
Rally Point: Firehouse Engine 69 Bartram and 82nd Avenues near Island Avenue
Rally Time: TBD
KSU: TBD
Final Destination: Clifton Heights Pa.

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for PFC Michael Haines 7/30/11

Saturday 7/30/11 

Welcome Home 
PFC Michael Haines

We have been asked by the proud grandmother of PFC Michael Haines if we might be able to provide this very special Mug-n-Hug for our returning Hero.
You see, back in April, due to bad weather, our then New RC CanAm Chris was eager to bring this soldier home. Well, with only one scooter and two cages, Chris felt we could have done better in better conditions. He has kept in touch with the Grandmother and we have good news, Michael will be back in the area this Saturday July 30th celebrating his baby’s first birthday.

Short Note from RC CanAm Chris:

Marge and I would like to surprise him with another Mug-N-Hug to show our support for his continued service to our Country and help wish his baby a happy birthday.

Date: July 30th
Rally Point: Target parking lot, 2701 Castor Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19134 
Rally time: 2:00 PM
KSU time: 2:30 PM
Final Destination: A very proud Grandmother’s house

RC for this mission will be none other than CanAm Chris, and what a great oppurtunity to be able to do a return Mug-n-Hug for this young man. More information will follow as soon as Maria gets it from Chris

For updates: 484-679-1717 or check the website 
www.aheros-welcome.org

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for 7/27/11 and 8/1/11 Please continue to watch site daily for updates and info on upcoming welcomes!

WEDNESDAY - 7/27/11 

Please join Warriors’ Watch Riders in support of the Philadelphia Police.
They do so much for us, it’s time to give back a bit! 
Warriors' Watch Riders have been invited to attend a great and grand Philadelphia Police Department event at the steps of the Art Museum, Wednesday.

The Philly PD is re-implementing its Mounted Division, and Jimmy Binns is donating two horse trailers and a couple of Suzuki off-road motorcycles to the department. There will be a huge police presence, and all of the family of the fallen officers will be there - Cassidy, Pawalski, Murphey and so on.

The event starts at 11; we should be there about 10. 

This is a feel-good event, and there will be refreshments.
Please watch the Warriors' Watch site for updates: http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1311516344/s-new/

People in cages can of course attend, but we can't vouch for the ease of parking. It might be a better idea to go straight there, tell the PD on scene who you are with and ask them where to park.

Wear your WWR or AHW gear to identify yourselves.

MONDAY - 8/1/11

Welcome Home
Sgt. Daniel Furtak, U.S. Army

A Hero's Welcome has received a request to welcome home Army Sgt. Daniel Furtak on leave after a tour in Afghanistan. The request came from his mother Carol Furtak. She knows what we can do since we welcomed home her other son Brian last year!

From Carol Furtak;
Great news !!! My son, Sgt. Daniel Furtak is off the front lines. He has been in Germany serving in Afghanistan for two terms now. He is now stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC and is finally getting leave to come home the first of August. I would Love to have A Hero's Welcome for him as you did such a wonderful job on his brother Brian last April 2010.
He deserves a big surprise. Thank you for all you do for all these soldiers. GOD BLESS, Carol Furtak, Conshohocken, PA

THIS FAMILY HAS CERTAINLY DONE ITS PART SERVING OUR COUNTRY! LET'S GET OUT AND SHOW THIS SOLDIER HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE HIS SERVICE!

Who: Army Sgt. Daniel Furtak
What: Welcome Home Escort
Where: Conshohocken
When: Monday 8/1
Rally Location: TBD
Rally Time: TBD
Watch Site for updates on time and location:

http://aheros-welcome.org/blog/wp-admin/post.php?post=1562&action=edit
RC: Tamale.

 Thanks Pat!!!

Please call my cell 610-327-2916 with any questions and484-679-1717 for updates and changes

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome.. Lots of Summer Fun!

Hello A Hero's Welcome Volunteers!
Summer is now in full force..
THE HEAT IS ON…
and so are our
Welcome Home Celebrations!

We need you now more than ever..

It's important that our Troops know YOU will be here to see them home with all the bells and whistles.

They have earned a Rock Star Treatment and that's what they are going to get.. each and every one!

Please watch our website daily for updates as they are changing every day!

Please call the AHW hotline # before leaving for the airport, I will update this phone message as changes come in.

484-679-1717: if there is no updated message, the welcome is on schedule.

This week we are planning the following welcomes; please see our site www.aheros-welcome.org
For more info on each Hero and times/locations of the events.

7/21/11 Welcome home SPC. JOSEPH GRASSO
7/21/11 Welcome Home Capt. Michael Maricle, U.S. Army

7/22/11 Welcome Home HM Ray Hatcher, U.S. Navy
7/22/11 Welcome Home LCpl. Christopher Ginet, U.S.M.C

7/24/11 Welcome Home LCpl. Justin Degen, U.S.M.C.
8/1/11 Welcome Home Sgt. Daniel Furtak, U.S. Army

I welcome anyone who would like to present the AHW certificate to our Hero. It's a wonderful feeling to personally greet the Soldier, Marine, Airman, Sailor and look them in the eye and really say "Thank You"!

Thank you for all you continually do to support our Troops AND THEIR FAMILIES!!!

For more info or questions: Maria Hyland 610-327- 2916. 

7/16/11

WELCOME HOME
SR. AIRMAN MICAH, U.S. AIR FORCE

We received a request from an Air Force Mom to bring her son home in Rock Star style! And that’s what we’ll do! 
Our Airman just returned to the states from Afghanistan and is waiting to see his family and friends at a picnic at his Grandmom’s home in Phoenixville, PA. Stay tuned for rally times and locations. 

Rally date: 7/16/11
Rally time: approx 6:30 pm WATCH WWW.AHEROS-WELCOME.ORG FOR UPDATES
Rally Location: TBA / Phoenixville, PA
NO MEDIA PLEASE AT THE REQUEST OF THE FAMILY!

7/16/11

Welcome Home
Spc. Alan Solie, U.S. Army

This is definitely a cool request that starts with a welcome home we did last year on Memorial Day for Spc Vinnie Violi.

Vinnie was so impressed with his reception that he put in a request for us to Welcome Home a Brother Soldier (his battle buddy!) from Wisconsin that will be on leave visiting the Violi family.

Below is the request we received from Spc. Vinnie Violi;

My name is SPC Vincent Violi', last year i had the experience and support of a lifetime when you all welcomed me home before my deployment...I have now returned back from iraq, and will be heading home to Philly on July 16...My battle buddy SPC Alan Solie is coming home with me..He is from Wisconsin..I would love for him to see the support and feel the love, that i have experience...It would mean so much to him.....Lets bring this hero home...
Thank you so much SP Vincent Violi

THIS SHOWS US HOW IMPORTANT OUR MISSION IS AND THE POSITIVE IMPACT IT HAS ON OUR SERVICEMEMBER'S! LET'S SHOW SPC. ALAN SOLIE HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE HIS SERVICE!

Who: Army Spc. Alan Solie
What: Welcome Home from deployment to Iraq
When: Saturday 7/16
Rally Location: FB 69
Rally Time: 7:45 am
KSU to Airport: 8:30 AM
Escort from PHL to Drexel Hill

RC: Can Am Chris

From: 'Maria Hyland' <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome/lots coming uo the next few days.. please, try and join us on some or all, let our Troops know we're here for them!!!

7/15/11
Welcome Home
PFC Wildsmith, U.S. Army

PFC Wildsmith will arrive home on FRIDAY, JULY 15.
Date: Friday July 15, 2011
RALLY TIME 1:30 pm
DEPART RALLY POINT AT 2:30pm
Depart airport: approx 3:20 PM
ESCORT DESTINATION: NE PHILLY, NEAR COTTMAN AVE /BLVD

We have been asked by the mom of Army PFC Mark Wildsmith (cool name!) to welcome home that belove’d son to Philadelphia in the 2nd week of July!
Mark is PFC, 4th Infantry Division, 1-66 Raider Brigade. His home base is Fort Carson, Colorado. He is just 20 years old, and is returning from combat as a Saw Gunner with his squad. He has been deployed since October of last year, and is very excited to be coming home. He called his family today to let them know that his tour is over and he will be leaving Afghanistan and heading back to America. His squad leader told them that they have walked 509+ miles in the time they spent defending our freedom!

Mark is a Philly boy! He is also a fan of the Philadelphia Police Department like we are. His uncle is active in the Philly K-9 unit.

Mark’s mom, Susan, writes, “Mark is a wonderful, honorable man who loves his friends and famliy. He hopes to join the Philadelphia Police when he comes home for good, as his Uncle, is in Philly K9 and his grandpop is retired. He is proud of what he has accomplished in the last year, and has absolutely no regrets in joining the Army.”
And we have absolutely no regrets in welcoming Mark home as only the Warriors’ Watch/A Hero’s Welcome team can do!
RC for this mission is: Lutz

RALLY TIME-1345 (1:45 PM)
KSU (kick stands up) - approx 1420 (2:20 pm)

LETS DO THIS !

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wed, July 6, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 7/9/11 LCpl Mike Molina, USMC Souderton, PA

Welcome Home
LCpl Mike Molina, U.S.M.C. 

Last October we received a request from Denice Molina to Welcome Home her son from deployment to Bahrain and Cuba. Plans changed at the last minute and we were unable to coordinate with the family.

Now LCpl Mike Molina is home on leave after being deployed to Kuwait, Jordan & Africa.

Mike is deploying to Afghanistan a week after his leave ends.

The family will be holding a party for him at a local park and would like us to surprise him with a Mug 'n Hug, and escort him to his party.

Who: Marine LCpl Mike Molina
What: Mug 'n Hug Escort
When: Saturday July 9, 2011
Where: Franconia Park Souderton (Entrance for Small Pavillion area) 
589 Godshall Rd, Telford, PA
Rally Time: 12:00 noon

Tom’s sister served in Iraq as a Marine, my father was a career Marine & my Uncle a careeer Navy! So military service is highly esteemed by both sides of the family!

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Mon, July 4, 2011
Subject: AHW: Two Send-off's and One Welcome!

Watch for www.aheros-welcome for updates on these and upcoming events.

July 7, 2011 Send off 
LCpl. Thomas J. Boran, U.S.M.C.
Havertown to PHL

Rally Time: TBA approx 7:30 pm
Rally Location: TBA/Havertown, PA area

COME ON AHW….LET’S GIVE THIS HERO AND HIS FAMILY OUR SUPPORT TO HELP THEM GET THROUGH THIS DEPLOYMENT!! 

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW. Please watch this site for updates on location and times. 

The Small family is having a barbecue/ send off party for their son-in- law, Tom on Thursday, July 7th. Tom will be leaving for his first deployment after this leave. The Small family has become familiar with A Hero’s Welcome after attending 2 welcome home celebrations in the Havertown area. 

From Mary Small: 

After seeing the tremendous outpouring of support, I thought that the same incredible support would really help my son-in-law and my daughter as well. They are fairly recently married and are now expecting their first child (but, unfortunately, Tom will be in Afghanistan when the baby is due.) These last few months of separation have been difficult on both of them. (Though stationed in Camp LeJeune, he trained in Virginia and California in preparation for this deployment.) 

Tom’s sister served in Iraq as a Marine, my father was a career Marine & my Uncle a career Navy! So military service is highly esteemed by both sides of the family!

Thank you for all that you do! Peace & Blessings, Mary Small

7/?/11 Welcome Home 
PFC Mark Wildsmith, U.S. Army

We have been asked by the mom of Army PFC Mark Wildsmith (cool name!) to welcome home that beloved son to Philadelphia in the 2nd week of July!

Mark is PFC, 4th Infantry Division, 1-66 Raider Brigade. His home base is Fort Carson, Colorado. He is just 20 years old, and is returning from combat as a Saw Gunner with his squad. He has been deployed since October of last year, and is very excited to be coming home. He called his family today to let them know that his tour is over and he will be leaving Afghanistan and heading back to America. His squad leader told them that they have walked 509+ miles in the time they spent defending our freedom!

Mark is a Philly boy! He is also a fan of the Philadelphia Police Department like we are. His uncle is active in the Philly K-9 unit.

Mark's mom, Susan, writes:

Mark is a wonderful, honorable man who loves his friends and family. He hopes to join the Philadelphia Police when he comes home for good, as his Uncle is in Philly K9 and his grandpop is retired. He is proud of what he has accomplished in the last year, and has absolutely no regrets in joining the Army.

And we have absolutely no regrets in welcoming Mark home as only the Warriors' Watch/A Hero's Welcome team can do!

We have a little time in this one, so PLEASE stay tuned for exact arrival/rally/escort info. His family is excited, his neighborhood is excited, Philly and the Philly WWR are excited!

RC for this mission is: Lutz

Welcome Home, PFC Mark Wildsmith!

Please call 484-679-1717 for updates and changes and Maria @ 610-327-2916 for more info

JULY 5, 2011 Sendoff 
for Christopher Egan 
Lansdowne, PA area to PHL

Date: July 5
Rally Point: TBD
RALLY TIME: 10:00AM
KSU: 10:30AM
Escort From: Lansdowne Area
Destination: Philadelphia International Airport

Well, it’s said not all good plans go as we expect. We were originally asked to help send off Christopher Egan in August. Well, duty calls a bit earlier and Christopher's deployment date has been moved forward.

At his Uncle’s request, who, by the way, is a disabled Vietnam Veteran, Bruce Egan would like us to escort his nephew to the airport for a proper send off.

He would like his nephew to realize how much his service to his country means to so many, and that it is certainly appreciated by as many as well.

There will be more information after WWR speaks with the Uncle, so please stay tuned for updates.

WHO-Christian Sirianni
WHAT-Mug-n-Hug/escort
WHERE-Phila area to Bensalem area
WHEN- Sat 6/25/11
RALLY-CRACKERBARREL, NESHAMINY EXT OF THE PA TURNPIKE
RALLY TIME-10:45 am
KSU-11:30 am

Welcome Home
Christian Sirianni, U.S. Army

Warriors' Watch has asked us to join in the welcome home celebration for Christian Sirianni, US Army

WE'D LOVE TO!!!!

This request is for the son of a Philadelphia Police officer. Christian's father is a member of the Phila police crime scene unit.

We'll be escorting Mr Sirianni's son Christian from his house to a luncheon with his wife and father.

Time to give back to this HERO and his dad for keeping us safe and defending our FREEDOM.

If you would like to present the AHW certificate to our Hero, please let me know.

I'd love to have someone from the Bensalem area present this to Christian. This is one of your home town heroes!!! 

FROM Christian's Dad:

My son is home here in Philadelphia, PA for just a few short weeks from a long tour in Kabul, Afghanistan. On June 25th, 2011 @ 1200 hours I would like a greet & escort from his house to another location where I am taking him and his wife out for a lunch. He has been home here in Philly for the past few weeks now, but a very good friend of mine from the Centurions MC (Philadelphia) also a Warrior Watcher (Mike Cotter) advise me to give my son something that he will not forget. He will be going back to Fort Hood, Texas on June 29, 2011, so I would like to put this surprise greet, escort and luncheon together in his honor!! I am a member of the Philadelphia Police Crime Scene Unit and I think this is OUTSTANDING what you men & women are doing for our troops!! 

Listed below are some facts: Christian Adam Sirianni U.S. Army Military Police 1st Platoon 401st MP CO 720th MP Batallen 89th MP Brigade Fort Hood, Texas 

From: Philadelphia, PA
High School: Mercy Vocational High School Class 2007

He has an awesome wife named Juliana Sirianni, an amazing son named Brandon and a beautiful daughter named Isabella. He Just Arrived Home From Kabul, Afghanistan For 30 Days And Then Back To Fort Hood, Texas Until Further Assignments.

Thank You So Much!! Ronald Sirianni Crime Scene Investigator Crime Scene Unit Philadelphia Police Department

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, June 23, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 6/24 and 6/25

Welcome Home & Escort for
Tyler Wilson/PHL to NJ

We have been asked to welcome home Tyler Wilson by his family, and that’s just what we are gonna do!!!

Date: Friday 6/24/11
Rally point: FB 69 (82nd and Bartram ave Phila. pa)
Rally time: 2:20 pm
KSU / Depart for the airport: 3:10 pm
RC Lil (a heros welcome)

Bio from Tyler's father: Hi, my name is Marc Wilson and my son Tyler is returning from Afghanistan on June 24th.

After a 11 month deployment with Eagle Co. 2/2 Stryker Calvary Regiment. Tyler is a graduate of West Deptford high school in 2008 were he enjoyed running track. He chose service because he felt like he needed a challenge and a better paying job and a opportunity to get a college education paid for by the Army. Tyler is witty, funny, but still a young 21yr. old.

questions: contact Lil 856-5533534

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, June 20, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for Ryan Green, US Army Wed. 6/22/11 / please let me know if you'd like to join in this welcome home

WELCOME HOME RYAN GREEN,
U.S. ARMY!!!!

When: Wed. June 22, 2011
RALLY POINT: ENGINE 69 FIRE HOUSE, BARTRAM AVE AT ISLAND AVE
RALLY TIME: 12:30 PM
WITH DEPARTURE TO THE AIRPORT AT 1:15 PM

A very excited Mom of Ryan Green, United States Army, would like us to help her celebrate the safe return of her so n from Afghanista n.

Ryan is an Infantryman. He is now safe in Germany after almost a year in Afghanistan. He will be flying in to Philadelphia from Frankfurt this Wednesday, the 22 n d. (More bio info will be added shortly)

Ryan's mom, Mary, says that Ryan "took a short leave in April, and I was the only one to greet him at the airport, after a grueling 4-day journey back home!! it felt terrible... this time I want to do something for him to show appreciation for his service and his sacrifice!"

"No America n Soldier should have only one person greet him/her at the Airport. It just ain't right! Not in this Age of the WWR!" Wayne Lutz 

Following the greeting at the airport, we well escort Ryan and his family to the mom's home in Willow Grove, very near the Willow Grove entrance to the turnpike (Home is on 611 just south of Fitzwatertown)

RC for this mission is a new guy, Lutz. Help him out - he's easily confused.

WELCOME HOME FROM WAR, RYAN! 

CALL 484-679-1717 FOR UPDATES AND CHANGES/IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL MY CELL AT 610-327-2916 (THANKS!!!) 

From: Maria <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, June 14, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for Cpl. Matt Panella, USMC 6/15/11

Welcome Home
Cpl Matt Panella, USMC

We have been contacted by the proud father of Matt to see if we can assist in welcoming home his son after he completes his 2nd tour of Afghanistan. You bet we said yes and it is our honor to do so. Please join us in welcoming Home Matt. By the way our own “Meatball” is a family member and will be RC’ing this one.

Short Bio:

Matt is a Corporal in the US Marine Corp. He graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia.

He started college at Community College of Philadelphia for 2 years before joining the marines.

Being a marine is something he has always wanted and needed to do. So he put his college degree on hold to serve his country.

He is based out in Camp Pendleton Marine base in California for the last 3 years.

He is assigned to the Ordnance division of HMLA-169.

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for 3 Vietnam Vets 6/12/11

JUNE 12, 2011 

LONG OVERDUE WELCOME HOME FOR 3

Warriors Watch's own Donnie Jones has requested a long overdue welcome home for 3 Vietnam Vets. Donnie is a member of the Bucks County Motorcycle Association (BCMA).

BCMA have helped us and been there on many missions. It's time for a payback.

The 3 heroes we'll be honoring are:

Jessie Hill, US Army
Edward Sabol, USMC 
Fernando Talado, US Army

Let these 3 heroes know what they did and what they sacrificed, didn't go unnoticed.

Donnie has stepped up to RC this mission -

Thanks, Brother!

RALLY-BRISTOL TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 2501 Bath Rd, Bristol Pa 19007
RALLY TIME-11:30am
KSU-12:00 noon 

Our destination will be: Falls Twp Community Park, 9070 Millcreek Rd, Levittown, PA 19054

Mission request from Donnie Jones:

I would like to request a mission thanking 3 Vietnam Veterans, not only for their service to our country, but to the veteran community and their families:

Jesse Hill- 1st Cav, US ARMY, Edward Sabol, USMC and Fernando (Ferdie) Talado, US Army. 

I would be honored to R/C these 3 gents who have spent decades helping veterans and their families. I would like to honor them at the

26th Annual Flag Memorial in Falls Twp 

(65,000 American flags honoring American KIAs and POW-MIAs). The Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans (DV3) will be having a closing ceremony for their 26th annual flag memorial including a repatriate ceremony for American POWs who have been returned this year. 

The flag memorial begins 9:00am Friday, June 10 with the "planting" of 65,000 3" X 5" American flags and ends with a ceremony and music on 3:00pm Sunday, June 12. A day of reflection is on Saturday, June 11. I invite all of you to see it. It is a very moving experience.

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wed, June 8, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 6/10/11 Welcome Home PFC Brent Moore, US Army

WELCOME HOME FOR
Pfc BRENT MOORE U.S. ARMY
6/10/11 FLAG LINE only 

We received a request from our Hero’s Aunt to give her brave nephew a “Hero’s Welcome!” and that we will do! Please bring your American Flag and let’s show Brent how much his service means to US!!!! 

Date: Friday June 10, 2011
Rally Time: 2:00 pm
Depart for PHL: 2:40 pm
Rally location: FB Engine 69 / 82nd & Bartram Ave., Philadelphia, PA

Please join us along with Brent’s family at the Phila. International Airport and wish our Hero a very happy “WELCOME HOME” 

Bio from Brent’s aunt:

My nephew, PFC Brent Moore, is returning from deployment to Afghanistan where he was injured, received the Purple Heart, but insisted on going right back into combat after a few short weeks of medical treatment. He arrives home for a month R&R on June 10 at Phila International at 3 pm. 

Please help us welcome our hero!!

Questions or more info: 610-327-2916/Maria

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, June 1, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Welcome Home Cpl. Chad Hardy, USMC 6/3/11 ONE MORE FOR THIS WEEKEND!!!

6/3/11 Welcome Home
Cpl. Chad Hardy, U.S.M.C.

VERY SPECIAL WELCOME HOME
FOR THE HARDY FAMILY

We’ve been asked to do a very special welcome home for Cpl Chad Hardy, USMC.
Date: 6/3/11
RALLY-TBD
RALLY TIME-1730 (5:30 pm)
KSU-1800 (6 pm)

Keep an eye on the AHW website for upcoming info:

We’ll be picking Chad up at the G.O. Carlson airport in Coatesville Pa. From there we’ll escort this HERO to his nearby home.

This is a very special welcome home for the family and for Chad. 

On 4/28/06 Chad's older brother, Brandon, was KIA in Al Anbar, Iraq while supporting Iraqi Freedom.

A Hero’s Welcome and the Warriors Watch Riders are going to make this a big one for Chad and for the sacrifices this family has made for our freedom.
Ken Link, (Marine dad) has stepped up to RC – THANKS FOR TAKING THE LEAD ON THIS ONE

Chad’s bio

Chad was born 10/1/89. He always wanted to follow in his big brother's footsteps- hunting, fishing, loving PSU football, Phillies and being a Marine.

Chad graduated from Octorara Area High School 6/11/08 and left for Parris Island on 6/15/08. Graduated boot camp on 9/12/08 as Private 1st Class. His MOS training for artillery @Ft. Sill, OK. Stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. Left for Kajaki, Afghanistan 11/5/10.

Returned to Camp Lejeune, N.C. USA on 5/29/11!!!

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wed, May 25, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome... Marine LCpl Patrick Smith.... 5/28/11 OOO RAH!!

WELCOME HOME
LCPL SMITH

We have a request to escort a 3rd generation Marine, LCpl Patrick Ryan Smith.
We'll be picking up the LCpl and escorting him to his Philadelphia home. Patrick's Dad and Grandfather also served in the USMC
We'll get out and give Patrick the WWR ROCK STAR TREATMENT.
What better way to start off Memorial day weekend ?

LETS DO THIS!!!

WHO-LCpl Patrick Smith
WHAT- Rockstar treatment/escort
WHERE-PHL to Phila area
WHEN-Sat 5/28/11

RALLY LOCATION - ENGINE 69 Bartram Ave, Phila Pa
RALLY TIME-0945 (9:45 AM)
KSU-1030 (10:30 AM)

Ken Link (Marine dad) has stepped up to RC-Thanks Ken

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wed, May 25, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome... Marine LCpl Patrick Smith.... 5/28/11 OOO RAH!!

WELCOME
HOME LCPL SMITH

We have a request to escort a 3rd generation Marine, LCpl Patrick Ryan Smith.
We'll be picking up the LCpl and escorting him to his Philadelphia home. Patrick's Dad and Grandfather also served in the USMC.

We'll get out and give Patrick the WWR ROCK STAR TREATMENT.
What better way to start off Memorial day weekend ?

LETS DO THIS !!!

WHO-LCpl Patrick Smith
WHAT- Rockstar treatment/escort
WHERE-PHL to Phila area
WHEN-Sat 5/28/11

RALLY LOCATION -ENGINE 69 Bartram Ave, Phila Pa
RALLY TIME-0945 (9:45 AM)
KSU-1030 (10:30 AM)

Ken Link (Marine dad) has stepped up to RC-Thanks Ken

From: A. Accardi [mailto:andread50@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 9:29 PM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome will join the Warriors' Watch Riders for Honor Mission on 5/24/11

5/24/11 Honor Mission for
Army KIA 1st. Lt. Demetrius M. Frison

Details of our participation to come.

Rally Point: McDonald’s 4200 N Broad St. Phila., Pa. 19140
Rally Time: 8:00 am on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Warriors’ Watch Rider’s had been contacted by the wife of a Fallen Soldier to stand honor guard and escort her husband to his final resting place. Mikki Frison, wife of Army KIA 1st Lt. Demetrius M. Frison, has requested our support. A Hero’s Welcome will join WWR in this honor mission. Please watch this post for updates. Thank you.

1st Lt. Frison is survived by his wife of two years, Mikki, and their 6-month-old son Christopher Kenneth.

News Release Thursday, May 12, 2011

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

1st Lt. Demetrius M. Frison, 26, died May 10 in Khost province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Ky.

Read more

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/388739#ixzz1N78WMPwC

Article from Philly.com

http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-12/news/29536451_1_first-combat-tour-toy-soldiers-afghanistan

Check our website at www.aheros-welcome.org

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, May 18, 2011 1:24:04 PM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome events for May 21, 2011. 3 in a row!!!

Bridge Dedication for
PFC Joseph Lannon, KIA in Vietnam

We have a request from Jim Hartman for a presence of support at the dedication of a bridge in Hatboro, Pa. for PFC Joseph Lannon USMC.
State Rep. Tom Murt will be dedicating the bridge in his honor.
Many of you know Rep. Murt from other activities that the AHW / WWR has been involved with. 

Rep. Tom Murt is a U.S. Army Veteran that we have honored in the past.

PFC Joseph Lannon was KIA in Vietnam in 1968. It's a long time coming.
Let's get out and show our support for this family and the Marine who gave his life for his country!!

Saturday May 21, 2011 
Ceremony is at 10:00am.
Rally point: 9:00am, 1001 York Rd. Hatboro, Pa
(Benjamin Foods Parking lot)
KSU: 9:40
Destination: Millers Meadow Bridge, Hatboro, PA
RC: Ironeagle (Chas)

Welcome Home at
"Walk for the Wounded"

What: Walk for the Wounded Fundraiser for wounded, injured and critically ill military.
When: Saturday May 21, 2011
Rally Time: 11:15 a.m. 
Where: Rosetree Park in Media PA 1671 N Providence Rd Media, PA 19063

There are two entrances on N. Providence Road, we will be at the entrance closest to Rt. 1. 
Please bring your American Flags so we can form a flag line as the Wounded Heroes are escorted into the park. 

The Warriors' Watch Riders will be escorting Cpl. Love and 11 other Wounded Warriors' into this event. Please let me know if you will be attending this event. You can post your response below under "COMMENTS" 
We want to make this entrance a site our Heroes will not forget! 
Thank you! 

Mug-n-Hug for
14 WWII Veterans

We have a request by one of our own, Tamale, to do a mug-n-hug for 14, count em, 14 Veterans.

They live at the Hidden Meadows On The Ridge (assisted living) Sellersville, Pa.

Tamale's very own father is one of the heroes we'll be honoring.

WHO-14 HEROES!!!
WHAT-GOOD OLE' WWR MUG-N-HUG
WHERE-Hidden Meadows On The Ridge (assisted living) Sellersville, Pa. 340 Farmers Lane, Sellersville, PA 18960

WHEN-5/21/11 
Rally Point: DEAN'S HARLEY DAVIDSON
3255 STATE RD, SELLERSVILLE PA 18960

Rally Time: 2:30 pm
Depart for Mug n Hug: 2:45 pm

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2011

Welcome Home
LCpl James Csoka, USMC

We have a request from Brittany Csoka (pronounced choka) to Welcome her Marine husband home from Afghanistan.

UPDATE: Jame is having problems getting out of Afghanistan. Please stand by for updates, times, locations for this welcome home!!!! See below from Brittany:

Hello, My name is Brittany Csoka and my husband is currently in Afghanistan. He will be coming home on May 6, 2011. His mother has no idea about her son’s return, and she thinks that I will be going to Okinawa to see him. His flight does not arrive until xxxpm on May 6, and we will be going to surprise her. When he came home from Okinawa in the past, you guys were at the airport, not for him but a few others that were returning to the states. At that moment in time, the gentleman that I had spoken with had told me to get in contact with him when he does return home from his deployment. I guess what I was just wondering was if there was any way possible that somehow you guys can be there? We live in Lancaster Pennsylvania. I really look forward to hearing back from you.

After reading that, how could we not wait to help her welcome this Marine home!
Then we got down to the details. Her husband's flight lands in Harrisburg.
We’d like to work something out and we aren’t yet sure what we will do.
Lancaster is closer and we may set up something where we meet them closer to their home. All that is TBD.
This would be a 7 pm ish escort on a Friday night, so it could work for those of us that are adventurous. We’re looking for feedback to see how many of us are adventurous enough to put this together.
Gpopps is willing to RC and will move forward with this mission if it looks like we can support it. Can we?
FYI, below is a link to where we would be near for you to get an idea of the ride. 

Thanks
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=…..amp;z=15&iwloc=A

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2011

Welcome Home
LCpl Michael Williamson, USMC
Croydon, PA

Date: 5/7/2011
Rally Point: TBD
Rally Time: Approx 1:45
PM KSU: Approx 2:40 PM
Final Destination: Croydon Pa, area

Okay folks here it is: another chance to welcome home a young Marine after serving his country in Afghanistan. We have been asked by the very proud Uncle of LCPL Williamson if we could help him show his nephew how proud he is of him.
Well you know the answer gang!! YES!!! We would be honored to assist in any way possible to show this young Marine how much we appreciate his duty to this country.

The plan will be to meet up at a rally point to be determined and then go pick up our Marine who will already be home and escort him like the Rock Star he is to a gathering in his honor.

Short Personal Bio:

I can say now, Michael isn’t my blood nephew, he is my brother’s step son but, I always treated him as my own flesh & blood. Growing up he liked camping out, fishing & other outdoor sports. Even though he lives in Pa, the man likes the NY Giants… why I can’t tell you. But I love him anyway he always was very respectful to me every birthday, holiday or whenever there was a cake one of us was wearing it.

Hey, just cause he is a Giant’s fan he is a Marine first and foremost to us.

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2011

Welcome Home SSgt. Dave Brown, Bordentown, NJ

Rally Time: 1230
Rally Location: Town and Country Diner, Rt 130, Bordentown, NJ
KSU: 1300 ( Depart for VFW post with our Hero)

Wife, Sandy, is planning a Welcome Home Celebration 
After she has taken our hero out to eat, then over to a local VFW where they will be joined by Friends, Family, neighbors and Loved ones and she is asking the WWR to assist in making this a Great celebration with an escort and that special Mug&Hug that she has heard about.

How can we say no??? 

SSGT Dave Brown comes from a long history of Military volunteers.
RC… BIG GUN ”Vance” Thanks for stepping up brother.
When our Hero DEPARTS the Diner… We are gonna ROCK him with cheers and that Mug and Hug. Whooohooooo

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome / upcoming welcome home celebrations !!! Please join us... We need YOU!!!!

Welcome Home
Spc. AJ Euganeo, US Army
Sharon Hill, PA

We have been reached by the proud Mom of SPC Euganeo and she was wondering if we could help her welcome her son home from his first deployment.

Well by now you know the answer was yes, we are suckers for Welcome Homes for our HEROES.

Our Hero SPC AJ Euganeo will be returning this Friday from his first tour in the sandbox and mom would love nothing more than to be able to show her son how much what has done means to so many.

We will be Welcoming our Hero at the Philly airport and then a short escort to his hometown Sharon Hill.

Short Bio:

AJ is a 2008 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School. He enlisted with the Army in Feb. 2009 and after Basic/AIT and Airborne School at Fort Benning, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. While at Fort Campbell he completed Air Assault School. In May, 2010, AJ was deployed to the Kandahar region of Afghanistan where he served for 11 months with the 101st Airborne Division, 1-502 Infantry Regiment, Delta Company. While there, he participated in Operations Dragon Strike, Dragon Descent and Dragon Wrath. In August of 2010, AJ was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge by Congressman Shuster (PA) who was visiting the troops at the time. Along with myself and AJ's dad, his return is being celebrated by his two sisters, Katie and Bethany, his nephew Brady, Bethany's fiancee, Vinny, and AJ's grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. AJ's two grandfathers both served our country: one in the Army during WWII, the other in the Navy during WWII and Korea. Needless to say we are all very proud of AJ's service to our country. 

Date: 5/6/2011
Rally Time: 1:30 PM
Rally Point: FB69
KSU: 2:40
Final Destination: Sharon Hill Pa. (Delaware County)

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2011

Welcome Home LCpl Logan Innes, USMC / Drexel Hill, PA

more info to follow

Who - LCPL Logan Innes, USMC
What - Escort and ROCKSTAR TREATMENT
Where - PHL to Drexel Hill area
When - Friday 5/6/11

Guys and girls, we have an earlier welcome home at the airport on Friday but there's plenty of time to get both HEROES greeted and escorted home. 

LETS DO IT !

RALLY - ENGINE 69
RALLY TIME - 1800 (6 PM)
KSU - 1825 (6:25 PM)

Stay tuned for Logan's bio!!!

From: Maria <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, April 21, 2011
Subject: A Hero's WElcome 4/23/11 (1of 2) Welcome Home LCpl. Kevin Daly, Jr. USMC

Welcome Home LCpl. Kevin Daly, Jr. USMC

If you remember LCPL Daly is the young Marine that missed his flight home on Monday. Well, the good news is, he did arrive home safe and sound, the other good news is we will be making some noise Saturday and picking this young Marine up along with his family and escorting him to a celebration being held in his honor at Dagwood’s Pub in the Great North East. Please join us in this much deserved welcome home celebration for Kevin Daly, Jr. 

Date: 4/23/2011
Rally Location: Grandstand Academy Shopping Center
Rally Time: 3:00 PM
KSU: 3:50 PM
Final Destination: Dagwood’s Pub


We have been contacted by the proud father of LCPL Kevin Daly Jr. USMC to help Welcome his son home from his tour in Afghanistan. 

Kevin has arrived @ Camp Lejeune and will be returning to the Philly area. 

Let’s give Kevin the “Rock Star” treatment!!!

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thu, April 14, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Welcome Home Sgt. Rivera 4/15/11 and HN Keith McGarrigle 4/17/11

TWO WELCOME HOME HEROES !!!

Welcome Home Sgt. Rafael V. Rivera
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

WELCOME HOME, SGT. RIVERA, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICES!
We have a request from One Of Our Own! T’s brother, CJ, has requested a Welcome Home Escort for his son, Sgt Rafael Rivera.

When: Friday 4/15/11
Where: Stroudsburg, PA
Rally Location: Schoch Harley Davidson 4300 Manor Drive
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Link to Google Map of Location: 
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=…..amp;z=18&iwloc=A
Rally Time: 12:00 noon
T will be RC on this one. 

PLEASE NOTE: There will be two “secondary” rally points as we head to Schoch HD Dealers in Stroudsburg - 

FIRST: will be the Shell gas station and car wash on Rt 611(S) just south of PA turnpike. We’ll rally there at 0900 (9:00am) and go KSU at 0915 (9:15am). ( post so we know who to wait for) 

SECOND: we'll get on PA Turnpike West and proceed to 476 North where we will pull into ouR second stop - the Allentown rest stop on 476 North. Rally there at 10:15am and go KSU at 10:30 am headed for Stroudsburg and the Harley Dealer. ( rally time for Schoch’s is 1200hrs- noon).

Under PA State Police escort, we will all set the flag line and wait for our “package” and take a short ride to his home.

A message from CJ:

I'd like to welcome home my son who served two tours in Iraq. Sgt. Rafael Victor Rivera, having served his country for nine years, is finally on his way home. We love and missed him dearly and are thankful for all he has done to keep America, America. He is due back in the Poconos the second week in April.
Side note: CJ is T's brother which means Sgt. Rivera, T's nephew.

Weather is lookin' good, nice day for a great cause. Hope to see ‘ya there! 
This will be the first time NE PA, East Central PA and SE Pa will have a chance to pull together. Many reasons to celebrate this homecoming ! As my friend from Georgia would say….” Let's make it BIG !”

Welcome Home HN Keith McGarrigle, US Navy
Sunday, April 17, 2011

WELCOME HOME US NAVY HN KEITH MCGARRIGLE and A SUPER THANK YOU!

What: Escort to Welcome Home Party
When: Sunday 4/17/2011
Where: Penn Treaty Park to Doc's Bar @ 2nd and Miflin
Rally Location: Penn Treaty Park 1199 N Delaware Ave
Link to Rally Location: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=.....931&t=h&z=15
Rally Time: 12:45pm
Keith arrives: 1:30 pm
KSU to Doc's Bar: 1:45pm

We've received a request to welcome home Navy HN (Hospitalman) Keith McGarrigle upon his return from deployment in Afghanistan.

From Navy Mom Tricia Corapi,

My son Keith McGarrigle is 21 yrs old who just returned from his first tour in Afghanistan. He was there a long seven months......his birthday is March 2, 1990. He graduated from P.E.T High School & enlisted in the US Navy.
He went through schooling to become a Corpsman. He was stationed in Japan his first year and a half, then was assigned to the U.S.M.C Unit A. 1/8. Keith has a sister who is also his best friend Briana (22), half-sister Alana (5) and half-brother Bobby (3). 


Please call 484-679-1717 for updates and 610-327-2916 for more info

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tue, April 5, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome SPC. Jorge M. Mercado, US Army 4/9/11

WELCOME HOME 
U.S. ARMY SPC. JORGE M. MERCADO

Date: 4/9/2011
Time: 4:00 PM
Rally Point: Michael's Diner (Route 422 W & 662 N, Douglassville, PA 19510 )
KSU: 5:00 PM
Final Destination: West Reading

Okay folks, we have been asked by the proud mother of SPC. Mercado if we could
somehow assist in welcoming her son home. Well you know we are suckers for a
"Rock Star" welcome home. So lets get out and help mom welcome home her son
after his first tour in Iraq. We will be meeting up with this proud family along
the route as to cut down on the distance of the escort and we will be rolling
into the Reading area.

bio by Jorge's family:

A little something about our Hero and his accomplishments:

SPEC. MERCADO, JORGE M. Awards as follow 1- ARCOM- ARMY COMMENDATION
MEDAL 2- NDSM- NATION DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL 3-ICM-CT-IRAQ CAMPAIGN MEDAL 4-GWTSM- GLOBAL WAR on TERRORISM MEDAL 5-ASR- ARMY SERVICE RIBBON 6- OSR- OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON 7- DRIVERS MECHANIC BADGE- WHEEL VEHICLE 8- DRIVERS MECHANIC BADGE- TRUCK VEHICLE 9- DRIVERS MECHANIC BADGE - SPECIAL OPERATOR.

There is also something i would like to share with you about JORGE when he
was 6yrs. old his mother passed away. I am originally his aunt who adopted him
after the passing of his mother. I am so proud of his accomplishments and
service to his country.

Please call 484-679-1717 for updates and 610-327-2916 with any questions.

See the April 4, 2011 Blog entry about the
Medal of Honor grove at Valley Forge.

From: Maria <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Fri, March 18, 2011
Subject: STAND DOWN.... more info to follow....

WELCOME HOME
PFC. WILL FRAIM, U.S. ARMY

Well, Will has surprised us all... he took an earlier flight today so this evening's welcome home celebrations are cancelled BUT... we'd still like to have a celebration for our Hero... please stand by for more info as we get it from the family. 

Thank you!!!

Rally date: TBD
Time: TBD

We have been ask to welcome home Pfc. Will Fraim by Upland Fire Company Chief Dan Smith to welcome one of there own home.

Bio: PFC Fraim, Unit - B Co. 307th ESB (Expeditionary Signal Battalion). Home duty station - Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Deployed to Kandahar Afghanistan to Task Force Tiger. supporting US Army Special Forces, US Navy SEALS and 1/2 SCR (Stryker Calvary Regiment) with voice and data communications on FB Baghtu

FOR MORE INFO: Maria / 610-327-2916

From: A. Accardi <andread50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sat, March 12, 2011
Subject: THREE WELCOME HOME EVENTS!

THREE UPCOMING WELCOME HOME EVENTS!

WELCOME HOME 
ARMY SPECIALIST VINCENT R. DEJOHN
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2011

A request was received from a very excited mom for a fabulous welcome home for her son Army Specialist Vincent R. DeJohn. Specialist DeJohn will be arriving about 1:00pm at Philadelphia International Airport and escorted to his home in North Coventry/Pottstown area. Specialist DeJohn has been in Taji, Iraq for a year's tour and his family is happily awaiting his arrival home.

Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011
Flag Line at airport: 1:00pm
Terminal: TBA
Rally Point (Escort): Royersford, PA
Rally Time (Escort): 1:15pm
Destination: North Coventry/Pottstown area

PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE (www.aheros-welcome.org) FOR UPDATES AND REVISIONS. REMEMBER TO CALL 484-679-1717 BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE AIRPORT FOR LAST-MINUTE CHANGES.

WELCOME HOME 113 TROOPS!

Come and be part of a welcome home for 113 men and women from the Sandbox. 
Rally Point: Phila. Firehouse 69 (Bartram Avenue) 
Rally Time: 11:00am 
Departure from firehouse: 12:15pm. 

YOU MUST BE PRESENT AND PART OF THE GROUP FOR A PRIVATE ESCORT ONTO A SECURED AREA.

WELCOME HOME CAPTAIN MICHAEL O'KANE
ON/ABOUT FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2011

Proud Uncle Daniel O'Kane has requested a warm welcome home for his nephew Captain Michael O'Kane on or about Friday, March 18, 2011. Captain O'Kane is with the National Guard, stationed at a FOB in Afghanistan for over a year. 

Short Bio:

Captain O'Kane and his Uncle/Vietnam War Veteran Daniel O'Kane are both from Norwood, PA. Uncle Daniel served in the Submarine Service from 1967-1971. Uncle Daniel reports that even though there was no welcome home when he returned from Vietnam, he wants to welcome his nephew home in a SUPER-SIZED way!

Date: On or about Friday, March 18, 2011
Rally Point: TBD
Rally Time: TBD
Arrival Philadelphia International Airport
Final Destination: Norwood, Delaware County, PA

KEEP CHECKING THE WEBSITE (www.aheros-welcome.org) FOR UPDATES AND REVISIONS
REMEMBER TO CALL 484-679-1717 BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE AIRPORT, FOR LAST-MINUTE CHANGES.

Contact Maria at: Maria@aheros-welcome.org for questions or concerns.

Note: We apologize for the formatting problem with this posting.

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, March 9, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for Spc. Manuel Rivera, US Army 3/12/11 Philadelphia, PA

WE HAVE A DATE!!!! 

Please joi n us o n Saturday March 12, 2011 for the lo n g awaited 

Welcome home celebration for
Spc. Manuel Rivera, US Army!!! 

The winter is OUTTA HERE!!! but we are n 't... Let's give Ma n n y the welcome he so deserves!!!

Who: Army Spc. Ma n uel Rivera
What: Welcome Home Escort
When: Saturday 3/12
Where: From Roosevelt Mall to the family’s home.
Rally Location: Du n ki n Do n uts Roosevelt Mall

Li n k to Rally Poi n t: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=.....vania+19149&z=16
Rally Time: 1:00 pm
RC: MEATBALL

We met Ma n n y's Mom, Beverly, at the Fox 29 "Salute the Troops" eve n t.. please see video clip of Beverly (at 1:20) speaki n g about her so n.

http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=aefdb140-5f50-454d-a21d-b20259c31338

Bio:

Ma n uel's mom Beverly is very proud of her so n. Two years ago he sig n ed up
for a n 8 year sti n t i n the Army reserve. This is his first deployme n t a n d his
MOS is fi n a n ce.

His proud family member's i n clude Mom a n d Step Dad (who has raised him si n ce
3 mo n ths of age) so... his DAD.
O n e brother, age 23, two n ieces, o n e n ephew, ma n y, ma n y cousi n s a n d lots a n d
lots of Frie n ds.
Ma n uel (Ma n n y) is a very lovi n g a n d ki n d hearted so n. Who k n ows what he wa n ts
a n d very determi n e to accomplish his goals.
He is so ho n ored to fight a n d defe n d his cou n try. 

Co n tact Maria @ 610-327-2916 for more i n fo

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Fri, March 4, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for LCpl. Andrew Swartz, USMC 3/5/11 Lansdale, PA

WELCOME HOME
LCpl. ANDREW SWARTZ, USMC

When: Saturday March 5, 2011
Rally Time: 12:15 pm 
Rally Location: 1100 W. Main St. Lansdale, PA, Acme Parking Lot

Please join us in welcoming home this home town Hero! 
Andrew has shown true leadership skills from a very early age and is now continuing to show his OUTSTANDING character in the USMC!!! Let's show Andrew how proud we are of what he has done for the community and our Country!!! 
He is "OUR HERO!!!"

Andrew grew up in Elkins Park and Glenside Pa. 
He went to Abington H.S, and played 2 season's of football. 
Andrew was recognize by the Abington township commissioners and given an award for all his hard work on becoming an Eagle Scout. 
He joined scouts when he was 11, he earned every rank and earned 50 merit badges and became an Eagle Scout in 2007. Andrew had earned several scout trail medals and was the troop senior patrol leader and is still an adult leader with the troop. Andrew worked at Resica Falls scout camp several summers working and teaching the younger scouts several merit badges. Andrew and his fellow scouts where awarded the Boy Scout Life Saving award in 2007 for saving a women's life while hiking. Andrew and his scout troop where hiking up the Appalachian trail in an area called the pinnacle when on the way down they came across a women who was staggering and who had fallen on the rocks from 5 feet, the women had a bad head injury, Andrew his brother and the scouts made a stretcher out of tree branches and used their sweaters and jackets and carried the women about 2 miles down the trail to where they where met by the Hamburg paramedics then the women was flown out to the hospital. This was picked up by the media, the today show who had Andrew and the scout's up to New York City to be interviewed on live TV.

Andrew has always talked about going into the Marines, he signed up when he was in 11th grade and left for boot camp June 2009, and graduates from Parris Island on October 2009, in March 2010 Andrew is promoted to Lance Cpl. Andrew left for Afghanistan July 2010. And came home February 2011.

Please call maria at 610-327-2916 with any questions
www.aheros-welcome.org

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, March 1, 2011
Subject: WEDNESDAY 3/2/11 Troop welcome back on! but first..... a flag line for a very deserving Marine/ rally time 8:30 am... please join us! We'd love to have you welcome home these deserving Heroes!!!

WELCOME HOME
LCPL Nicholas Carpinona, USMC

A Hero's Welcome will be joining Warriors' Watch before we do our escort to Ft Dix, to welcome home this Marine.

Nick's good friend told him when he gets home to Chicago, he's getting a parade. Nick joked with his mom wondering why he wasn’t getting the same treatment here in Philly.

Due to our previous commitment for the Ft. Dix escort, it looks like we won't be able to give Nick a parade but we can sure give him the ROCK STAR TREATMENT at the airport, right?

Here’s a short bio from Nick’s mom:

Short bio on my son, that’s an oxymoron to any mother! I’ll try though.

Nick will soon be celebrating his 21st birthday, it’s May 1st! He is an awesome man as he was as a child too. He was never in trouble or into drugs etc. He absolutely loves animals, especially dogs. He is much more a giver than a taker and hates to be the center of attention. He has wanted to be a Marine since a young age and even though I thought that was just a phase, when he enlisted I was always supportive, Nick enlisted right after his 18th birthday and left the summer after high school graduation, August 17, 2008 to be exact.

My birthday is August 14, so it was a kind of a sad one that year, what a present! I can replay watching him leave in my head like it was yesterday. Nick was always the child who needed me and he was the one to leave me. I felt as if he was ripped right from me. I literally cried for 4 days, I had a hard time functioning and couldn't walk in his room. Boot camp was the longest 3 months of my life. I'd always be crying while running on my treadmill because every song I heard reminded me of him. I have been everywhere Nick has gone while in the Marines, except overseas of course; Aberdeen, Fort Sill and now Camp Pendleton. I will continue to be anywhere he goes, he will never be alone anywhere. The prime example of the type of man nick is; I went to his first Marine Corps ball with him and his girlfriend at the time. He took a lot of flack from the guys for bringing his mom so I offered not to go. He said no way mom! I don't care what any of them say! He even gave me the first dance of the night. I will never in my life forget the experience and cherish it as something shared between him and I.

I don't think Nick realizes how important he is to all of us but especially me. He is such a good son and also a friend to me; he knows that all he has to do is tolerate mom and let me brag and dote on him….then all is good! He started out in Aberdeen Maryland doing HVAC then they changed him to artillery so he moved on to Fort Sill, Oklahoma and finally where he is now which Nick was one of the first privates ever chosen in the history of the marine corps for HIMARS, he is now with the 5/11 Marines, Sierra Battery in Camp Pendleton. He is a great Marine, I love him with all my heart and I hope he always knows that.

Here is a link about HIMARS, I’m not sure everyone knows what it is

http://www.army-technology.com/projects/himars/

This mission was a stand down and
IS NOW BACK ON AGAIN!!!!

From: Wayne Lutz, Warriors’ Watch Riders: STARTING FROM SCRATCH, I AM HOPING FOR MAXIMUM POSSIBLE PARTICIPATION FOR VERY TIRED AND VERY DESERVING TROOPS WHO WILL BE RETURNING DIRECTLY FROM THE SANDBOX.

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2
TIME: RALLY AT 10:30 a.m.
RALLY POINT: PHILADELPHIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ENGINE 69 AT THE INTERSECTION OF BARTRAM AVE AND ISLAND AVE

ESCORT: DESTINATION NEW JERSEY, SO WEAR HELMETS.

ALL DETAILS - WHO, WHERE, HOW, WILL BE FILLED IN DURING THE RIDE BRIEFING AT 1100 SHARP AT THE FIRE HOUSE

IT'S GONNA BE A NICE DAY FOR A RIDE - SEE YOU THERE.

Please call my cell at 610-327 2916 with any questions.

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sun, February 27, 2011
Subject: Short Notice!!!! Monday Feb. 28, 2011

Introduction of new leadership positoins in A Hero's Welcome! LOTS OF NEWS!!!!

Greetings A Hero’s Welcome Volunteers!

I am very proud to announce new appointments to the Hero’s Welcome Organization. 

Chapter Membership Director: Andrea Accardi, is a Blue Star Aunt, A Hero’s Welcome Volunteer and has accepted the position as our new Chapter Membership Director. Andrea will be begin sending out email notifications of our upcoming welcomes and will work on recruiting new members! 

National Chapter Liaison: Charlie Becker, our new National Chapter Liaison, has been an integral part of A Hero’s Welcome from it’s founding and will now be developing new chapters, working with the Chapter Directors and supporting all Membership Directors.

SNJ Chapter Director: Shawn Ewing, active member of A Hero’s Welcome and Warriors Watch Riders, has accepted the position as Southern New Jersey Chapter Director

SNJ Membership Director: Lil Baskerville, also an integral member of A Hero’s Welcome.. even before me!!! has accepted the position as SNJ Membership Director. 

NNJ Chapter Director: Gene Boyle, active member of NNJ A Hero’s Welcome and founder of DenimCross-USA,

a first responder Puppy Program, as our Northern New Jersey Chapter Director.

We are growing! 

Thank you for all you do for our Troops and

Please continue to watch our website for updates.

Thank you!

Maria Hyland

Welcome Home
Sergeant First Class James Manzi, US Army

Arrival date: Monday Feb. 28, 2011 
Rally point: FB 69 82nd and Bartram Ave Phila, pa
Time: 7:00 PM

Flag line only

Bio by Carol Klein:

Here’s a request by our good friend, Carol Klein from A Hero’s Welcome! Her cousin, Jim is a 1998 graduate of Ridley High School and has been in the Army for the past twelve years. He has served in Germany, Korea, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His home base is Fort Polk, Louisiana. Attached is a photo of his four pawed rescue from Afghanistan, named Sgt.Sneezy. Via Facebook, he managed to get donations to have this abused and neglected pooch sent to the U.S. Sneezy has arrived and is at a rescue site in Maine. 

Please check out this link:

http://savesgtsneezy.chipin.com/operation-save-sneezy

Jim’s Grandfather, Rocco Manzi, was an honored WWII veteran. Jim’s family is anxious to welcome him home after six months in the war zone prior to his returning to Afghanistan to finish his tour.

His Grandmother Mary (my terrific Aunt) has contacted me and asked for a Welcome Home for her grandson. Of course, we love him so much and know that he expects no special thanks. She said that she would like a Flag Line. I explained how special it is.

Questions about this welcome home / 610-327-2916

NO MEDIA PLEASE!

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, February 21, 2011 6:47:50 PM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Upcoming Events

WELCOME HOME
228TH ENGINEERING COMPANY

Pending Date: Feb. 25, 2011

Stay Tuned for an upcoming welcome home for the 228th Engineer Company from the Armory at Spring City, PA

Updates will be posted on www.aheros-welcome.org

Please watch as the updates will be posted as they come in.

According to the Warriors’ Watch Riders “ this unit is now due to arrive at Fort Dix this Sunday, February 20. That puts the estimated release date within our grasp. If I had to guess based on experience with demobilization times I'd say this mission will happen next Friday. Will post the moment we have it firmed.”

More info TBA

We have been asked by a representative of the Armory in Spring City and the head of the unit Family Readiness Group to escort the USARNG 228 Engineer Company home from Fort Dix to the Armory at Spring City.

Some of you will remember that we sent this unit off last year. Liver was the RC, and in his Ride Report he wrote:

The 228th will have a difficult and dangerous mission clearing routes in Iraq and keeping them safe. The Warriors' Watch Riders will keep in touch with the 228th Family readiness coordinator and others close to the 228th 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.

Fundraiser for Operation Bedding

Comedy Night

A Hero’s Welcome will join the Warriors’ Watch Riders in hosting two fundraising events that will benefit Operation Bedding, The Adam Conboy Memorial Fund.

This event will be held at the North Penn VFW 676 – 2519 Jenkintown Rd., Glenside, PA. 19038

As many as 15 comedians will present “Comics for Comfort.” There will be an hour of improv and an hour of standup.

The event will be a Beef & Beer and the price of admission will cover a meal of roast beef, meatball sandwiches, and beer or soda!!

Admission will be $25.

This event will take place on Saturday 2/26/11

7:00 PM-11:00PM

03-2-2011 Troop Welcome and Escort to Ft. Dix

The Warriors Watch Riders and A Hero’s Welcome have been asked once again to meet and greet an arriving flight carrying American Warriors fresh from the war!

We will meet their plane at Philadelphia and escort to Fort Dix.

Date: March 2, 2011
TIME: NOON

Rally Location: FB 69. 82nd and Bartram St. Philadelphia, PA 

AS ALWAYS WITH MILITARY MOVEMENTS THIS INFORMATION COULD CHANGE. WATCH THE A HERO’S WELCOME SITE FOR UPDATES.

If you haven’t done one of these unit welcomes before, you are in for a real treat. If you have, then I know you’re itching to do it again. Here’s the last one we did: [9awh]

Please call Maria @ 610-327-2916 with any questions or more info.

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 7:08:23 AM
Subject: 02-18 & 19-2011 Honors for Sgt. Major Bodnar, USMC

Funeral Services
for Sgt. Major John P. Bodnar, USMC

Date: Friday Feb. 18, 2011
Rally Time: 6:30 PM
Rally Location: Boyd Horrox Funeral Home, 200 W. Germantown Pike, E. Norriton, Pa.

Funeral Service for Sgt. Major John P. Bodnar, USMC, highly decorated Veteran of 3 wars, recipient of the Silver Star as well as many other awards will be on Friday night Feb. 18, 2011.

Please join us in honoring Sgt. Major Bodnar in a flag line at the funeral home. The details are below:

Please post on the A Hero’s Welcome site if you plan to attend.

Please arrive at the funeral home by 6:30pm so we may properly set up. Parking is available by the Friendly's across the street or behind and next to the funeral home - there are offices there that are closed by that time.

Questions or additional info: Maria @ 610 327 2916

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, February 14, 2011 7:29:05 AM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for Cpl Adam Tichy, USMC Tuesday Feb 15, 2011

Welcome Home
Cpl Adam Tichy, USMC

Date: Tueday Feb 15, 2011
Rally Time: 3:30 pm
Depart for PHL Airport: 3:50 pm

Please join in the escort to Ridley Park, PA to celebrate this Hero’s Welcome… view this link for more info and leave a comment! 

We’d love to know if you can join us or just say “Thank You” to our HERO!!

http://aheros-welcome.org/blog/2011/02/11/021511-pending-cpl-adam-tichy-u-s-m-c/
484-679-1717 for updates 
Or call 610-327 2916 with any questions

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Fri, February 11, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for Spc. Jonathan Josd, US Army Saturday Feb. 12, 2011 Collegeville, PA

A Hero's Welcome for
Spc. Jonathan Josd, U.S. Army

Date: Saturday Feb. 12, 2011
Rally Time: 3:45 pm
Location: Olive Garden Restaurant
One Town Center Drive
Collegeville, PA

We invite you to stand outside the Olive Garden Restaurant and wave your American Flags. 
Show our Hero how much you appreciate his brave service to Our Country!!!!! 
Please join us show your American Spirit!!!!! 
THANK YOU!!

Bio:

Specialist Jonathan R. Josd is 22 years old. Jon graduated from Boyertown Area Senior High School in June 2007 and completed his Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA in October 2007. He completed his AIT at Fort Gordon and he is currently stationed at Fort Hood, TX. He is a Satellite Systems Operator & Maintainer with Bravo Company, 4th Brigade Special Troops, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

He is currently serving his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq, stationed in Mosul and has recently re-enlisted for another 6 years. Jon has received various awards, including two Good Conduct Medals and is a certified Combatives Instructor. He recently enrolled in college and is working to complete his BS in Electrical Engineering online. When he returns to Mosul from his mid-tour leave later this month, Jon is scheduled to go before the Promotion Board for his promotion to Sgt.

Jon and his wife Robyn live in Killeen with their 2-yr old daughter, Emily and dog, Maddie. They are planning a July 2012 family wedding. Jon has one sister - Miranda, 11, who looks up to her brother as HER HERO! Jon enjoys racing, fixing up cars, playing video games, spending time with his friends and family, Philly Cheesesteaks, and caring for his bearded-dragon, Frank.

Please contact Maria Hyland at 610-327-2916 for more info.

Blues & Jazz
Friday April 29, 2011 
7:00 -11:00 PM

This will feature a Blues artist named Chaz and a jazz band. On that night we will also raffle off a donated electric guitar.

The guitar will be on display starting with the February 26th event and folks will pay $5 for a raffle ticket.

$25 for entrance.

Tickets are available on the night of the event at the door.

For More Information:

A Hero’s Welcome: Maria@aheros-welcome.org
Warriors Watch Riders: http://www.warriorswatch.org
Operation Bedding: http://www.adamconboymemorialfund.org/

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, February 9, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome and the Warriors' Watch Riders invite you to "Operation Bedding Fundraisers"

“Comics For Comfort” Comedy Night

Date: Saturday Feb. 26, 2011
Time: 7-11 p.m.
Location: North Penn VFW 676
2519 Jenkintown Rd., Glenside, PA. 19038

A Hero’s Welcome will join the Warriors’ Watch Riders in hosting two fundraising events that will benefit Operation Bedding, The Adam Conboy Memorial Fund.

Both events will be held at the North Penn VFW 676 – 2519 Jenkintown Rd., Glenside, PA. 19038
Comedy Night. As many as 15 comedians will present Comics for Comfort,
There will be an hour of improv and an hour of standup.
The event will be a Beef & Beer and the price of admission will cover a meal of roast beef, meatball sandwiches, and beer or soda.
Admission will be $25.

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, February 8, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Flag Line for World War II Vet Sgt. John Briley

We have request from our very own Ken Link (MarineDad09) for a

Mug-n-hug/flag-line for his grandfather,
Sergeant John T. Briley
 a WWII veteran.

Date: Sunday Feb. 13, 2011
Rally Point: Cooper Beach Elementary School
825 N. Easton Road
Abington 19001
(about a mile and a half south of Willow Grove Mall/ about 3-4 miles north of 309)

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=.....929&t=h&z=16

Rally time: 12:15pm (1215hrs)
KSU: 12:45pm (1245hrs)
Final Destination: Glenside


BIO from Ken:

My Grandfather is a great man. I left college to work with him in the sheet metal business. He taught me the 'Tin Knocking' trade. I am involved with my own business today, thanks to my Grandfather. I could go on all day, but let me get to the meat and potatoes. I want to have a mission so that Warriors' Watch Riders, A Hero's Welcome, and hopefully many other groups, can shake the hand, and welcome home, a true American Hero.

My Grandfather is Sergeant John T. Briley, a WWII Vet. My Grandfather was an Airplane Armorer Gunner with the 44th Bomb Group. He was in the Army Air Force. He has received the AAF Air Crew Member Badge and completed AAF Gunnery School. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and The World War II Victory Medal.

He lost his wife to Cancer and now he is fighting his own battle with the disease. I know it is a short notice, but I am asking for as many people to come out on
Sunday, February 13th, 2011, at 1pm, and shake my Grandfathers hand...The hand of an American Hero... My Hero.

My Grandfather is about to become a Great-Great-Grandfather, if he can fight until April. His Great Grandson is a United States Marine, stationed in Hawaii.
He and his wife are expecting in April. He can not be here for this event, so I am hoping someone will video tape it, so I can send it to him.

Let's get out and show our support for this great American and for what he did for our freedom in WWII!!!!

contact Maria 610-327-2916 for more info

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 2-05-11 Cpl Austin Griffin, USMC Media, PA

Welcome home
Cpl. Austin Griffin, a returning Marine!

Come join a Flagline and Mug-n-Hug

Location: At the Acme parking lot Rt. 252 and Baltimore Pike
Date: Saturday February 5, 2011
Time: 3:15pm 

Corporal Austin Griffin is a 21 year old Marine. He was deployed in the Gulf from August 2008 to March 2009. During his deployment he was involved in the mission fighting the Somali pirates and training the Kuwait troops. His second deployment was in Marjah in the Helmand Province where he was involved in almost daily fire fights with the Taliban. Austin is a squad leader for machine gunners. He has received a NAVCOM (Navy Commendation Award) for heroism for saving the life of another Marine during a fire fight.

Let's get out and show this Marine how much we appreciate his service to our country!!!

Bring a flag, a cheer, a tear and a neighbor.

For information:
http://www.aheros-welcome.org/
http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1296667233/
MARIA@AHEROS-WELCOME.ORG

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, January 26, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Saturday 1-29-11 2 welcome home celebrations!!!!

Welcome Home Marine Sgt. Anthony Musselman, U.S.M.C.

Date: Saturday Jan. 29, 2011
Rally Point: 1050 Shoemakersville Road, Shoemakersville PA
Rally Time: 1330 (1:30pm)
KSU Time: 1400 (2:00pm)

At 2:00 pm we will leave the rally location and join the Warriors’ Watch Riders in an escort to Anthony’s welcome home party.

Link to Rally Point:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=.....vania+19555&z=16

We will be welcoming home Marine Sgt. Anthony Musselman from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

This Marine has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan serving Our Country.

Let's get out and show him our appreciation!

Bio:

Sgt. Musselman is a Forward Observer.
He was based at Camp Lejeune, NC until his return home earlier this month.
Anthony completed a tour in Iraq in 2009 with 5th Anglico out of Okinawa, Japan and a tour in Afghanistan in 2010 with 2/6 Golf Company JTAC Platoon out of Camp Lejeune, NC

The local fire companies are already involved and are planning a 2 truck (front and rear) escort.

We will escort this Marine to Central Berks Fire Company where he will be greeted by family and friends! 

Please contact Charlie Becker with any questions:

484-576-3121

Welcome Home Spc. Manuel Rivera, U.S. Army

What: Welcome Home Escort
When: Saturday 1/29
Rally Time: 4:30pm
Where: From Roosevelt Mall to the family’s home.
Rally Location: Dunkin Donuts, Roosevelt Mall, Cottman Ave, Philadlelphia, PA


Link to Rally Point:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Roosevelt+Mall,+Cottman+Avenue,+Philadelphia,+PA&sll=40.035764,-75.091467&sspn=0.036406,0.075531&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Roosevelt+Mall,+Cottman+Ave,+Philadelphia,+Pennsylvania+19149&z=16


We have a request that originated from a contact made with the Mother of a Soldier during this year’s “Fox Good Day Salutes the Military” Event!

Beverly Santiago would like us to help her welcome her son Army Spc. Manuel Rivera home upon his return from a tour of duty in Iraq. Let's give this soldier the Rock Star treatment he deserves!

Manuel's mom Beverly is very proud of her son. Two years ago he signed up for an 8 year stint in the Army reserve.

This is his first deployment and his MOS is finance.

His proud family member's include Mom and Step Dad (who has raised him since 3 months of age) so his DAD.
One brother, age 23, two nieces, one nephew, many, many cousins and lots and lots of Friends. Manuel (Manny) is a very loving and kind hearted son. Who knows what he wants and very determined to accomplish his goals. He is so honored to fight and defend his country.

Let’s show Manny how honored we are to meet him and say “thank you for your sacrifices.”

Welcome Home Manny Rivera!!!!

Contact or questions please call: Maria 610-327-2916

Updates and changes: 484-679-1717

WELCOME HOME
CPL. ROY BASIS, USMC

Date: Sunday Jan. 23, 2011
Location: Philadelphia International Airport to Haverford, PA
Rally Point: FB 69, 82nd and Bartram Ave., Philadelphia, PA
Rally Time: 1:45 pm
Depart for the Airport 2:20 pm
Destination: Lincoln Drive, Havertown, PA. (anticipated arrival 3:30 pm)

We have a request from Brittney Basis for a welcome home and escort for her husband Corporal Roy Christian Basis USMC on January 23.

We will be picking up Cpl. Roy Basis at the Phila. International Airport.

Roy enlisted in the US Marine Corps in July 2007 and is a 0341, Mortarman. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from late 2008 to March 2009 and traveled to various countries such as Bahrain, Iraq, France, and Greece supporting other military operations. He also served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from June 2010 to January 2011 in Marjah, Afghanistan with Marines. He supported operations as a rifleman.

So... let's get out and show this Marine just how much we appreciate his service to our country!!!!

Please check the our website or call 484 679 1717 before leaving for the airport for any changes or cancellations. 

Questions: feel free to call my cell 610-327-2916

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, January 18, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Upcoming 1-22-11 / 1-23-11

Honor Mission for KIA
Spc. Benjamin G. Moore
Funeral Flag Line/Escort Jan 22

Spc. Benjamin G. Moore, 23, of Robbinsville, N.J. was killed in an enemy attack on his unit Jan. 12, in Ghazi province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.

Spc. Moore was assigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Spc. Benjamin G. Moore’s awards and decorations include, The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart, The Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct Medal, The Afghanistan Camp. Medal, The Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal, the National Defense service Medal, and the NATO medal.

The Information provided so far has been Tentative So PLEASE CHECK back for updates.

http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1295043869/s-0/

When: Jan 22
Viewing Flag Line:
Rally Time: 0745
Location: The "old" Acme Market, currently vacant. Just across the street from the Shell gas station3 00 US RT 130 Bordentown, NJ 08505

This is.4 miles from the church, a shuttle is being provided by the town from this location.

We're trying to get the shuttle to be there for when we move to the church.

Depart @ 0815 via shuttle to church

Visitation will be 0900 - 1200 at which time services will start.

Following services we will escort Benjamin to his final resting place, Bordentown Cemetery, 220 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown, NJ 08505

We'll do a flag line at the cemetery until the conclusion of graveside services.

Welcome Home
LCPL Kevin McCarthy

Date: Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011
RALLY-Engine 69 
Location: 82nd and Bartram Ave, Philadelphia, PA
RALLY TIME: 0800 (8 AM)
Time: Depart for the airport - 0830 (8:30 am)

LET’S GET OUT IN FORCE TO WELCOME THIS HERO HOME

Bio from Kevin’s Mom:

Kevin Graduated from BCTHS in 2008 he received is EMT License when he was in 11th grade and his Fire Fighter License in 12th Grade. For years Kevin was in the Civil Air Patrol with his younger sister. He really enjoyed everything about that adventure. Kevin has always wanted to go into the military and become a sniper. That was his focus in life so he started training in Ju Jitsu. He wanted to be ready for the military. Kevin Trained Under Master Tom McGonigal, Tommy is a huge part of my son's life, he is a mentor and good friend. Tom helped Kevin go to Brazil. Kevin trained there for 3 months and also won a competition there 2nd place.

After he graduated High School, he left for the Marines in November 2008. In boot camp Kevin received a medal for Expert on the rifle range and did wonderful. When I found out I just was so proud of my son. Its funny, when I told one of my friends how well Kevin was doing they said “what did you except he was raised my drill sergeant?” (A joke between my friends and... no I was never in the military I guess I missed my calling)

My son has been so driven since he was little never loosing focus on what he wanted to do and never let anything get in his way. I have raised a wonderful child who is now a great man and my hero. My son Kevin has been a blessing to raise. Kevin is my middle child he has two sisters Carina & Arielle. They are so proud of their brother.

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sat, January 15, 2011
Subject: Honor Mission for Korean War Vet Jerold Thomas Humphreys, US Navy

KOREAN WAR VET HAS LEFT US
Honor Mission

Date: Sunday Jan 16, 2011
Time: 1800 (6:00pm) to 2000 (8:00 pm)
Where: Kings Funeral Home, 2649 S 64th St, Phila Pa 19142

Linda George has requested a flag line for her father, PFC Jerold Thomas Humphreys, at his viewing on Sunday 1/16/11

PFC Humphreys was a gunners mate during the Korean war.

He served 12 years in the US Navy.

His hobbies included model trains and building model ships.

HE WAS A VERY PROUD VETERAN AND SPOKE OF HIS MILITARY SERVICE ALL THE TIME.

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, January 6, 2011
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for Welcome Home SSGT. Adam Rosemeyer, U.S.A.F. 1/8/2011

Welcome Home
SSGT. Adam Rosemeyer, U.S.A.F.
01/08/2011 

lOCATION: Cookstown, New Jersey
Rally Time: 1550
Andrews Federal Credit Union
25 Cookstown Wrightstown Rd
Cookstown, NJ
Depart @ 1620 for our Hero's home

We'll gather together and roll as one to our Hero's home to show appreciation and bestow honor to this returning warrior. Our Hero will be in good company, a handful of returning warriors will be joining him and his wife for a beverage or two. We've been invited to stop in and say hi.

An email from his wife:

My husband is currently serving overseas in his 2nd deployment, this time to the UAE. He is a SSGT with the USAF and is a KC-10 engine mechanic. He is due home on or after January 5, 2010. I do realize there may be snow on the ground so a motorcycle escort would not be possible, he is flying into the PAX terminal on McGuire AFB and we live in base housing - so an escort really wouldn't be much of one. But, I would be VERY interested in a mug and hug. But at the present moment, I do not have a location in mind. My husband is a very modest person, a very proud and humble man - but as his wife, I am just so proud of the work he does and he deserves recognition for what he does. I KNOW that even a handshake would mean THE WORLD to him - from someone thanking him for the work he does on a day to day basis. He tells me, a lot actually, that his brothers are the real heroes (his 2 younger brothers are gunners in the USMC). However, if it weren't for men like my husband that fixed these planes - who would? Aircraft need to be refueled mid flight to complete their missions and because of my husband, planes that break - get fixed. This is our 2nd base prior to this he was stationed at Ramstein AFB, Germany where he worked as a C-130 propeller mechanic. If someone could please contact me, tell me if its possible for a mug and hug in the beginning to mid January time frame, I would so appreciate it! My kids cannot wait to see their Daddy and this would be the perfect way to welcome him home. 

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, December 30, 2010
Subject: Honor Mission for Mr. Raymond Riling, World War II Veteran Monday Jan. 3, 2011

Honor Mission
for
Mr. Raymond Riling
World War II Veteran
Monday, Jan. 3, 2011

Location: Kirk and Nice Funeral Home
80 Stenton Avenue, Plymouth Meeting, PA
(just east of Butler Pike on the grounds of the Geo. Washington Memorial Park/cemetery)
Rally Time: 10:15 a.m.

Mr. Riling's memorial service is at Kirk and Nice Funeral Home, 80 Stenton Avenue, Plymouth Meeting on the grounds of the Geo. Washington Memorial Park/Cemetery - it's just east of Butler Pike.
His cremains will be interred at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Cheltenham and Easton.

Service is at 11am
We've been invited to provide the flag line and escort. Right now, forecast is 38 and sunny.
There is no official visitation time, but I would like to be lined up by 10:15. There is plenty of parking there, so I don't think we really need a different rally point.

SPECIAL STORY

Note by Wayne Lutz, founder of the Warriors’ Watch Riders:
A few weeks ago, (our Calamity) Jane met a man at Chestnut Hill Hospital who was wearing a WWII veteran’s hat. The man’s name was Raymond Riling. Jane went out of her way to thank him for his service. She did not have coins on her so she mailed a WWR coin and pin to him, along with a “lovely letter.”
Mr. Riling never received the coin and pin. He died on December 17. Instead the doctors at the hospital presented them to the granddaughter. The letter below (and the attached photo) is from her, Angelique, attempting to find Jane to thank her. I responded, offered my condolences on behalf of all the WWR in PA, promised I would contact Jane, and did so. I also told Jane that if they want WWR at the funeral next week, we are there, so please be prepared.
Jane’s act of kindness to Mr. Riling was the last such ever done to him on this Earth. As I like to say, you never know who you are going to touch.
- Wayne

Follow Up: A note from Mr. Rilings granddaughter:
I am trying to get in contact with Jane Thomas who met my Grandfather Raymond Riling at Dr. Fellin's office at the Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia on or about December 7th 2010.

She met him and thanked him for his service to our country. She had wanted to personally present the Warriors Watch Memoriam pin and Honor Coin to him, but was unable to. I stopped by Dr. Fellin's office last week and they presented the coin and pin along with a lovely letter from Jane, to me at that time as our Pop Ray passed December 17th.

I wanted to thank Jane Thomas and also your organization for taking the time to personally thank him for his service. He would have been very honored to have received these tokens of appreciation.

Pop wore his WWII Veteran's hat everyday with pride and on his hat he had many pins from his service. I will be including your pin to his hat and we will be displaying your coin at his funeral service next week for all to see.

If you could please let Jane know that Ray's family did receive your gift I would greatly appreciate it. Here is a picture of Pop during his Army days.

Thank you again and Have a Happy New Year.

Angelique Riling
Raymond Riling's granddaughter

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sun, January 2, 2011
Subject: 1/2/10 Extreme short notice for a wounded warrior

WOUNDED WARRIOR ESCORT
SPC Gregory Gardiner
put his life on the line for OUR freedom. 

Time for a payback.

NJ Warriors’ Watch Riders needs some support on this very short notice welcome home for a wounded hero.

What better way to start out 2011 then to honor this young hero.

Lets get down to the airport and shake this heros hand and thank him. It doesnt matter if to ride, cage ot take a taxi, lets do it!

Its a short escort across the bridge to Runnemeade NJ.

NJ Short Notice Welcome Home US Army Spc. Glen Gardiner

Date: 01/02
PHL to Deptford Runnemede, NJ
Rally @ 1455
Rally Location: Firebase 69, 82nd and Bartram, Philadelphia, PA
Depart for PHL @ 1525
Destination: Runnemede, NJ, about fifteen minutes over the Walt Whitman Bridge.

Name: Gregory Gardiner Jr.
Rank: A Specialist Grade E-4
Age: 24

Greg grew up in Runnemede New Jersey, graduated from Trition Regional High School and at age 20 joined the Army. He served as a mortar man in Afghanistan. He was severely injured 8 days before he was due to finish serving. His injuries have left him with permanent hearing loss and shrapnel fragments in his arm, legs, and spine. He received a Purple Heart. He recuperated in Germany and is arriving home tomorrow Jan. 2 2011

People, here is your chance to start 2011 off right by getting in on the first Welcome Home of the year. Not that their is anything wrong with that.

Top

2010

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Fri, December 24, 2010 4:56:26 AM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 12/26/ 10 SGT Wayne Rogers

WELCOME HOME
SGT Wayne Rogers
DECEMBER 26, 2010

Date: 12/26
Rally Time: 11:15 AM @ WaWa: 1883 Street Road Bensalem, PA 19020
Depart/KSU: 12:00
Destination: Arrive at Great American Pub 2900 Street Road Bensalem, PA 19020

Flag line and Mug and Hug for Soldier Rodgers

1:00 pm Depart for American Legion # 960
1537 Woodburne Road
Levittown, PA 19057

Okay folks we have been asked by the proud wife of Army Sgt Wayne Rogers to help Welcome her husband home from Afghan. This will be Sgt Rogers third tour and she wants to make it special for him when he comes home. They will be up visiting local family form Georgia and she heard about what we do for our returning heroes and thought it would be great if we could help.

Well you bet we can help. We will be doing our famous Mug-n-Hug and then escorting Sgt Rogers and his wonderful family to a party being held in his honor.

Short Bio:

My husband Wayne was born and raised in Philadelphia. In 1995, he moved to Fairless Hills and that's when we met. We were high school sweethearts, but went our separate ways in 97. In '97 he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany until 2000. During his time in Germany he deployed to Bosnia from March - Sept '98. From Germany he went to Fort Knox, KY and was there until Sept '02. Then he was off to Korea until Dec '03. From Jan '04- present he has resided in Georgia.

During his time in Georgia he has been deployed to Iraq three times. His first Iraq deployment was from Jan 05-Jan 06, second deployment was from Jan 07-April 08. During his R&R we decided that we were always meant to be together, and on April 24, 2008 we got married.

Now he is on the third deployment and left Dec 24, 2009. I have a son from a previous relationship and we have a son together, so this deployment was extra hard on him. He has never had to leave a wife and kids behind. He has been in for 13 years and is an E-5. He has been a wonderful husband and father, as well as a terrific leader for his soldiers. Thank you so much for doing this, I really want him to know how much he is appreciated.

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, December 20, 2010
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 12/21/10 CPL Michael Dewees Norristown, PA

WELCOME HOME
Marine Cpl. Michael Dewees

Warrior's Watch Rider's has been contacted by The Norristown Police to help them escort Marine Cpl. Michael Dewees.

From Officer Brian Saxon:

We would greatly appreciate your assistance greeting Marine Cpl Michael Dewees at the airport and escorting his parents and him back to Norristown to link up with us for a well deserved escort.

Who: Marine Cpl. Michael Dewees
What: Welcome Home Escort
When: Tuesday 12/21
Where: PHL to Norristown
Rally Point: FB 69
Rally Time: 1:45pm (13:45)

Bio below from Michael's mom Cathy:

Michael is 3 1/2 years into a 4 year contract.

He is an Aviation Operations Specialist assigned to a Light Attack Helicopter Squadron HMLA 369 ("Gunfighters"). He is currently stationed in Camp Pendelton, California.

He was deployed in Iraq from October, 2008 to April, 2009.

His maternal grandfather (Howard) was a Staff Sergeant in the Army 82nd Airborne and served in the European Theater during World War II.

His paternal grandfather (Harry) was in the Navy assigned to the USS Portland in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

His uncles (Bud and George) were in the Army and both served in Vietnam.

Michael has always conducted himself as a true professional whether it be in the military or as a volunteer firefighter with the Norristown Fire Department where has been a member since the age of 16. He followed in his father's footsteps as a fireman.

Words cannot express the pride and honor we hold as parents for Michael for what he has accomplished these past few years.

Proud Parent of G!
CPL Gary

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Fri, December 17, 2010
NJ WH 12/19 PHL to Tabernacle, NJ
CPL Brendan Gillen
Rally Time: 1530
Rally Location: Firebase 69
82nd & Bartram Ave
Depart for PHL @ 1615

Our Hero's family will be meeting us at FB69

Destination is Tabernacle, NJ
North Jersey Welcome Home 12/19/10

Welcome Home
USMC Cpl Ryan Radwanski

Date: Dec 19 Sun.
Final Rally Location: Phil's Pizza & Subs
1173 US Highway 202 N
Somerville, NJ 08876-3909
Rally Time: 1215
KSU: 1255 ( Depart to meet our Hero)
RC: DenimCross "Gene" Thank you brother for Stepping UP
South Jersey Secondary Rally Location: Panera Bread
48 Centerton Road
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054-6102
KSU: 1100 (depart for Final Rally Point) be there earlier for grub

Cpl Radwanski is 20 years old and serves in The Marine Corps. Cpl Radwanski is the son of Jill and Paul Radwanski and is married to Julia. Ryan’s Brother Eric also proudly serves in the Marine Corps and is currently deployed in Afghanistan. Ryan has two sisters; Kim and Amy, both in high school.

Ryan graduated from Bridgewater Raritan High School in 2008 with honors and received his Varsity letter all four years for Wrestling.

Ryan earned an Eagle Scout award in 2008 for Boy Scout Troop 84 Somerville
He enlisted in Marines Oct 2008 and graduated Parris Island Dec 2008 where he received a meritorious promotion upon graduation as a result of his Eagle Scout status causing him to graduate as Private First Class. Ryan received a second meritorious promotion earning the rank of Lance Corporal while serving in Recruiter’s Assistance in Dec. 2008

Ryan received the promotion to Corporal – March 2010
Ryan was deployed to Afghanistan April 2010 - Nov 2010

Medals & Ribbons
National Defense M+R
Global War on Terrorism M+R
Afghanistan Campaign Medal M+R
Sea Service R
NATO ISAF Medal M+R
Combat Action Ribbon R
--------------------

Date: 12/19/10
Location: King of Prussia to Pottstown

WELCOME HOME Marine Lcpl. Rob Safford

Who: Marine Lcpl. Rob Safford
What: Welcome Home Escort
Where: KoP to Pottstown
When: Sunday 12/19
Rally Time: 11:30 am
Rally Point: Gateway Shopping Center on Swedesford Road, Wayne Pa.
Link to Rally Point: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=.....amp;z=17&iwloc=B

At the request of Marine Mom Cathy Safford, Warrior's Watch Rider's and A Hero's Welcome will welcome home and escort Marine Lcpl. Rob Safford from the families church in King of Prussia to their home in Pottstown Pa.

Lcpl. Safford is returning home safely from deployment in Afghanistan. What a great Christmas present for this family! Let's get out and show this Marine that we appreciate his service and sacrifice to Our Great Country!

Here's a brief bio from Mom, Cathy:

Rob has been in the Marines for a little over 2 years.
He's based in San Diego, this was his first deployment.
He was in Afghanistan for 7 months.
His MOS is infantry.
Rob's first words were "Marine Corps". 
He's wanted to be a Marine for as long as I can remember.
He's interested in hunting, fishing, tracking, and in animals of all sizes
and shapes (he used to own a hawk), as well as skiing, surfing, kayaking....he's a real outdoorsman

*************
Subject: Multi-unit welcome home Sat. 12/18/10 / lots of welcome home celebrations all weekend long. Please read to the end, there's something for everyone!!!!

We have a very busy weekend! As the holidays approach, our troops are anxious to see their loved one. Please join in their welcome home celebrations as often as you can. Bring you’re American Flag and your biggest smile! Below is what’s happening THIS weekend!!! Pass the word.

As times and dates may change, the best source of information will be to watch the www.warriorswatch.org/confirmed WWR Rides/Region 1

link: http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?b-cwwr/

WHAT: ESCORT 330 TROOPS FRESH FROM THE WAR
WHEN: SATURDAY THE 18TH, 0800
RALLY INFO: RALY AT THE ENGINE 69 FIRE HOUSE LOCATED AT BARTRAM AVE & 82ND ST (BARTRAM AVE JUST WEST OF THE INTERSECTION WITH ISLAND AVE) RALLY TIME: 10:30 AM
DEPARTURE FROM RALLY POINT: 11:00 AM
ESCORT: FROM PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL TO FORT DIX

330 troops will deplane right at our jack-booted feet. 

PLEASE BE AT THE RALLY POINT, ENGINE 69 FIRE HOUSE, AT 10:30 AM. We will be under police escort from that point on.

DEPARTURE FROM RALLY POINT: 1100

Remember the emotional Sendoff we did for the 131st Transportation Company last week? Some of the folks they will be replacing are coming home after doing their duty. We have been contacted by the Unit representative for a Welcome Home flag line and escort for FOUR Transportation Company units - the 164th, the 1060th, the 1166th, and the 1058th TC, about 330 soldiers in all.

PLEASE BRING YOUR HAND-HELD FLAGS, boys and girls.

Part of the excitement of this is lining up the bikes and people with flags that the soldiers can see when the plane taxis in.

Rarely do we have an opportunity to shake this many hands - even the "Return of the 303" mission wasn't this big.

If you were not on that mission, PLEASE read this report to see what you are in for:

http://www.warriorswatch.org/?p=2924

Here is one paragraph from what was written after the fact:

I hope I have done justice to the facts of what happened that day, because now I need to turn to what all of this really meant to us: I wish that every member of the WWR, and more, every citizen of this country, could have the experience of greeting 303 soldiers fresh from the war in Afghanistan. The very act of taking their hands in yours and looking, really looking, into their eyes. Most of the faces I saw were very young. But not all. Many were older, men and women who obviously had joined the army later in life, perhaps as a second career, or perhaps returning to the army in response to the national need in this time of foreign wars. Every one a hero to me, to us.

It's a Saturday. It is to be nicest day out of the next several in terms of weather. It is an opportunity that only the WWR/AHW can have.

Bring those bright, proud flags.

Saturday 12/18/10

WELCOME HOME

WHO- CW2 Clinton LeBeau Jr
WHAT-mug-n-hug / escort
WHERE- Hatfield area
WHEN-Sat 12/18

Lets give it our all during this holiday season to get out and give these heroes the welcome home they deserve. Remember these men, women and their families have been apart for a long time. I know the short notice missions are hard, but lets do our best to show our appreciation.

CM2 (SCW) Clinton Lebeau enlisted two years ago as a Navy Reservist. He is attached to NMCB 21 out of Fort Dix, NJ. He is completing his first tour and will be returning home after nine months in Afghanistan. While deployed he was advanced to Second Class Petty Officer and received his Seabee Combat Warfare certification. He is married with one daughter and is a die-hard Flyers fan.

His dad (Clinton Lebeau), mom (Eleanor Lebeau), daughter (Alyssa Lebeau) and me (Ashley Lebeau) will be at the airport. His grandparents (Ernie and Carol Mowry) are hoping to make it down from Rhode Island in time.

Date: Saturday, 12-18-10
Rally: CVS Pharmacy, 1530 Cowpath Rd (463), Hatfield, PA 19440
Rally time: 1800 (6:00pm)
KSU: 1815 (6:15pm) To Mug-N-Hug @ Second rally point two blocks away
Escort - KSU: Approx 1900 (7:00pm) Final Destination: Willow Grove

CM2 (SCW) Clinton Lebeau enlisted two years ago as a Navy Reservist. He is attached to NMCB 21 out of Fort Dix, NJ. He has just completed his first tour after nine months at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan. While deployed he was advanced to Second Class Petty Officer and received his Seabee Combat Warfare certification. He is married with one daughter and is a die-hard Flyers fan.

From Clinton ’s wife Ashley:

I am overwhelmingly proud of my husband and the sacrifices he has made for our family and future and am excited to honor him with a Warrior Watch escort.

Bonefish Grill in Willow Grove is our favorite restaurant. We met down the street when we both worked for Carrabba’s. It was our go-to date restaurant, it’s where we’ve made most of our major life decisions (we first discussed him enlisting in the Navy there), it’s where he proposed, and it’s where we go to celebrate all significant events. We last ate there before he deployed and I was banned from eating there until he returned. Saturday, 12-18, we will be going with his parents, Eleanor and Clint, to celebrate his safe return.

We will also be celebrating our one year wedding anniversary. It’s actually this weekend (Dec. 11th) but his family from Rhode Island will be in town so it’s being put off until the following weekend 12-18.

WWR & A Hero’s Welcome, we did not get a chance to welcome this hero home a few weeks ago. But now we have a chance to Welcome him home and help his family celebrate not only his safe return but another significant event, their 1st Anniversary.

Let’s show him the ROCK STAR Treatment!!
Who’s IN?

WELCOME HOME
LCPL. SEAN YOUNG, USMC

Date: Saturday 12/18/10 9:30 pm

We have a request from Rose Young to welcome and escort her son, Lance Cpl. Sean Young, home from his 7 month tour in Afghanistan.

Let's get out and show this Marine how much we appreciate his service to our country!!!!
We'll be picking up Lance Cpl. Sean Young at Phila. International Airport.

Rally: Fire Base 69
Rally time: 21:30 (9:30pm)
KSU: 22:10 (10:10pm)
Destination: Roosevelt Blvd. Far NE Philadelphia

WELCOME HOME
US ARMY Specialist Daniel Marquez

Date: 12/18/10
South Jersey

Welcome Back From Iraq to Gloucester City, New Jersey

Rally @ 1900 (7:00PM), Saturday December 18, 2010
Rally Location: FB69
82nd and Bartram Ave
Philadelphia, PA
Ride Briefing @ 1915
Depart for PHL @ 1925

RC is Vance

Please come out to welcome home Specialist Daniel Marquez from serving in Iraq.
This was Specialist Marquez’s 2nd tour in Iraq, he is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in 2011.
He is now 24 years old and has been in the Army since graduating Gloucester City High School where he played football. His wife is Moana with son Jason and Daughter Neyla
Specialist Marquez is a rank of E-4 and is a tank diesel mechanic

Friends, Family, The Warriors Watch, The Yellow Ribbon Club, The Gloucester City Police Department, and The Gloucester City Fire Department along with Gloucester City will be on hand to make some noise and welcome home this hero in Rock Star style.

Hope to see you there.

Media Welcome and Requested

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, December 15, 2010
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Thursday 12/16/2010

WELCOME HOME
CORPORAL MICHAEL PHILLIPS, U.S.M.C.
THURSDAY 12/16/2010

CPL Michael Phillips USMC is returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

RALLY: FB 69
82ND AND BARTRAM AVE,. PHILADEPHIA, PA
RALLY TIME: 1715 (5:15 PM)
DEPART FOR AIRPORT: 1740 (5:40 PM)

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, December 14, 2010
Subject: WELCOME HOME SPECIALIST Brady Fagans, U.S. ARMY WEDNESDAY DEC. 15, 2010

Let’s get out in force for this one guys and girls. Show this hero that we appreciate his service and sacrifice.

WELCOME HOME
SPECIALIST Brady Fagans, U.S. ARMY

Date: WEDNESDAY DEC. 15, 2010
Location: Philadelphia International Airport
RALLY POINT: FB 69 / 82nd and Bartram Ave. Philadelphia, PA
RALLY TIME-1500 HRS (3:00 PM)
DEPART FOR AIRPORT/KSU-1520 HRS (3:20 PM)

This escort will be from PHL to the Bristol area.

WE RE GONNA GIVE HIM A WELCOME HOME HE AND HIS FAMILY WONT EVER FORGET!

Here’s the request from Brady’s wife, Melissa:

My husband is coming home for the first Christmas in years, he is currently enlisted in the Army. He just received a Purple Heart for being injured by an IED in Afghanistan. He comes home December 15th and our family couldn’t be more blessed. A friend told me briefly about your services, but not much.

Following in his father's foot steps Brady entered the army October 21, 2008. Then he went to AIT at Fort Bliss In El Paso, Texas. He was then reassigned to Bamberg, Germany and after 9 months he was deployed to Afghanistan with the 173rd combat airborne infantry battalion, to fight for "operation freedom". He is the recent recipient of a purple heart and a combat action badge.

Son of Brady and Sharon Fagans, he grew up in Bristol, PA his entire life. He is a brother to three sisters: Shannon, Natalie, and McKenzie.

Brady and I are happily married and expecting our first born this coming may! I'm just so happy we can spend the holiday together... I feel very lucky. Unfortunately he will be sent back to Germany in January awaiting his next deployment. But those are the sacrifices he makes to fight for his country.

This is an early afternoon mission, but let’s do our best to get out and welcome this true hero home!

Welcome Home
SPC Brady Fagans, U. S. Army

Date: Wed. Dec. 15, 2010

We didn't have much info on this at the beginning but what I got from the WWR is this....

"Spc. Brady Fagans was injured in Afghanastan by an IED. I do know if he wasn't there defending OUR FREEDOM, this wouldn't have happened. I know 1 more thing - I intend to be there on the 15th when he makes his way down the hall and to the escalator at the airport.

Lets get out in force for this one guys and girls. Show this hero that we appreciate his service and sacrifice for us."

WHO-SPC Brady Fagans
WHAT-Welcome Home Escort
WHERE-PHL to the Bristol area
WHEN- Dec 15th
Rally: FB 69
Time: 1500 Hrs. (3:00 pm)
KSU/Depart for airport 15:20 (3:20 pm)
This escort will be from PHL to the Bristol area

Spc. Fagans has not been home for Christmas in years.
WE RE GONNA GIVE HIM A WELCOME HOME HE AND HIS FAMILY WONT EVER FORGET!

Here's the request from Melissa:

My husband is coming home for the first Christmas in years, he is currently enlisted in the Army. He just received a purple heart for being injured by an IED in Afghanistan. He comes home December 15th and our family couldn't be more blessed. A friend told me briefly about your services, but not much.

Following in his father's foot steps Brady entered the army October 21, 2008. Then he went to AIT at Fort Bliss In El Paso, Texas. He was then reassigned to Bamberg, Germany and after 9 months he was deployed to Afghanistan with the 173rd combat airborne infantry battalion, to fight for "operation freedom". He is the recent recipient of a purple heart and a combat action badge.

Son of Brady and Sharon Fagans, he grew up in Bristol, PA his entire life. He is a brother to three sisters: Shannon, Natalie, and McKenzie. Brady and I are happily married and expecting our first born this coming may! I'm just so happy we can spend the holiday together...I feel very lucky. Unfortunately he will be sent back to Germany in January awaiting his next deployment. But those are the sacrifices he makes to fight for his country. 

I know this is an early afternoon mission, but lets do our best to get out and welcome this true hero home.

***** LETS MAKE THIS A GREAT BIG ONE*****

for more info or questions: Maria/610 327 2916

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sun, December 12, 2010
Subject: A Hero's 12-14-10 WELCOME HOME CORPORAL MARK "ANTHONY" MIRARCHI, U. S. M. C.

WELCOME HOME
CORPORAL MARK “ANTHONY” MIRARCHI, U. S. M. C.

Rally Point: FB 69/82ND AND Bartram Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Date: Tues. Dec. 14, 2010
Rally Time: 0700 (7:00 AM)
KSU: 0750 (7:50 AM)
Destination: Jenkintown Pa.

We have been asked by the family of Cpl. Anthony Mirarchi if we could help Welcome their Hero home for the Holidays. Well we already know the answer so what do you say lets get out there and Welcome this hometown Hero home in Rock Star style.

From the family:

Anthony is a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and just finished his 7 month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

We are so proud of him and would really love to give him a proper homecoming to show him our love and support for serving our country.

Short Bio:

Corporal Mark Anthony Mirarchi, was born on January 5,1987. He grew up in Abington, Pennsylvania and is a 2005 graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School. Corporal Mirarchi had a tough couple of years not really knowing what to do after high school. It was in 2008 that the decided to join the Marine Corps. He had found his place in the world. He graduated boot camp in Dec of 2008 and was deployed in March of 2010. He is currently stationed at Twenty Nine Palms, CA. Corporal Mirarchi returned home as a Purple Heart recipient. He is anxious to spend Christmas home with his family.

Please call Maria / 610-327-2916 for more info

Welcome Home
Spc. James Ziengenfus, III

Date: Sunday Dec. 12, 2010

Spc. Ziengenfus is a Transportation Specialist in the US Army.
He is with the US Army reserve unit out of Newtown Square, Pa. 
James is 29 yrs old, he and his wife Elizabeth (Liz) are expecting their first baby in May!!!!

He graduated from West Chester East HS and has been in the Army since 2006. 

Rally time: 1:30 PM
Location: Giant Shopping Center, Rte 3, Just west of 352

We will set a flagline for our Hero's arrival at approximately 2:15 pm
PLEASE BRING 3'x5' flags!
We will then escort our Hero back home for chili and coffee by 3:00 pm. 

WELCOME HOME
Michael Abramiuk, U.S. Army

WHERE: Trevose Fire Co
4900 East Street Road
Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053-7710
Rally Time: 1845, Friday, December 10, 2010
KSU: Approx: 1845 - 1900 after Mike's arrival

Route: short run west on Street Road to The Suburban Diner where mike is to have dinner with family.
Mike will be coming into PHL. His parents will be taking him by the Trevose Fire Co where some friends, including the WWR will be waiting for him.
We'll mug-n-hug Mike then escort him a short distance down Street Rd

At 20 years old, Mike Abramiuk has been and continues to lead a service oriented life. A graduate of Neshaminy High School, Mike has been a volunteer at the Lower Southampton Fire Department for over 2 years. He only recently took a break from this service to attend US Army Boot Camp as a member of PA National Guard. Even with this break, Mike holds the distinction of achieving the second highest fire call response rate in the department with 254 calls of a total of 426 for the department.

Mike is returning from both 12 weeks of boot camp and 2 weeks of infantry training. 

Mike is actually returning on Dec 10th this mission will rally at the LS Fire Department, will convoy with Fire Department personnel and vehicles to Mike’s house then return to the Fire House for a Mug&hug and a pot luck reception.
Lets get out and show Mike how much we appreciate what he's done for his Country and Community.

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, December 9, 2010
Subject: Warriors' Watch Riders Annual Wreath Run/Dec. 11, 2010

Annual Wreath Run

Its that time of year again WWR. We'll be doing our annual wreath run.
This year we're excited to have the local chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers MC join us in our quest to honor these fallen heroes.
Please welcome our friends from the Buffalo Soldiers MC
Our ride looks like a good one this year. We have 7 stops that includes a little rest in the middle of our mission.
Here's our plan for the 2010 ride - as Papa Joe would say, LETS MAKE IT BIG!

1ST Stop - Philadelphia National Cemetery
We'll start the day laying 66 wreaths on the graves of Buffalo Soldiers and 2 Medal of honor recipients at the Phila cemetery.

2ND Stop - Resurrection cemetery in Bensalem Pa. At Resurrection, we'll honor several Philadelphia Police officers, Middletown Officer Chris Jones and 2 fathers of WWR members.

3RD Stop - Langhorne Pa. There are 166 Revolutionary Soldiers buried in a mass grave in the middle of Langhorne where we'll lay 1 wreath at the flagpole. The Mayor usually attends.

REST Stop - This will be our rest stop at the VFW in Newtown Pa just a short ride from Langhorne. We can use the facilities there and hope to warm up with some coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

4TH Stop - We'll continue from our Newtown rest stop to the Soldiers graves in Washington's Crossing Pa. This is a great stop. There's 23 graves of unknown Revolutionary Soldiers in a beautiful setting, back in the woods.

5TH Stop - Washington's Crossing National Cemetery. We'll lay 5 wreaths here, one for each branch of our services.

6TH Stop - This is our final stop. The Garden of Reflection in Yardley Pa.
The Garden of Reflection 9-11 Memorial was created to remember and honor our loved ones and all 2,973 killed on September 11, 2001. It is situated in Memorial Park amid the natural beauty of Historical Bucks County farmland in Lower Makefield Township.

I chose this as our last stop for a reason. What better place to honor these victims and reflect on our whole day.
Its there that we say goodbye to friends old and new.

On a side note - think about the names you read when placing wreaths at all of our stops.
These are the people and HEROES that made our Great country what it is today.

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS SITE -GOOD STUFF
http://www.pabsmc.org/

PRIMARY RALLY- Cheltenham Mall - by Conway Store
(Washington Lane Side of Mall)
2385 West Cheltenham Ave
Philadelphia Pa 19150
RALLY TIME - 0800 (*AM
KSU-0815 (8:15am)

If use Route 309 South, turn left at light at Shopper Lane; travel behind Mall to other end.
Please read thread for announcements of "secondary" Rally point.

Secondary rally points:

Secondary RALLY - Great American Pub (GAP) RT1 and RT413 across from Brians H-D
RALLY TIME - 0645hrs (6:45 AM)
KSU-0700hrs (7 AM)
we'll be hookin up with the shell crew.

Make sure you get there early if you want breakfast. Breakfast might be a good idea, its a long day.

Please post here if you're meetin us at the GAP.

Secondary Rally point - Shell station, rt 611 south, just south of pa turnpike
rally at 0700hrs, KSU at 0730, after arrival of "GAP" 

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: December 9, 2010
Subject: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

Dear Volunteers, 

We are in for a busy few weeks with many of Our Troops coming home to their families... How wonderful!!! 
I will be posting new welcome home info on our www.aheros-welcome.org website as they come in and are confirmed. Please continue to check the site each day as this will have the most current information on the arrival times, etc. I will be making changes to our website soon to streamline the info that reaches you on our Troops' return. I would also like to put together a committee that will work with me on the welcomes, I'd love your input. If you would like to volunteer to help with our growth, please let me know via email. 
Thank you for all you do for our Troops and your continued support to A Hero's Welcome!!! I could not do this without your continued support!!!
I feel so very blessed to have us working together on such a wonderful cause... 
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

Maria Hyland

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, December 6, 2010
Subject: Welcome Home Marines from Bridge Company Bravo 12-08-10

WELCOME HOME MARINES

Two Marines who deployed with Bridge Company Bravo to Iraq in May 2009 re-deployed almost immediately upon their return home (March 2010). They were re-deployed to Afghanistan and will be returning on December 8th to Philadelphia International Airport.

Bridge Company B is requesting a welcome home celebration to greet them at the airport.

Honorees: Lance Corporal Brian Hamilton, Lance Corporal Ishmar Ragunan

December 8, 2010

Philadelphia International Airport/Terminal TBA
Arrival Time: 4:45
Rally time: 4:00

More info TBA/please watch www.aheros-welcome.org

Call 484-679-1717 before leaving for the airport for any changes

From: Maria <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sat, December 4, 2010
Subject: Welcome Home Spc Matthew DiPietro Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010 New Castle, DE

Welcome Home Spc Matthew DiPietro 

Delaware Welcome Home
Date: Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010 

Location: New Castle,DE
Rally Time: 12:00
KSU: 12:40
Rally Point: Super WaWa Route 13 South
The WaWa is on the left hand side as your going south
Directions: DuPont Hwy South past the airport to the 13-40 split
route 13 is the left split after taking 13 south it is about a mile to a mile and a half on the left:
Address: Store # 857
1400 Beaver Brook Plaza New Castle,DE 19720
SECONDARY RALLY POINT
WESTERN BURBS

Where: FB 202, AMC Theatre parking lot at Rts 202 and 1 in Chadds Ford.
When: 11:00 am /Depart for final rally point at 11:15 am

Please post on http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1291337070/s-0/ if you will be meeting at this rally point 

Bio:

Matt enlisted in the Delaware Army National Guard when he was only 17
years old and a Sr at William Penn High School. The week after he
graduated, he left for Ft Jackson in SC for his basic training. From 
basic training he went to FT Lee in VA for his schooling in logistics. 
Matthew graduated top of his class in Nov 2006, and was the 3rd person that year to graduate with a 100%.

Spc Matthew DiPietro, son of Philip and Linda DiPietro, brother to
Alicia DiPietro, married to Mattie DiPietro with a 2 1/2 year old son, Tyler.

Matt is a member of Delaware Army National Guard 238th Aviation Regiment.

Matt came home on Thanksgiving day, and we would like to give him a
proper welcome home on Sunday.

I know this is short notice, but let me know if you can help welcome
this hero home.

Come on folks lets get out there and give this hero the Welcome Home he deserves!

Please watch this site or http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1291337070/ for updates and rally info

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, November 30, 2010
Subject: WELCOME HOME DENNIS KELLY, U. S. Navy Seabee SHORT NOTICE 12/1/2010

WELCOME HOME
DENNIS KELLY, U. S. Navy Seabee

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1, 2010

RALLY TIME: 5:30 PM
DEPART RALLY: 6:45 PM FOR AN ESCORT TO OUR HERO’S HOME
RALLY LOCATION: HARMONVILLE FIRE COMPANY
2100 BUTLER PIKE
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA 19462

We were contacted awhile ago by Chris Schwartz, Barren Hill FD Chief that one of their own was coming home from Afghanistan.

We were on hold until we got better info.

Well folks we have that info!!!!

We’ve just received notification from Dennis Kelly's wife that he is scheduled to land at the Philadelphia International Airport tomorrow, Wednesday, December
1st, 2010. 

His wife, Karey, believes that after he sees his 18month old son, gets his bags etc at the airport, they will be back in our area between 6pm & 6:30pm.

We’ll meet at Station 44a, Harmonville Fire Company on Butler Pike. (2100 Butler PIke, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 )

Karey will bring Dennis to the Firehouse to meet up with A Hero’s Welcome, the Warriors Watch Riders, family and friends where we will give our Mug-n-Hug and Welcome our Seabee home!

RC for this is George (Liver) Parks, George as always THANK YOU for what you do.

Short Bio supplied by Dennis’ family:

Dennis Kelly, now 38, started his career with the Navy in 1994 as a Damage Controlman Third Class, on the USS Duluth stationed in San Diego, CA. 

For three years while active duty he participated in Desert Strike along with other deployments during his active duty years. 

Honorably discharged in 1997, Dennis has been part of the Inactive Ready Reserves, and the US Navy Reserve consistently. 

From 2002 to 2005 he was stationed out of Lakehurst Naval Air Station in NJ as a UT2 and in 2008 he re-signed up with the Reserves as a US Navy Seabee with
NMCB-21 out of LakeHurst, NJ as a UT1. 

Shortly after Liam, his first child, was born, Dennis was deployed to California for 3 months and then headed overseas to Afghanistan for an 8 month tour on
April 1, 2010. His accomplishments are many and we are so incredibly proud of him. Liam is now 15 months old and so excited to have his Daddy coming home.

For more info: contact Maria 610-327-2916

www.aheros-welcome.org

http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1291178052/

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sun, November 28, 2010
Subject: TROOP SENDOFF 11/30/ 2010 AND A Hero's Welcome Thurs. Dec. 2, 2010 Sgt 1st Class Bruce Heatley, US Army Reserve

TROOP SEND OFF TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2010

Warriors’ Watch Riders has invited us to join them in this escort and send off.

Members of the 131st Trans. Co. will be setting out for this trip from other Armories across Pennsylvania, all converging at our Armory in Philly.

Let's show them how Philly does it!

Rally Time: 10am.
We will depart at 1045 for the Armory, a short distance north.
Rally Point: 9601-9699 E Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19114

Info by Wayne Lutz, founder of the Warriors’ Watch Riders:

The Family Assistance Specialist is very excited about Warriors' Watch participation in this escort.

He wants us to be there in time for the ceremony so that he can include us in that ceremony.

Folks, it's one thing for the military units and family readiness groups to send the troops off with honor and ceremony. But the participation in this ceremony of CIVILIANS, us, the Warriors' Watch and friends, shows the troops that the NATION is supporting them, is rooting them on.

Believe me, that knowledge can help to sustain them in times ahead that may be dark and dangerous.

In other words, YOU, Mr. or Mrs. Warriors' Watch Rider, have within you the power to DIRECTLY affect the moral of our troops, the troops for whom our organization exists, in a positive way. There is no more noble a thing you could do.

WE WILL ESCORT THE 131ST TRANSPORTATION COMPANY FROM THE ARMORY AT SOUTHAMPTON ROAD IN NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA TO THEIR DEPLOYMENT DEPARTURE POINT AT FORT DIX, NEW JERSEY.

FAMILY MEMBERS AND TROOPS WILL BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE AT THE ARMORY AT 1000. THERE WILL BE A CEREMONY TO COMMENCE AT NOON. THEY HAVE SPECIFICALLY ASKED THAT THE WWR BE A PART OF THIS CEREMONY, SO PLEASE BRING YOUR FLAGS.

THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE ABOUT 1 HOUR, AFTER WHICH WE WILL MOUNT UP AND ESCORT FIVE BUSSES TO FORT DIX.

We will rally at the shopping center on the Roosevelt Blvd just north of Grant Ave, that houses Lowe's and Wallmart.

At the northernmost entrance to that shopping center is an Eckerd Drug store, we’ll rally here.

If you are going north on Rt 1 and get to Blue Grass Road, you have JUST missed the turn. Turn right onto Blue Grass road and enter the shopping center from the rear.

Street address is:

9601-9699 E Roosevelt Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19114

for more info on this mission: http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1286468168/

* * * * *

Welcome Home
US Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Heatley

Who: US Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Heatley
What: Welcome Home from Iraq
When: Thurs. 12/2/2010
Where: Plymouth Meeting to the family home
Rally Location: Harmonville Fire House Station B
904 Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting
Rally Location Link
Rally Time: 6:00PM (18:00 hours)

This Patriot has served Our Country Honorably for 22 years! He has served in Desert Storm and 3 times since 9/11 - Ft. Bragg, NC for a year and Iraq twice.

His Son - Shawn, age 18, just enlisted in the Army. Will leave for Basic Training on 1/19/2011

Let's get out and show our appreciation to this family for their sacrifice for Our Country!

Bio from Lori Heatley:

My husband Bruce is in the Reserve - his civilian job is a Yard Manager for HD Supply Waterworks

We have 2 children - age 19 (Kristin) and age 18 (Shawn) and a dog (Bailey) who Bruce treats like one of his children and probably considers him his favorite

Bruce is an avid hunter and fisherman. Bow hunting is his favorite but also hunts with a rifle and muzzleloader. He also loves to four wheel. We have an ATV that he tries to ride as much as possible.

Bruce is extremely dedicated to his country and his fellow soldiers. He believes in the cause and goes above and beyond as a leader. He plans to look into training soldiers who are getting ready to deploy at Ft. Dix when he gets back. He has extensive knowledge and wants to share it to ensure every soldier is as prepared as they can be. 

Bruce is a wonderful father, who has raised two wonderful children. Our children are now 18 and 19 and look up to him more than any teenager has ever looked up to a parent. Our son joined the service so he can follow in his father's foot steps. He respects him as his father and for the man who is fighting for his freedom!

I also would like to include my neighbors here. They are Ricky and Rudy Drechsel. They have a tree dedicated to Bruce. It has a flag and lights around it and was lit the day he left and will remain lit until he gets home. It's difficult for me to see this tree as it is a constant reminder of him being away and in harm's way. But it also gives me comfort to know there are people here who support us.

Contact: Maria 610-327-2916 for more info

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, November 23, 2010
Subject: A Hero's Welcome 11/24/10 Andy Daulton - Short Notice

WELCOME HOME SFC DALTON

Date: 11-24-10
Rally time: 11:00AM
Rally point: FB69
KSU: 11:30AM

OK guys and gals - here's one of our short notice Holiday Missions

We need to get out to Welcome this hero home.

The family is SUPER EXCITED!

Andy is also a police officer

We've been contacted by Mrs Karen Dalton about doing a welcome home escort for her husband, James ''Andy'' Dalton, SFC US Army.

I took the liberty of telling her -OF COURSE WE CAN DO IT, IT WOULD BE OUR HONOR!

Lets get out and show this hero and his family, how much we appreciate their sacrifices.

James" Andy" Dalton is an Army Reservist with the rank of SFC. He is attached to the 404th CA Unit out of Fort Dix, NJ. He is on his second deployment since re-signing with the army in 2005. He had a 15 year break in service. He was in Iraq 06-07, serving 12 months in Country.

He has been in Afghanistan since Feb. 21st. He will celebrate his 50th birthday in Oct.

Andy's civilian job is serving as a Police Officer for Montgomery Township Police Department, where he has been employed since 1992. Previously was employed as a Police Officer for Stone Harbor NJ, for 7 years.

He is married with one son. Enjoys Phillies, Eagles and watching his son play baseball.

WHERE: PHL to the Doylestown area

Joining us on this escort will be Wife Karen, son Trevor, Mom Jeanette, Dad Larry and brother Patrick.

PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON THIS THREAD FOR UPDATES

UPDATE: ATTENTION ALL HANDS!

Come on out and lets welcome Andy home like a Rock Star!!!

Pride, honor and integrity

Please call my cell at 610-327-2916 w/ any questions

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, November 22, 2010 6:34:24 PM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome / Short Notice Holiday Welcome Homes for the next few days

Just received this from Huggy of Warriors' Watch Riders. We have a few upcoming welcomes that will be very short notice. 

Please watch the website for updates and call 484-679-1717 for changes. 

Thank You!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

From: Huggy

Hey everyone - I just wanted to send out a BIG THANK YOU to all who have been to missions and even just signed up to get these e mails.

You've all done a great job honoring and welcoming these heroes home.

It the time of year, around the holidays, when we get just a little busier at the WWR.

Our brave men and women of the military are trying to get home to see their families.

A lot of the time, these are short notice missions. Sometimes its impossible to get e mails out in time.

I am sending this as a heads up on a couple coming very quickly. Its gonna be tough, but I know we can get it done.

Our 3 that we know of are for Andy Daulton.

WELCOME HOME
SFC DALTON

We've been contacted by Mrs Karen Dalton about doing a welcome home escort for her husband, James ''Andy'' Dalton, SFC US Army.

Well I took the liberty of telling her - OF COURSE WE CAN DO IT, IT WOULD BE OUR HONOR!

SFC Dalton will be getting home around late September or early October.

Let’s get out and show this hero and his family, how much we appreciate their sacrifices.

James" Andy" Dalton is an Army Reservist with the rank of SFC. He is attached to the 404th CA Unit out of Fort Dix, NJ. He is on his second deployment since re-signing with the army in 2005. He had a 15 year break in service. He was in Iraq 06-07, serving 12 months in Country.

He has been in Afghanistan since Feb. 21st. He will celebrate his 50th birthday in Oct.

Andy's civilian job is serving as a Police Officer for Montgomery Township Police Department, where he has been employed since 1992.

Previously was employed as a Police Officer for Stone Harbor NJ, for 7 years.

He is married with one son. Enjoys Phillies, Eagles and watching his son play baseball.

Not sure yet when Andy is coming in, but It'll be in the next day or so, we hope.

Philadelphia Hwy Patrol is in on this one as well as Inspector Tony Boyle.

If you've never been on a mission with the Inspector and the Hwy Patrol- try and get to this one- THEY ARE AMAZING TO WATCH!

The 2nd one is for US NAVY CM2 Clinton Le Beau Jr

*****POSSIBLE SHORT NOTICE - WAITING ON INFO*****

WHO: CW2 Clinton LeBeau Jr
WHAT: Possible escort
WHERE: PHL to the Hatfield area
WHEN: Could be tomorrow - may be a MUG-N-HUG at a later date

Let’s give it our all during this holiday season to get out and give these heroes the welcome home they deserve. Remember these men, women and their families have been apart for a long time. I know the short notice missions are hard, but lets do our best to show our appreciation.

CM2 (SCW) Clinton Lebeau enlisted two years ago as a Navy Reservist.

He is attached to NMCB 21 out of Fort Dix, NJ. He is completing his first tour and will be returning home after nine months in Afghanistan. While deployed he was advanced to Second Class Petty Officer and received his Seabee Combat Warfare certification. He is married with one daughter and is a die-hard Flyers fan.

No date yet but could be as early as tomorrow - I'll keep you posted. You'll get the info as soon as i do

The 3rd one is a MUG-N-HUG for 5 returning heroes

Still waiting on more details Army SSG,James Hamilton along with four other soldiers will be coming home on Wednesday Nov. 24th in the fox chase area. SSG.James Hamilton spent a year in Afghanistan. He also a Philadelphia Police officer. Lets make this a special thanksgiving

SSG.Rudy Ruiz
SGT. Jeff Scott
SPC.Christopher Szumski
CPL. Steven Riker

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, November 18, 2010
Subject: A Hero's Welcome upcoming events... PLEASE JOIN US!!! We need YOU!!!!

Date: Saturday Nov. 20 and Sunday Nov. 21, 2010

Help Needed!!!! Please join in this very worthy event!!!!

Warriors Watch has been ask to participate in the 34th Mayfair Holmesburg Thanksgiving Day Parade and A Hero’s Welcome is invited to join in the festivities! Please respond to this email if you can attend this parade.

Date: Nov.21st.
Start Time: noon to 1500
Theme: Saluting our Defenders of Liberty
Rally time: 9:30 am
ksu.:9:45 am
Rally Place: Food basic parking lot at Frankford ave. and Academy rd. Philadelphia, Pa
Come out to show your support!!!!

WELCOME HOME
SPC. KIMBERLY KREZEL, U.S. ARMY

What: End of Service Welcome Home Escort
Date: 11/19/2010
Rally Point: FB 69
8153 Bartram Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
Rally Time: 2:30 pm

Our Hero will arrive at terminal A
We’ll escort Kimberly to her home in Bridesburg section of Philadelphia.
Kimberly Krezel will be returning home at the end of service enlistment in the US Army. She'll be returning home to Bridesburg with her 2 year old son DJ.

Kim was last stationed in Germany and did a one year tour of duty in Afghanistan. Let's show her how much we appreciate her service to Our Country!

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, November 16, 2010
Subject: A Hero's Welcome

Welcome Home
Airman 1st Class Paul Mentzer
SMILING FACES NEEDED!!!!!

Date: Wed. Nov. 17, 2010
Who: Airman 1st Class Mentzer
When: Wednesday 11/17
Rally Point #1: FB 69; 82nd and Bartram Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Rally Time: 5:30 pm
Flight arrives: 6:19 pm

WE NEED SMILING FACES AT THE AIRPORT, Please Join US!!!! Bring your American Flags!

Rally Point #2: FB 202
Where: From FB202 to West Goshen
Rally Time: 6:30pm (18:30)
Airman Mentzer to arrive at FB 202 approx. 1915 (7:15 pm). Depart after mug-n-hug.

The parents and A Heroes Welcome will meet our hero at the airport and bring him to us.

The escort is approx. 10 miles.
Rally Point#2: Firebase 202

AMC Theatre, 112 Wilmington Pike, Chadds Ford, Pa.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms.....00463d983461679f09b1

Let's get out and show this Airman that we appreciate his service to Our Country!

Please read his bio below from his mother:

Enlisted May 20, 2008

He is vague about his job. All we know is that he supervises in bomb warehouse.

Paul has done a tour in Afghanistan at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Jan 1, 2010 to May 15, 2010. He has been based in Okinawa, Japan since 2008.

Paul's family has a history serving our country! Ken Mentzer (Grandfather) Army Korean War, Deceased: Benjamin Papa (Maternal Grandfather) Army WWII, Uncle: Kenneth Menter, Marine 68-71

Paul is a graduate of Henderson High School '06 (West Chester, PA) and CAT Brandywine Tech School (Electrician)

Paul has two brothers, Phil (25) and Joe (1 and an infinite number of extended family and friends. Mom (Jeanne, AKA Mama) and Dad (Phil, sr. AKA Papa) Own and operate our family business of motorcycle repair. (Dream Bikeworks, Inc located right in West Chester, PA).

We had the honor of joining the Warrior Watch Riders on July 23, 2010 to escort the Fastuca Family of West Chester to the final resting place of their son, Sgt. Louis Fastuca. We thank and honor the Warrior's on our website page. http://www.Dreambikeworks.com

He is from a riding family so of course, when he gets back he'll be joining family and friends on their motorcycle runs. 

Paul is an all around great guy. He will give you the shirt off his back. He has a very laid back and humble personality yet he can tease with a razor tongue! (in our family that's necessary ha).

P.S. Paul is an animal lover as well. In fact there are three dogs at home waiting for him. (Rocky, Kenny and Jackie)., For the first three months after Paul went overseas, Rocky, our chow mix slept in the front room just waiting for him to walk through the door. 

Thank you for everything. We know Paul will be surprised and honored yet he may be a little overwhelmed as well. We have not told him that an escort will be waiting for him. Thank you again, we all appreciate the Warriors more than words can say.

Phil and Jeanne Mentzer 

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sun, November 14, 2010
Subject: Extreme Short Notice: 
Date: Monday Nov. 15, 2010 and Airman 1st Class Mentzer Nov. 17, 2010

Welcome Home
Sgt. Bradford Bitting

We have a request from Sarah Bitting for her Husband Sgt. Bradford Bitting to be escorted from Philadelphia International Airport to Phoenixville, Pa.

Sgt. Bradford Bitting has served multiple tours with the US Army and is returning from Afghanistan. He is a 3 time Purple Heart recipient and two accommodation medals one of which is for valor. So, let's get out and show our support and thanks for his service and sacrifice.

Rally Point: FB69
Rally Time: 19:15 (7:15pm)
KSU: Approx. 19:45-20:45 (7:45-8:45pm)
Destination: Phoenixville, PA

more info: http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1288987113/s-new/

* * * * *

Welcome Home
Airman 1st Class Mentzer

At the request of Phil Mentzer, we will welcome home and escort his son, Airman 1st Class Mentzer, returning home on leave from duty in Japan.

Who: Airman 1st Class Mentzer
What: Welcome Home Escort
Rally Point #1: Philadelphia International Airport
Terminal D
Time: 5:45 pm

for more info:

http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?b-ahw/
Rally Point #2: Escort From FB202 to West Goshen
Rally Point #2 time: TBA
Rally Point: Firebase 202

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms.....00463d983461679f09b1 

* * * * *

For more info: contact Maria 610 327 2916

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Fri, November 5, 2010
Subject: Rededication of Cardinal Dougerty Monument - Thursday Nov. 11, 2010

Rededication of Cardinal Dougherty
Vietnam Monument
VFW Post 2819
6850 Martins Mill Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19111
November 11, 2011

Cardinal Dougherty High School closed the beginning of June 2010. On June 22, 2010 the stone monument bearing the names of 27 Cardinal Dougherty graduates, killed in the Vietnam war (including the only Philadelphia Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient) was moved from the school grounds to its new permanent location at VFW Post 2819, 6850 Martins Mill Rd Philadelphia. The post is the largest VFW post in Philadelphia. A large majority of members of this post are Dougherty graduates.

This monument will be rededicated at a noontime ceremony on Veteran’s Day, Thursday November 11, 2010. Guest Speakers include Pa. Supreme Court Justice Seamus P. McCaffery a 1968 graduate of Cardinal Dougherty, Reverend Paul Kennedy 1969 graduate and previous principal of Cardinal Dougherty, and Joe Conklin, 1980 graduate.

Special guests will include family members from some of those men we honor on the monument. Sue Kelly, one of the Keynote speakers is the sister of Gerald Kelly (his name is on the monument). The Pipe Band is the Semper Marine/Chester Co. Emerald Society Pipe Band.

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, November 2, 2010
Subject: A Hero's Welcome upcoming events Nov 3-21, 2010

34th Mayfair Holmesburg Thanksgiving Day Parade

Warriors Watch and A Hero's Welcome have been invited to participate in the
34th Mayfair Holmesburg Thanksgiving Day parade.

Date: Nov. 21, 2010
Start Time: noon to 3:00 pm
Theme: Saluting our Defenders of Liberty
Rally time: 10:00 am

contact Maria / 610 327 2916 for more info:

check 484 679 1717 for updates and changes before each mission!

Welcome Home
Karl B Stockton

Nikki, a WWR member has asked that we welcome home and escort her beau Karl B Stockton (BLAISE).

Karl is returning from Latvia. He is a combat medic. Both Karl and Nikki joined us on a mission right before Karl left for Latvia.

What: Welcome home/Mug-N-Hug
When: Wed 11/3/10
RALLY Point: Crown Plaza
260 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, Pa.
RALLY TIME: 1815 (6:15 PM)

We will leave our rally point and go on to HOOTERS, King of Prussia to mug-n-hug our HERO.

Welcome Home
Jack Gomen

Date: Nov 6, 2010 
RALLY Time: 1745 (5:45 pm)
Rally Location: Wawa
511 Cross Keys Rd, Sicklerville, NJ 08081 

We will pick Jack up at his parents house and escort him close by to a welcome home celebration in his honor. Jack graduated Timbercreek High School 2004. Graduate of The Citadel Military Academy 2008 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Jack was one of 61 members of The Summerall Guard 2008, Commissioned 2nd Lt with the United States Army 2008. Married Tara Leigh in May 2008 and Graduated Army Ranger School and Airborne 2009.

He was Stationed Ft. Lewis, Washington; Iraq Sept 2009-Aug 28 2010 where he held a Multi Task Team position with a MI Unit, then to Platoon Leader, with Infantry Unit, which he still remains, while in Iraq, Jack was promoted to 1st Lt. Jack is a true outdoors man with the love of hiking, climbing, kayaking, all of which his wife Tara does with him very well.

OPENING OF VETERANS PARK

Date: Saturday November 6, 2010
Location: 700 Veterans Highway, Levittown, PA 19056

We'll be helping to open a new Veterans park in Levittown, Pa and they would like us to set a Flagline for the opening.

Our flagline should be in place and ready to greet visitors by 12:30 pm

RALLY @ THE GAP across from Brian’s H-D
RALLY TIME: 11:00 am (10:00 if you’re eating)

Harmonville Fire Company
Plymouth Meeting, PA

Date: Saturday November 6, 2010

We'll be joining the Harmonville Fire Department for a Housing of a new fire truck and re-dedication of the firehouse at

2100 Butler Pike
Plymouth, PA. 

Hero’s Welcome and the Warriors Watch have been invited to be part of the ceremony!

Rally time: 1500 (3:00 pm) at Luke Oil, Plymouth Meeting Mall
depart for the Fire House at 1520 (3:20 pm)
Start time:1600 (4:00 pm)

Welcome Home
Spc. Shawn Meers 

Date: November 5, 2010 
Rally point: American Legion Post 311. 
2225 Atco Avenue - Atco, NJ 08004
Rally Time: 1800 (6:00 pm)

Army Spec. Shawn Meers did 2 tours (18 months) in Iraq serving with the Army. He was stationed in Ft. Riley, KS. While in Iraq he was at Camp Liberty and Camp Decatur. He is 27 years old and served from 2003 to 2008. He just joined the Atco American Legion.

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Sun, October 31, 2010
Subject: Short Notice Sendoff for Christopher Caggiano 11/1/10

PV2 Christopher Caggiano
is leaving to defend our FREEDOM in Afghanistan
Lets make sure he gets the send-off he deserves

We will form a flag line at the airport. 

WHO: PV2 Christopher Caggiano
WHAT: Send-off
WHEN: 11/1/10
RALLY Time: 5:00 pm 
Location: Terminal A West

Chris wants to go to college but not go into debt. A year after high school he joined the Army as a combat engineer 54th Engineering Battalion. Not being athletic, and contracting several respiratory illnesses, in basic training, it was the hardest thing physically he had done. He’s now stationed in Bamberg, Germany. By mid November, he will start his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.

He loves his family, friends and country. He loves computers, music, knives and guns. He has a tell-it-like-it-is attitude.

This is not a surprise (he doesn't like them), just a way to honor Chris and show the neighborhood that one of their own is fighting for Them.

Welcome Home
TSGT Jason M. Marsh, U.S. Air Force

When: Saturday, October 30, 2010
Rally Time: 2:00 PM
Rally Point: Fire Base 69 / 82nd and Bartram Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
Or: Philadelphia International Airport Terminal TBA / 2:35 pm
Final Destination: Browns Mills Fire Station
103 Firehouse Rd.
Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Contact: Maria 610 327 2916

We have been asked by the Yellow Ribbon Club to help them welcome home TSgt. Jason M. Marsh as he returns from Afghanistan. 

We’ll bring Jason in to a warm welcome at the Philadelphia International Airport and then, hand him off to the Warriors’ Watch Riders and the Yellow Ribbon Club! 

Jason is active duty Air Force and is assigned to the 422 Joint Tactics Squadron at Fort Dix. In Afghanistan, his job was an Afghan Air Force Aerial Port Mentor. He has served 2 tours.

Jason is married with 2 children. 

Jason is not only a hero overseas, but he is a hero at home as well, serving as a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the Pemberton Township Fire Department in Country Lakes for 6 years. 

Please join Jason’s family, the Pemberton Fire Department, Pemberton Township, Warrior Watch Riders and Friends, Yellow Ribbon Club in making a TON of noise in welcoming him home.

Hope to see you there. 

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, October 19, 2010
Subject: extreme short notice (2) Honor Missions

Honor Mission for SGT Christopher Schofer, U.S. Army

Date: Wednesday Oct. 27, 2010
RALLY Point: Perkins family restaurant
1681 Grant Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19115-3149

Sgt. Christopher Schofer, U.S. Army was killed in a motorcycle accident in Florida last week. 

We’ve been asked by the family to escort Sgt. Schofer’s body from the funeral home to the cemetery.

Christopher was in the Army for 6 yrs and was currently in the Army Reserve.

He returned from a deployment in Afghanistan in Dec. 09.

He was 25 years old, father of 2 little girls ages 3 and 5 and husband of a Soldier. He was a full time father and student while his wife, Christina is in the U.S. Army active duty.

Please join us in giving Christopher one final welcome home. We will stand a flag line at the Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral home on Bustleton Ave in Phila and escort to the Cemetery in Rockledge, PA.

This is a military family who needs our service.

Let’s show them at this difficult time that we appreciate what they do for OUR freedom.

Honor Mission for Viet Nam Vet/Retired
Bensalem Police Officer

Warriors Watch has been asked to escort Viet Nam Vet / retired Bensalem Police officer to his final resting place at the Washington ’s Crossing National cemetery.

The escort will be from Tomlinson’s Funeral home in Bensalem Pa to Washington’s Crossing.

Rally: Green Parrot Restaurant Pub
240 N. Sycamore St
Newtown Pa 18940

Let’s show this hero and his family how much his sacrifice to his country and community is appreciated.

David J. Huetger of Bensalem passed away Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Langhorne. He was 67.

He was born in Philadelphia and a resident of Bensalem for 43 years.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in Vietnam.

David was employed as a police officer with the Bensalem Township and retired in 1980 after 14 years of service.

After retiring, he worked as a cabinet maker and a carpenter.

He was a member of the Carpenter's Union.

He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Paula (Pietrewicz); two daughters, Samantha (the late Carl), and Sarah and her husband, Casey. Also surviving are his cousin, Al and his wife, Pat, and his close friend, Larry and his wife, Andrea; and four grandchildren: Brittany, C.J., Ben and Nate.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his graveside service Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at Washington Crossing

National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huetger family, c/o Tomlinson Funeral Home, 2207 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020. Tomlinson Funeral Home,

Harmonville Fire Department Housing Ceremony

Date: November 6, 2010
Rally time: 3:00 pm
Location: Luke Oil Plymouth Meeting Mall
depart: 3:30pm
Ceremony start time:4:00 pm

On November 6th Harmonville Fire Co. will be having a Housing of a new fire truck and re-dedication of the firehouse at 2100 Butler Pike. They would like the Hero’s Welcome and the Warriors Watch to be part of the ceremony. 

Fire Companies are rich in tradition and one of the traditions we have is a “housing of new fire trucks”. 

The ceremony consists of a few words by dignitaries and then a “blessing” of the new truck and then it is simulated to “push” the truck (in old times this actually happened but today we use a driver) into the bay 3 times. 

1st time is for God (Colonial Task Force will do this one)

2nd is for Country (Heroes Welcome and Warriors Watch)

3rd is for Company. (Harmonville members)

They are asking for our group to assist with the 2nd time since it is for Country and "you guys are sure all about Country!" Jim Behr, Pres. of the Harmonville FD. Harmonville Fire Co. is very proud and supportive of both of our groups and they would be honored to have us in attendance and to participate on this joyous occasion. / please RSVP if you can make this one!

Contact: Maria 610 327 2916

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, October 21, 2010
Subject: A Hero's Welcome for Cpl Jim Speers, USMC Sat. Oct. 23, 2010

Welcome Home
Corporal Jim Speers, USMC

Date: Saturday Oct. 23, 2010
Rally Point: Barren Hill Fire Co.
647 Germantown Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
Rally Time: 11:45 AM
KSU Time: 12:30 PM
Destination: Plymouth Meeting
Final Destination: Celebration for our Hero

We have been contacted by the proud parents of Cpl Jim Speers to assist in welcoming their son home from the sand box.

There will be a celebration in his honor on Saturday Oct 23rd and they would like us to help him arrive like a Rock Star!!!

The plan is to pick up our Hero at a residence and then escort him and some of his family to the celebration.

Corp. James Speers Bio:

When Jim joined the Marines in June, 2007, he insisted on joining as a grunt. Upon graduation from Parris Island, Pfc. Speers anticipated being sent to Iraq. Instead, he was honored to be selected to do ceremonial duties at Eighth and I Streets, Marine Barracks, in Washington D.C., the oldest post in the Marine Corp. Jim's duties included burial duties at Arlington, greeting foreign dignitaries and performing at the Evening Parades at the Barracks and at the Iwo Jima Memorial along with the Marine Band, Drum & Bugle Corp. and Silent Drill Platoon. While at Eighth & "I" Jim became a fire team leader and was selected to attend the Marine Corp. Squad Leader school at Camp Geiger, N.C. Jim was the only Lance Corp. in a class made up mostly of Corporals and Sergeants.

Even though Jim was junior to most of the others at the school, he ranked very well in his class. Upon completing his two year tour in D.C. Jim was transferred to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines at Camp LeJeune. Even though Jim did not arrive at the 1/2 till late in the Fall of 2009, he knew he would be leaving for Afghanistan in early 2010. Jim has spent the past 7 months in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed Jim was selected to serve as a team leader and promoted to Corporal. Jim's next big accomplishment will be marrying his fiancé Bryn Finnucane in 2011. He also plans to complete his college education. 

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Fri, October 15, 2010
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Oct. 16 and 17, 2010

Welcome Home
Butch Shermer

Date: Saturday Oct. 16, 2010
Rally time: 12:30 p.

We've been asked by the wife of EOD Navy diver Burton ''Butch'' Shermer to escort her husband and give him the rock star treatment - SO WE WILL!

We're going to meet Butch at the Quakertown Turnpike Park-n-Ride and escort him to the American legion post #184.

Rally: Quakertown Park-n-Ride
Quakertown exit of the Pa turnpike
final destination: American Legion
744 Gravel Pike 
East Greenville, PA 

contact Charlie Becker 484 576 3121 w/questions

2nd of a 2fer Saturday the 16th
Welcome Home
John Rhimer, U.S. Navy

RALLY- CHICK FIL A, ACROSS FROM SESAME PLACE ON LINCOLN HWY Langhorne, PA

RALLY TIME: 3:30 pm KSU-3:45 pm


Date: Sat 10/16 Linda MacKay-Rhimer, the author of Is He Really Coming Home will be doing a book signing in Langhorne Pa. A special children’s book about life in the military, from a child's point of view.

It's a glimpse into what military families have gone through, for years...
The joy of having dads/moms back, despite the enormous impact of the injuries of battle.
Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Linda's husband John, will be with her.  John is a Navy Seal and was wounded in Afghanistan.

Our plan is to go to the book signing where we'll coin our hero.

This will be the 2nd part of our 2fer Saturday!!!!

Johns bio:

John grew up in Oakford, Pa.

He graduated from Neshaminy High School in 1984.
He went through Seal Training in 1991.
Did 6 years in Coronado, Calif. with Seal Team 3.
Tried out for Naval Special Warfare Development Group in 1999. (an elite Seal Team) On the East Coast.
Graduated and continued on in Dev. Group until his injury in 2006.
John was on many combat missions in the world.

He was in Afghanistan many times and was shot on a combat mission there. He was taking heavy fire from the AL Qaeda when his friend and team mate was hit in the head and John continued firing and taking out the enemy before he was hit. He has undergone 10 surgeries and is still in chronic pain everyday. 

"We have lost so many friends and I feel so blessed to have gotten the other call that he was injured and not killed like they did." Linda

We take things "One Day At A Time." We are definitely on a mission to help our guys and give them the support that they need. We know many including John who aren't the same as when they left. It's our Job to meet them Halfway!!

more info : http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1286999734/

Welcome Home
Lance Corporal Fran Huot, USMC

Date: Sunday Oct. 17, 2010
Rally Time: 2:30 p.m.
Rally Point: Interboro HS 16th ave and
Amsoland Rd, Prospect Park, Pa 19076
KSU Time: 3:15 pm Interboro Hs 16th ave and
Amsoland Rd Prospect Park Pa 19076
Final Destination: Hero's Home in Prospect area

We have been asked by the father of LCPL Fran Hout if we could assist in welcoming home his son when he returns home from Camp LeJeune October 17.

We are going to be setting a flag line up at Interboro High School Delaware County and then escorting the remainder of the way to his home. He will be brought into us by the Leathernecks MC and the True Brothers MC they will be picking him up at he the Delaware rest stop.

Short Bio:

Fran played football for the Colwyn Comets, he attended HS at Interboro for 3 yrs and then graduated from Steel Canyon HS in San Dieago Calif. Fran joined the Marines in Dec 2007 where he has been stationed at Camp LeJeune. 

Welcome Home
LCpl Huit, USMC

Date: Sunday October 17, 2010
Rally Time: 3:00 pm
Location: Interboro High School,16th & Amosland Road
Prospect Park, PA 19076

We have been asked by the father of LCPL Fran Hout if we could assist in welcoming home his son when he returns home from Camp LeJeune in mid October. We are going to be setting a flag line up at Interboro High School Delaware county and then escorting the remainder of the way to his home. He will be brought into us by the Leathernecks MC and the True Brothers MC they will be picking him up at he the Delaware rest stop.

More information will follow as soon as I get it. Our portion will be RC'd by our very own Rabbit. If you were there for this Marines send off from Interboro you remember that his father and family are very proud of him and look forward to bringing him home safely.

Short Bio:

Fran played football for the Colwyn Comets, he attended HS at Interboro for 3 yrs and then graduated from Steel Canyon HS in San Diego, Calif. Fran joined the Marines in Dec 2007 where he has been stationed at Camp Lejeune. Fran is a member of 1-2 Trk Co. and he is scheduled to return to Afghanistan in August

"SHOW YOUR COLORS" event at the
Juniper Village in Williamstown, NJ

Date: Friday Oct 15th, 2010
Rally Time: 1300
Rally Location: WaWa market (Corner of Corkery Lane and Black Horse Pike) 1445 S Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, NJ 08094
KSU: 1344 ( Depart for Juniper Village )

(from Leslie, founder of the Yellow Ribbon Club)

Juniper Village of Williamstown has invited the Warriors'Watch Riders to join in a local event called “Show Your Colors”. This is to be a patriotic day. All residents who live here will be dressed in their patriotic clothes. We have a few WWII veterans who would love to be honored by you guys. Also, our maintenance man is a Vietnam Veteran. I am collecting the info on all of their histories from when they were in the service. We are hoping to have a flag by then as the facility does not have a flag pole. A friend is working on this for me. So if the flag pole is here and in place by the date, we would be honored if YOU, the WWR and our veterans would raise it for the first time. I will keep you posted on this. Also, we are opening to the public, Juniper, as a Yellow Ribbon Club drop off site. We have been doing many missions in Williamstown/Washington Twp. Area and these towns are full of people who support our work. So the

YRC is branching out to this area and will make it an official drop off site on the mentioned date. I hope to have the fire dept here to make noise for you. I also hope to have the Mayor and town Council here for it as well. I plan on inviting the Williamstown VFW/American Legion also. I will also invite the Gloucester County Times.

If you are able to assist us on this day we hope you could arrive at approx. 2pm. Please let me know if this

is something you can participate in as I would like to send out a full announcement of the event. I hope you are available. Please let me know.

Thanks guys.
Leslie Yellow Ribbon Club

Tuesday October 12, 2010

Lance Corporal Jonathan Sears, U.S. M.C.

Back from Helmand Province Afghanistan and we've been asked to escort this HERO to a welcome home party.

Jon will be coming from the airport and we'll meet him at our rally point.

We'll do our mug-n-hug at our rally point, then escort Jon to his Uncle's home for a party.

This will all take place in the Plymouth Meeting area.

WE ALL KNOW HOW PLYMOUTH MEETING TREATS OUR HEROES

SO LETS GET OUT AND SUPPORT THIS HERO AND PLYMOUTH MEETING!!!

RALLY - Giant food store - Ridge and Butler Pks. Conshohocken Pa
RALLY TIME - 5:00 PM
Departure - WHEN OUR HERO ARRIVES
contact Maria: 610.327.2916 w/questions

Welcome Home
Sgt. Steven T. Wray, U.S. Army

Date: October 10
Rally point: Dunkin Donuts on Cottman Ave at the Roosevelt Mall, Philadelphia, PA
Rally Time: 14:00 (2:00 PM)
KSU: 14:45 (2:45 PM)

Destination: Knights of Columbus Hall at Knorr St. and Rowland Ave. in Philadelphia, PA

We have a Mug-n-Hug for a very special Army Soldier. We will surprise Sgt. Steven T. Wray at a baby shower that his mom and whole family will be at. Sooo lets get out and give this soldier the well deserved THANK YOU the we should.

bio:

Sgt. Steven T. Wray joined the Army in August 2005. He is in the 82nd Airborne, He entered as an E-2 as he had prior ROTC from High school. Steven was 1st deployed in 2007 and was injured from an IED explosion which landed him in Walter Reed Army Hospital. A 3-Star General sat at his bedside and suggested he go to Officer School to become an officer but Steven refused. He told the General he NEEDED to go back with his Troop and to go back to Afghanistan after he was healed due to the fact that he lost his best friend during the explosion. He also told me upon my 1st visit to Walter Reed that "I don't belong here...I am too whole...there are soldiers her with half a face and no limbs". Steven believed he was not injured enough to be there, even though his foot was shattered and now has a plate and 10 screws in it and the same for his arm. He is sooooo patriotic that he felt the need to go back and finish the job so his friend did not die in vane. Steven's 2nd deployment was Aug. 2009. When he arrived in fghanistan the commander asked him "Sgt. Wray why are you back here?" Steven replied "With all do respect Sir, I asked myself the same question when I landed, however, when I was briefed on the update of the war since my last deployment I learned that 8 million people are now being educated that were not able to be educated before...so now I believe that soldiers are not dying in vane but for a good cause for the people of this country". This made Steven feel good. He asked me several times during his 2nd deployment to send him coloring books, crayons, pencils, flip flops, etc. so he can give them to the Afghan children. He is very proud of what he does!
Awards: Ribbons, in order; Purple Heart, 2x Army Commendation Medals, 2x Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Service Medal w/ 2x Stars, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon w/ numeral 2, NATO Medal Badges worn; Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Expert Carbine Badge not worn; Drivers Badge, Expert Grenadier Badge Also worn; 82nd ABN DIV Combat Patch, 1 Army Service Stripe on left sleeve, 3 Combat Service Stripes on right sleeve, Cavalry Sabers on left lapel, Cavalry Combat Spurs, Paratrooper Jump Boots and Maroon Beret 4/73 Unit affiliated Awards worn; Presidential Unit Citation, French Fortige

Welcome Home US Army Specialist Reid Hlavka

Date: Oct. 9, 2010
Where: Sam's Bar & Grill parking lot
1007 S Black Horse Pike
Blackwood, NJ 08012Runnemede, NJ
Rally Time: 8:45 am

Depart @ 0915 to a nearby restaurant to pick up our Hero. We'll then escort Spc.Reid and family back to the family home in Runnemede where the Yellow Ribbon Club will be waiting to work their magic!

bio: (pronounced AH LAFKA)

Reid is returning from his 1st Tour in Iraq. He was in the sandbox for 11 months and has been in the Army 2 years. Reid is with the XX battalion, XXX infantry,.
He's a graduate of Cherry Hill East class of 2005, where he played Varsity Ice Hockey.
Reid is 23 years old, his girlfriend, Kristin, is from Washington and is coming home with him.
Reid has two brothers, Kyle and James.

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, October 4, 2010
Subject: Troop Sendoff Rally Time: 9:30 pm Oct. 5, 2010

Troop Sendoff

Date: Tuesday Oct. 5, 2010
Rally Time: 9:30 pm
Rally Location: Old Overseas Terminal / Atlantic Aviation Gate
Philadelphia International Airport

God Bless the Troops

The Warriors' Watch Riders will be escorting our troops deploying to war to Philadelphia.

We are able to stand at the gates with our American Flags to show support. Please join if you can!

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Tue, September 28, 2010
Subject: EARLY Morning Sendoff

Early Morning Hero Sendoff

Date: Thursday Sept. 30, 2010
Time: 1:45 a.m. / Heroes due to arrive at 2:00 a.m.
Rally Point: Atlantic Aviation terminal gate (old Overseas Terminal)
Philadelphia International Airport

Remember to bring your American Flag! 

Note: Please be prepared… Timing could vary greatly depending on traffic and release times.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS RIDE: IT WILL BE A TREMENDOUS MIDNIGHT STATEMENT OF LOVE AND SUPPORT!

Please watch www.warriorswatch.org for updates and changes

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, September 27, 2010
Subject: Honor Mission / NJ *** SHORT NOTICE*** Sep 27... Sep 28-29... FLAG line and Escort info..... KIA PO3 Denis C. Miranda
SEP 27 MONDAY *** SHORT NOTICE*** SEP 28-29

ESCORT AND FLAG LINE FOR LOCAL SOLDIER

JOIN IN PAYING RESPECTS TO Petty Officer 3rd Class (SEAL) Denis C. Miranda, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country in Afghanistan....Navy Special Warfare Operator 3rd Class (SEAL) Denis Miranda, 24 yrs old, from Toms River, NJ. He was assigned to an East Coast based SEAL TEAM. He died September 21st in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash during combat operations in the Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

ESCORT: Monday, September 27:
Meet: at the Garden State Diner,
208 Georgetown Wrightstown Rd,
Wrightstown, NJ 08562 - Cross Streets: Between McGuire Afb Acc Hwy and CR-545
Time: 1330 

We will go from there to McGuire AFB to escort Denis to Toms River.

FUNERAL - Tuesday & Wednesday, September 28 & 29,
Flag Line at: Anderson Campbell Funeral Home,
703 Main Street,
Toms River, NJ 08753.

Hours are 2:00pm to 8:00pm - (No one is expected to stand the flag line the entire time, just come out and stand the line for however long you can/your schedule permits)

REMEMBER this is an HONOR mission.  Bring your 3X5 Flags. We stand in silence for the Hero and the Sacrifice that was given.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am including the Latest Web Page from the NJ Dept. of Veteran Affairs. LOTS of stuff in there.

http://www.nj.gov/military/admin/highlightspdf/2010/09sept10.pdf

Upcoming Missions / Events

Below is a LISTING of the Events and Missions happening in the NJ Area. THESE are NOT the only things happening, we will still have the "SHORT NOTICE" Escorts and Welcome Homes, but these listed are the things we know of. We will update this as info comes available.

These Missions/events will be available to view in one of the following links.

Confirmed Missions http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?b-cwwr/

Sanctioned Missions http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?b-sre/

Sep 27 - KIA PO3 Denis Miranda http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1285595184/ 

Sep 30 - Midnight Escort. " Ft. Dix to the Philly area" 2 buses... http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1285281957/

Oct 01 - Swanson Welcome Home.. (TBD)

Oct 15 - "Show your Colors" Juniper Village in Williamstown http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1283966035/

Oct 23 - Wounded Warriors 

Oct 29 - Wedding http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1284694981/ 

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, September 20, 2010
Subject: A Hero's Welcome upcoming events

Honoring 34 Vietnam Vets

The Newtown Legion will be honoring 34 Vietnam Vets on Sept 23, 2010.
They have requested that we attend and set a flag line for these heroes.

WE'LL BE THERE TO HONOR THEM AND GIVE THEM THE LONG AWAITED WELCOME HOME THEY DESERVE

We'll be setting a flag line in the hall that our heroes will walk through,
so make sure you bring your flag and hold them straight and high!

Patrick Murphy will be in attendance to present the heroes with certificates and medals.


RALLY LOCATION: CHICK FIL A
2424 E. LINCOLN HWY
LANGHORNE PA 19047
NEXT TO SESAME PLACE
RALLY TIME: 6:00 pm
DEPART FOR CEREMONY: 6:30 PM

NEWTOWN LEGION HALL
41 LINDEN AVE NEWTOWN PA, 18940-1587
THURSDAY 9/23/10 
TIME: 7:00 PM

Just a note about our rally point: This CHICK FIL A, honors military, police and 1st responders every single day. Military ID gets you 50% off everyday. This owner is a real patriot and appreciates our military.
We'll be getting there early to support this CHICK FIL A, we'd like to invite you to do the same!

WELCOME HOME
CAPTAIN DAVID HENDERSON, U.S. ARMY
Escort Welcome Home Party and Mug-n-Hug

Where: Roxborough,Philadelphia,Pa.
When: September 25, 2010
Party starts at 1900

We have asked by David's mother, Charmaine, to escort him to a party about 4 miles from his home.

David started out as a Philadelphia Police Explorer before leaving for West Point. Dave graduated from West Point in 2007.
Captain David Henderson returned home on August 23rd from Mosul, Iraq.
David was home for a couple of days before leaving for Cambodia with the Peace Corps.
Rally: 6:00 pm
Rally Location: 1845 Andorra Shopping Center
701 E Cathedral Road
Philadelphia, Pa.19128

NJ RUN FOR THE FALLEN 2010

Rally Date: Sep. 25 and 26, 2010
Rally Location: Cape May, NJ to PNC Bank Arts Center
Holmdel, NJ 07733

On Sept 25 and 26, 2010, a team of Military runners will run from Cape May, NJ, to Holmdel, NJ. ( About 140 miles ) Each mile will be run for a New Jersey Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, or Marine killed in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. For two days, team members will mark each mile with an American flag and sign card in an apolitical reflection of remembrance of each service member. The runners will be comprised of active duty and reserve Airmen and Soldiers from McGuire Air Force Base and Ft Dix, NJ.
The Last part of this mission will be a COMBINED 10K run (NOT A RACE) but a Run with runners from all over.. civilian and military alike.

We have been asked to assist with this Honor and Remembrance Mission by escorting the runners.

(THIS IS OPEN TO ALL BIKERS... BUT YOU MUST MAKE THE COMMITMENT AND POST YOUR INTENTIONS PLEASE!!!! See Bottom of this post. )

Last year we Started the day with a DOWN POUR OF RAIN... Followed by one of the Sunniest Hottest STEAMIEST days of the season. I know this year it takes place in Sept. BUT you have to understand and BE AWARE of the possible Weather Extremes you might encounter. PREPARE for the worst of Riding Conditions. BRING Extra Clothes and Sun Block and Chap Stick and Powder and whatever else you can fit in your Bag. Last year we also realized that the Bikes will begin to act up due to the Slow pace of the runners compared to the Idle speed of the Engines.... THE Best effective way for the Escort to work is to Leap Frog through the Mile Markers.

This will be a logistical nightmare for us to do this but EVERYONE WHO is involved will need to understand that you can NOT have a specific SOLO Escort of a Mile or two.. YOU need to move to a Mile Marker Location and wait for the ESCORT to get to you... Take a Turn in the Escort... then Move Ahead a few Miles and Wait again for the Escort.

We have the GPS locations of Each mile marked where they will stop to place their flag and sign card, At each location we can have a WWR member OR Other Support Biker group, standing by waiting for them to arrive. (IMAGINE THE VIEW of them running towards you) Then Mount up and enter the Escort Line for a few Miles.

Since we have the entire locations route GPS and we know about how fast they are running (they will run a 9:30 minute mile) We have a pretty accurate guess as to when and where the Runners/Escort will be. The LEAPING forward will allow you and your bike to cool off. And also give the GoldStar Families and Loved ones who are waiting, a Idea of how far away they are. It will allow you time to interface with whatever Loved ones are waiting....

THAT INTERFACING TIME IS WHAT WILL MAKE THIS MISSION SO MEMBERABLE FOR YOU. Don't be shy... Introduce yourself to the Families and loved ones of those people waiting on the side of the road.... IF YOU never have had the chance to Hug a GOLD STAR MOTHER or FAMILY MEMBER..... And you step up to the plate during this mission and finally do so... I Promise you... Each hug will be different... Yet Each hug will go to the deepest part of your heart and soul and find a place to reside for the rest of your life.

It is going to take a lot of Patience's and coordination within Each Biker. BUT WE are all Highly motivated Patriots,... So to get this organized, We will need to know WHO IS going to try and make this,... AND what day or both will you try to make AND for how long are you available to participate.( IF you cant do the Whole day ) Last year I typed this >>> " This sounds like a lot to ask..... But what I keep thinking about are the Gold Star Moms (Dads)... How can we NOT do this or TRY?"

Well let me say this.... LAST YEAR IT BLEW ALL WHO WHERE THERE AWAY.

THIS YEAR WILL BE BETTER.... MORE Media and Talk about this event has happened this year.. The turn out will be overwhelming... and so will the emotions.

The Yellow Ribbon Club and the Gold Star Moms are all onboard with this
event.

>>>> http://www.njrunforthefallen.org/# <<<<<<

Last year HollyWood and Brit did a GREAT JOB in the cage of running support for BOTH Bikers and Runners alike... We will need to see if someone is willing to do the same this year... IT is not so easy so think about it before making the commitment to step up in that capacity.

*********************************************************************

THIS Information below is the Second Part (Second day) of the RUN FOR THE FALLEN and will take place on Sep. 26

Runners from all over (Yes if you want you can even sign up for this) will Sign up to run the Last few Legs of this Run WITH ALL THE ESCORT and RUNNERS from the last two days.

*** TENATIVE INFORMATION IS THIS***

They will gather at the PNC bank Art Center in Holmdel NJ. There they will be taken to the starting location, Via Buses, for the run and await the 28 runners from day one ( Sep. 25 ) who are coming from Cape May NJ. They will meet on the street and form a continues run for the last 5 miles.

F.Y.I. The First 24 runners from day one will be escorted by a small group of WWR Riders that will have been with them since the beginning at Cape May.

--------------
This Second Part of the event is our MISSION.

We will Rally at the PNC arts Center where all the runners are rallying, We will proceed to the START LOCATION VIA Following the Buses that are carrying the runners (5 Miles away)

We will then position our bikes on the Streets facing the correct direction, and await the Start of the Event. Our initial plans are to Escort the runners at a 10 minute mile pace, (5 miles an hour) This Escort will be about 50 minutes long at that speed.

(732) 335-0400
For Our GPS users, you can plug either of these numbers in.
40.392025,-74.177649
+40° 23' 31.29", -74° 10' 39.54"

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, September 16, 2010 9:01:26 PM
Subject: A Hero's Welcome Sat. Sept. 18 and Sunday Sept. 19, 2010


The Warriors' Watch Riders 3rd Annual Spring City Veterans Center BBQ
September 18, 2010

Rally Time: 11:00 am
Where: Kohl's parking lot
989 Township Line Rd.
Royersford Pa. 19468
link to map: http://www.kohlscorporation.co.....ordId=479&text2=
Depart from Rally Point: 11:15 am to 11:30 am ( We'll get a call when the set up crew is ready for us)

Southeastern Veterans Center
One Veterans Drive
Spring City, PA 19475
Phone: (610) 948-2400
Website: http://www.sevc.state.pa.us/

Those of you who participated in our previous events will recall and will not forget the veterans who reside at and/or use the facility; many of them from wars half a century ago. The smiles that were generated will not soon be forgotten by the staff, by you, by me. 

We will need volunteers for different tasks. Approximately 200 residents/patients will be partaking of the event to include those that we served individually in their respective rooms.
We will need supplies to feed approximately 200 residents/attendees plus WWR personnel. 
* * * *

WELCOME HOME
SGT. JONATHAN MINKLER, U.S.M.C.
Sunday September 19, 2010

Jonathan Minkler is returning from his second deployment. He's coming home to his wife and new twins!

Lets make it even better by treating him like a ROCK STAR!!!!

Who: Marine Sgt. Jonathon Minkler
When: Sun 9/19
Rally: 12:00 PM.
KSU: Approx. 1:20 P.M. (He's wife is bringing him to us)
Where: Main Line Health Center
100 Springhouse Rd
Collegeville, PA
(if you look up the center you will get the address of 599 Arcola Rd Collegeville this is the same place however you have to turn on Springhouse to get into the parking lot)

Mission: We will do a Mug-n-Hug at the Main Line Health Center upon meeting our hero. After which we will then escort him to his welcome home party where his family will get a chance to see the new father together with his twins.

Bio: Sgt. Minkler graduated high school 2004 and joined the Marines in 2005 and then reenlisted in 2008. In 2008 he was deployed to Iraq in March of the same year he got married. In January of 2010 his deploy, during this deployment he received the Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, and Navy & Marine Achievement Medal with a V for Valor. He was also blessed beautiful set of twin babies during this last deployment. To show his dedication even more his wife said that he is looking forward to doing his 20yrs as a Marine.

Lets' get out there and show him the respect he deserves.

From: Maria Hyland <mariahyland@comcast.net>
Sent: Sat, September 11, 2010
Subject: EXTREME SHORT NOTICE WELCOME HOME MONDAY 6:50 AM

WELCOME HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN

300 TROOPS WILL BE ARRIVING ON MONDAY MORNING
AND WE WOULD LOVE TO GIVE THEM A HERO’S WELCOME HOME

PLEASE JOIN THE WARRIORS’ WATCH RIDERS AND THE LIBERTY USO IN WELCOMING HOME THESE BRAVE SOLDIERS.

DATE: MONDAY SEPT. 13, 2010
RALLY POINT: FIREBASE 69 / 82ND AND BARTRAM AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA
RALLY TIME: 6:00 AM
DEPART FB 69: 6:30 AM

THE WARRIORS’ WATCH WILL BE ESCORTING THE TROOPS TO FT. DIXX.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THEM ON THIS ESCORT, YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME. 

IF YOU CAN ONLY MAKE IT TO THE AIRPORT, THAT’S GREAT TOO. WITH THIS SHORT NOTICE AND TIME OF DAY, WHATEVER TIME YOU CAN GIVE IS APPRECIATED!!!

TERMINAL TBD: WE WILL NEED EVERYONE TO RALLY AT THE FIREBASE AND WE WILL DEPART TO THE AIRPORT TOGETHER.

THANK YOU AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL MARIA 610-327-2916 THANK YOU!!!

GARDEN OF REFLECTION MEMORIAL SERVICE

On the morning of September 11, 2010, a Memorial Service will be held at the Garden of Reflection. All are invited to attend this special service marking the ninth anniversary.

The ceremony will begin at 8:30 am marking the chronological events when the four attacks took place. Interfaith prayers will be offered and our Bucks County Residents names will be read and a flower placed for each. A presentation of our Memorial Wreath to honor all 2973 victims of the attacks will be laid and the service will end at approximately 10:10 a.m. The Memorial is open throughout the day and into the evening, allowing for visitors to take private time to reflect.

1950 Woodside Road in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

“The Official Pennsylvania Memorial to the Victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks”

For information and directions visit http://www.9-11MemorialGarden.org

We'll be doing the 9/11 Garden of Reflection memorial service again this year.
It’s a very touching service to the people who lost their lives on that day.
Its a very important mission for us, as we will be conducting a THE RIDE OF REFLECTION FUNDRAISER, next year.

We'll be promoting the ride from now up until the date of the ride.

RALLY POINT- THE GAP RT 413 AND RT 1 ACROSS FROM BRIANS Harley Davidson
RALLY TIME-7:00 a.m.
KSU- 8:00 a.m.

http://www.9-11memorialgarden.org/

Memorial to all who perished on September 11th

Location: Conshohocken Fire Company No. 2
819 Fayette St. Conshohocken, PA 1942
Rally Time: 10:45 a.m.

We've been invited by Chief Phipps to attend the Conshohocken Funfest to pay tribute to all who perished on 9/11.

From Chief Phipps: "The CFD has been asked to do a tribute to 911 for the Conshohocken Fun Fest Saturday 09/11/10. I am calling on the 7 Colonial Company’s, Geo. Clay, Narberth 313, Plymouth 308, Whitemarsh 318 the 4 Police Depts. West Conshy, Conshy, Plymouth and Whitemarsh plus Motor Cycle units if possible, the people from both Hero’s Welcome and Warriors Watch for representation."

WWR and a Hero's Welcome would essentially represent military and cilivilan victims of 9/11 in addition to the Fire, Police and First Responders participating.

We would assemble at Conshohocken Fire Company No. 2 (819 Fayette St. Conshohocken, PA 1942 from 1045-1100 and form up for a short ride to the park @ 11th and Harry Streets to assemble on the field @ 1130 where we would form a flag line flanking the police and fire equipment eventually forming a flag line behind the participants during the ceremonies and expect to depart the field by no later than 12:30.

Ceremonies will include our entrance, a moment of silence for the 9/11 victims, a reading, a guest speaker, playing of the National Anthem, a flag raising by members of CFD and our departure.

WE NEED 10 TO 12 VOLUNTEER RIDERS. PLEASE POST HERE IF YOU'D LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THIS MISSION. WE'LL CUT IT OFF AT THE 1ST 10 TO 12.

WE ARE ALSO DOING THE REMEMBRANCE AT THE GARDEN OF REFLECTION IN YARDLEY ON THE SAME MORNING.

Sent: Wed, September 1, 2010

WELCOME HOME
LANCE CORPORAL THOMAS MITCHELL, U.S.M.C.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2010

Rally Point: SAMS CLUB
280 Indian Run,
Exton Pa
Rally Time: 10:45 AM
We will DEPART Sams Club at 1150.
Final Destination: Shadyside Park

Folks we have been contacted by not only the mom but also the mom in law to help make this welcome home special for their returning Hero. So what say you, can we do this???? You bet we can. We have been asked to pick up our Hero at home and escort him to the starting point of his welcome home parade (SURPRISE) we will then fall in and escort him to Shadyside Park where they will be having a very large gathering of friends and family.

Below is a short Bio of our Hero. Mom is very excited about us assisting with Thomas' welcome home and she just wants us to help her let her son know how much his service has meant to so many people.

U.S. Marines - Lance Corporal Thomas A. Mitchell Bio:

Raised in Downingtown, PA. In a total shock to his family he enlisted in the US Marines in 2008! Boot Camp at Parris Island where even though a decade older then most he was able to place at the top of his class earning top PFT and a Meritorious promotion. Subsequently stationed at Aberdeen Base in MD and then to his current base, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina where he lives off base with his wife Suzane Mitchell. Tom also was awarded a Meritorious mast.

He deployed to Afghanistan in January 2010 and returned stateside in August 2010 after a successful deployment. While in Afghanistan he was in charge of many, many convoys that traveled throughout southern Afghanistan where his responsibility rotated between Vehicle Commander, Vehicle Gunner and Vehicle Driver. While in Afghanistan he spent 4 months in Delaram II, (marine outpost) before going back to Camp Leatherneck. While on base his responsibilities included Perimeter and Base Security and a member of the QRF Team. Tom is also a green belt with black belt certification put on hold during deployment. He will be qualifying for his black belt shortly.

Contact for this welcome: Maria Hyland 610-327-2916 ©

Please sign in to the A Hero’s Welcome area of the WWR site and rsvp if you can make this event. 

http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?b-ahw/

September 10, 2010
Fox Philly “Good Day” Troop Support Event

On September 10 Fox Philly’s "Good Day" morning program will once again host a troop support event on Market street in front of the FOX 29 studios. They have asked Warriors' Watch to take part once again, and if you were not there last year you missed a great time.

Last year it was in November so this time it should be a little warmer at least. This is a troop-support mission as it is an event that directly benefits our nation's warriors.

As the date approaches we will set times and rally points

Please sign in to the A Hero’s Welcome area of the WWR site and rsvp if you can make this event

http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?b-ahw/

Spring City Veteran’s Center Bar-B-Q
The Warriors' Watch Riders
3rd Annual Spring City Veterans Center BBQ

Date: September 18, 2010 at:
Location: Southeastern Veterans Center
One Veterans Drive
Spring City, PA 19475
Phone: (610) 948-2400
Website: http://www.sevc.state.pa.us

Those of you who participated in our previous events will recall and will not forget the veterans who reside at and/or use the facility; many of them from wars half a century ago. The smiles that were generated will not soon be forgotten by the staff, by you, by me. 

We will need volunteers for different tasks. Approximately 200 residents/patients will be partaking of the event to include those that we served individually in their respective rooms.
We will need supplies to feed approximately 200 residents/attendees plus WWR personnel.

Please sign in to the A Hero’s Welcome area of the WWR site and rsvp if you can make this event. 

http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?b-ahw/

ATTENTION SOUTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA
A HERO’S WELCOME AND WWR MEMBERS:
HONOR MISSION TOMORROW
SPC JAMAL RHETT, KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN

We grieve with the family and friends of an American Hero who gave his life fighting for liberty in a far off land. US Army Spc Jamal Rhett died Aug. 15 in Ba Qubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with grenades. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Spc. Rhett raised his hand, swore the oath, donned the uniform knowing that it could cost him his life, and it did. That is the very definition of "hero." Rhett was a combat medic serving his SECOND COMBAT TOUR.

Spc Rhett is originally from Philadelphia but his family now lives in Palmyra, New Jersey. The WARRIORS WATCH RIDERS will attend Spc. Rhett's funeral, which will be performed with full military honors, tomorrow, August 25, 2010. This is a THREE PART MISSION:

1. 0645, RALLY AT THE FUNERAL HOME IN PHILADELPHIA:

Walter Sabbath JR Funeral Home
7224 Ogontz St
Philadelphia PA 17138 

Rally Time: No later than 0700, better is 0645. We will depart that location bound for New Jersey at 0730.

At the funeral home we will RENDER HONORS to the remains as they are put into the hearse for transport. The entire family will be there for the ride to the church. We will then mount up and provide a MOTORCYCLE ESCORT from the funeral home to the church where services will be held. The church is:

Evergreen Baptist Church
611 W 3rd ST
Palmyra NJ

This is just over the Tacony-Palmyra bridge. We will escort the funeral procession to that location under Phildelphia Police Escort.

Once in New Jersey, the services will begin at 1000. IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO THE FUNERAL HOME AT 0700 IN PENNSYLVANIA, BUT INSTEAD GOING DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH IN NEW JERSEY, PLEASE BE AT THE CHURCH NO LATER THAN 0800 AND FORM A FLAG LINE FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE FUNERAL PROCESSION.

2. We will form a quiet and dignified flag line at the church for arriving and departing family members and guests. That is part 2 of the mission.

3. We will render honors to the casket as it is loaded for transport to the cemetery. We will then mount up and escort the funeral procession to the cemetery, which is at:

Chelten Hills Cemetery
1701 E Washington LN
Philadelphia PA 19150

This is a very short distance away from the funeral home, so we will be returning to the place where we began.

Again we will be under Philadelphia Police escort from the bridge to the cemetery. On the New Jersey Side, Palmyra police will take us from the bridge to the church, then again from the church to the bridge.

The following quote is from the Forum thread posted by Readbeard, the NJ SC:

ADDITIONAL INFO:

You can continue to follow mission planning AND post your condolences at this WWR Forum link:

http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1282408311/s-0/

WWR Members, our support of our nation's warriors can have no stronger purpose than to support the family of a fallen soldier and to express our deep sorrow and shared grief at their loss. Spc. Jamal Rhett gave all, and we MUST show the nation that we have the deepest possible respect for the sacrifice that was made.

May God grant Spc. Rhett peace, and comfort to his family in knowing that he died a hero. And may God continue to bless this great nation, still the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Wayne Lutz (Following is an excerpt from the Burlington County Times) "...a large crowd is expected at the church to honor the fallen soldier.

“He was a kind man and his family was also well known at this church,” Campbell said. “There are also a lot of military people who are sensitive to him dying in Iraq who will attend so we’re anticipating a nice crowd.”

The Warriors’ Watch Riders group will also escort Rhett’s coffin from the funeral home to the church and cemetery and Rhett will be buried with full military honors. He will also be posthumously promoted to sergeant during the memorial service."

Jeff (Huggy) Huggins
State Coordinator, Southeastern PA

Welcome Home
Spc. Frank Welsh

Welcome Home
PFC Thomas Welsh
U.S. Army HHC Brigade Combat Team
1st Armored Division

Welcome Home
Shaun Collins, US Navy

Date: Tuesday Aug. 10, 2010
Rally Place: Barren Hill Fire Company
647 Germantown Pike
Lafayette Hill PA, 19444
Montgomery County Station 296 Germantown Pike
Lafayette Hill PA, 19429
Rally Time: 6: 00 pm

Shaun is returning from Afghanistan and we want to say “Thank you” to him for his service! 

Here’s the plan - We'll rally at the Barren Hill Fire Company at 6:00 pm, meet our hero there and give him an escort and rock star treatment he wont soon forget.

It will be a short escort from the fire company to a nearby destination.

Everyone knows how Plymouth gets out and honors their heroes. Its a spectacular sight!

IF YOU'VE NEVER BEEN TO AN EVENT IN THIS AREA- DONT MISS THIS ONE- THEY DO OUR HEROES RIGHT!

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Mon, August 2, 2010 3:20:01 PM
Subject: Upcoming events for the week / please check our AHW area of the Warriors' Watch Riders site http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?b-ahw/ for up to date info / feel free to add RSVP and comments

Welcome home
Victor Williams, U.S. Navy

Date: Saturday Aug.7, 2010
Time: approx. 4:30 p.m and Rally Point in Oley, PA TBA

Betty Williams, Victor's Mom has contacted AHW in hopes of welcoming her son home from his deployment to Somalia. This will be a welcome home party/Mug and Hug and included at the party will be Victor's Grandpop, George Abraham, a 20 yr. Army Vet, who is a Veteran of TWO wars, Korea and Vietnam and also deserving of a welcome home... I know it's going to be tight but I'm hoping WWR will be able to help us pull this off. I'll have some A Hero's Welcome Peeps standing by... Thank you for all that you do to make our Veterans feel like Super Stars!!!!

please visit: http://forums.lutzkicksass.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1280460086/ for updates

* * * *

Welcome Home
Sergeant Thomas Miller, U.S.M.C.

Date: Saturday Aug. 7, 2010
Rally Time: (early afternoon) and Location TBA

Welcome Home and escort Marine Sgt. Thomas Miller of Telford Pa. to his welcome home party at the Tylersport Fire Hall.

Sgt Miller is returning from deployment to Afghanistan where he served as a Forward Observer with the 1/6 based at Camp Dwyer.
His mother Rita is a motivated Marine Mom and hopes we can give her son the Welcome Home he deserves!

Below is a bio on Sgt Miller:

My son, Sgt. Thomas Miller joined the Marine Corps February of 2005. His enlistment was an 0311 (Rifleman) in Infantry. 

He graduated Boot Camp in May of that same year. Tom went to SOI ( School of Infantry ) also known as ITB ( Infantry Training
Battalion) at Camp Geiger in NC. 

During his first enlistment he deployed to Iraq at Camp Al Taqaddum. In October Tom found out that he and several FO's were going to be attached to the1/6, Infantry, for Deployment to Afghanistan. 

The 1/6 left for Afghanistan in December 2009. His Unit went to Camp Dwyer. 
Tom was with Charlie Company. His FOB (Forward Operating Base) was Fiddler's Green.

Tom has 1 brother, Owen, who just graduated from Souderton High School on June 18th.

Tom attended St Maria Goretti grade school from 1st thru 8th grade & then went to Lansdale Catholic High School. 

His parents are Tom, Sr. & Rita Miller. Both of Tom's Grand Fathers proudly served in WW2. Unfortunately, both are deceased. 

He has 2 Uncles (Andrew) 1 retired AF & 1 currently in the full time Air Nation Guard. 

He has 4 cousins currently in the Military. One is a Pilot in the Air Force, 2 are in the Navy (1 a Corpsman & the other in Navy Seal Training) and the 4th cousin is Security Police in the Air Force.

* * * *

Extreme short notice
honor mission request by Warriors’ Watch Riders

Flag line for the funeral Chief Petty Officer William J. Hodgkiss on Tuesday Aug 3, 2010 5:00 to approximately 9:15 pm at Fluehr Funeral home in Richboro, PA. Bill Hodgkiss worked as an Engineer Technician at Fort Dix, Directorate of Public Works for many years and I had the pleasure of being his co-worker and friend. Bill was a very patriotic person who served his country proudly in the military and as a civilian serving the military. His family would be honored to have us provide a flag line at his funeral in honor of his service to our country.

* * * *

Welcome Home
Sergeant Daniel Lester, U.S.M.C.

Date: Wednesday Aug. 5, 2010
Rally Time: 5:30 P.M.
RALLY LOCATION: Holy Savior Club parking lot
436 E. Main Street
Norristown, PA 

We'll be joining the Warriors' Watch Riders to form a flag line at Lou's Steak Shop where we will greet our Hero and escort him to his home on Locust St.

bio:

We have been asked by the proud mom of Marine Sgt. Dan Lester, who snuck home to surprise his mom, if we could help do the same to him!

A very important point I would like to make here is that Sgt. Dan Lester is the namesake of his Uncle Cpl. Daniel W. Brady who was KIA in Vietnam on

July 2 1967. This will be mom's way of paying tribute to both of these men who have made a sacrifice for our country.

Short Bio:

Sgt Daniel Lester USMC son of Mary Jo and Edward Lester was born and raised in Norristown, Pa. where he graduated Norristown HS in 2003. He was a varsity baseball and football player, Times Herald defensive player his senior year, played 1 season semi-pro ball in Warminster before enlisting in the USMC in Aug. 2004. Took basic in Parris Island, SC, trained in Amphibious assault vehicles Twenty Nine Palms Calif., and participated in multi nation survival training exercise in the far east. 

Dan was deployed to Iraq in 2008 from Kanehoe Bay Hawaii. Sgt Dan Lester was married to Krysta Johnson in March 2010 and deployed again 3 weeks later to Afghan.

He is home now on leave to spend time with parents, grandparents, 5 sisters and 2 brothers and 15 nieces and nephews. 

* * * * 

UPCOMING

Delaware Welcome Home
PFC Richard Briggs, Jr. U.S. Army
Pending date: Aug. 4 or 5, 2010

Further info TBA

* * * *

Welcome Home
LCpl. Christopher Spadaccini, U.S.M.C.

This mission is a standdown, our Hero caught wind of what his Mom was trying to plan, and, like all of our Heroes.. felt he didn't "deserve" a welcome home...

Christopher... you are OUR HERO!!! Welcome Home!!!

Extreme short notice honor mission request by Warriors’ Watch Riders

Flag line for the funeral Chief Petty Officer William J. Hodgkiss on Tuesday Aug 3, 2010 5:00 to approximately 9:15 pm at Fluehr Funeral home in Richboro, PA. Bill Hodgkiss worked as an Engineer Technician at Fort Dix, Directorate of Public Works for many years and I had the pleasure of being his co-worker and friend. Bill was a very patriotic person who served his country proudly in the military and as a civilian serving the military. His family would be honored to have us provide a flag line at his funeral in honor of his service to our country.

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Wed, August 4, 2010

Extreme Short Notice
Welcome Home for
PFC Richard Briggs Jr. (Ricky)

HSC Company out of Foot Hood, TX
Light Wheel Mechanic
Graduate High School in 2004 from Cape Henlopen in Lewes, DE
(He went to Chichester High School until his senior year 2003)

Coming home on R&R from afghanistan for his 15 days

Rally Point: Phila International Airport Terminal D
Rally time: 9:00 am
call 484-679-1717 before leaving for the airport for changes and updates

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, July 29, 2010 8:52:09 PM
Subject: Welcome Home Sgt. Dan Lester, USMC Thurday Aug. 5, 2010 Norristown, PA

Welcome Home
Sgt. Dan Lester, USMC

Date: Aug 5th 2010
Rally Point: TBD
Rally Time: 5:30 PM
KSU: 6:15 PM
Destination: Lou's Steak House
Final Destination: Norristown Area to his Block party.

From: Maria Hyland <maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Thu, July 29, 2010 8:30:03 PM
Subject: Welcome Home 1st Lt. Gene Uhler, Jr. US Army Saturday July 31, 2010

Welcome Home
1st Lt. Gene Uhler, Jr. US Army

Hi Kids, we were asked by Leslie of the Yellow Ribbon Club for some assistance on a welcome home celebration.

Maria

Welcome Home
Shea Goto, U.S. Army

The Warriors’ Watch Riders will be escorting Shea back to his home on Burnt Mill Road in Cherry Hill, NJ.

If you would like to join in the escort, please rally at FB 69/ 82nd and Bartram Ave. Philadelphia, PA

Contact: Leslie (YRC) 609-980-4175

Please come out to welcome home Shea Goto from serving in Afghanistan. Shea is 21 yrs old. He graduated from Cherry Hill High School East. He joined the US Army at age 20. He is in the A-CO 21 Infantry 52, Rank is E2. He received the CIB award for being overseas. He just completed his tour in Afghanistan.

Shea has a brother named Saji who is also in the Army and is stationed at Ft. Benning. Saji is training for Airborne.

Shea’s mother Dee, requests that we give a nice loud welcome home for her son.

Please join the Yellow Ribbon Club, Warrior Watch Riders & Friends, Cherry Hill Fire and Police Depts. in a loud welcome home for this young soldier.

From: Maria Hyland <Maria@aheros-welcome.org>
Sent: Fri, July 23, 2010
Subject: Honor Mission for Thomas Montenigo, USMC Gloucester City, NJ July 26, 2010 requested by Warriors' Watch Riders

Thomas Montenigo is the brother in law of our own “Tug”

Please join the Warriors’ Watch Riders to form a flag line and escort in honor of Thomas. God Bless him and his family.

Details below: 

(please watch www.warriorswatch.org / confirmed area for more info)

July 26 Mon.
Honor Mission “Flag Line” and Escort
Thomas Montenigo 12/18/1952-7/22/2010
US Marine Corps 1973-1975

Date: Monday July 26
VIEWING INFORMATION
Rally Time: 0800 to 10:30am
Rally Location: McCann-Healey Funeral Home
851 Monmouth Street
Gloucester City, NJ 08030-1508

Service to follow Viewing:
Time: 1100
Location: St.Marys Catholic church
Monmouth St.
Gloucester city,NJ 08030

Following service we will Escort This Hero to Interment
Interment Escort Destination
Location: Berlin Cemetery
40 Clementon Rd.
Berlin NJ
Please remember this is an Honor Mission with FLAG LINE…
BRING YOUR 3X5 FLAG!!!!!!!!

P.S. If you can Only make one portion of this mission,.. PLEASE do so. It is during the Work day and we struggle for people.

Welcome Home
Specialist Matthew Adolph, U.S. Army

Escort to Final Resting Place of
Sgt. Louis R. Fastuca

WWII DESTROYER ESCORT SAILORS ASSOCIATION

Welcome Home
Major Barbara McCormick – Mejias

WELCOME HOME
SENIOR AIRMAN STEVEN LANG, U.S.A.F.

Short bio supplied by Steve's family:

WELCOME HOME
MAJOR WERNER

Welcome Home
Lance Corporal Eric Medina, U.S.M.C. 

Welcome Home
Sergeant James Charles Davis, U.S. Army 

We have quite a few Heroes to welcome home this week so please join us on any or all…

we would LOVE to see you come out and give our Heroes the Super Star Treatment they deserve!!!

Don’t forget to watch the site for updates and call 484-679-1717 for flight changes or updates.
* * * * *
WELCOME HOME
LANCE CORPORAL GEORGE BURCHARD, U.S.M.C.

Date: Monday June 14, 2010
Rally Point: Philadelphia International Airport/Terminal C
Rally Time: 8:45 p.m.
Rally Point #2: 400 Block of Prince Frederick Street, King of Prussia, PA 19406 (Upper Merion Twp)
Rally Time #2: approx. 9:30 p.m.

If you would like to join us in the escort to King of Prussia, PA please rally at FB 69 82nd and Bartram Ave., Philadelphia, PA at 7:45 p.m.

Bio supplied by George’s family:

George is a 3rd Generation Marine. He has known he wanted to go into the Marine Corps from a very young age. George’s Grandfather, who was also a Marine in Korean War, passed away while George was serving in Afghanistan. George’s Mom, Sharon; Dad, Ben (Sgt USMC), Sister, Rebecca are all anxious to welcome George home! George’s hobbies include Hunting; Fishing and Practical Jokes.

Let’s join LCpl. Burchard’s family in welcoming home their Marine in Hero Style!!!

THANK YOU LANCE CORPORAL BURCHARD! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!

WELCOME HOME
PRIVATE RYAN BEYER, U.S.M.C.

Date: Sunday June 13, 2010
Rally Point: Landis Markets, 841 Gravel Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473

We have been asked to join the Warriors’ Watch Riders in welcoming home Private Ryan Beyer, U.S.M.C from Boot Camp

Bio supplied by Ryan’s Mom:

My son Ryan will be graduating from boot camp in Parris Island, SC on June 11. Ryan had been promoted to squad leader early on in boot. Ryan now is in the contending for Honor Graduate, and Iron Man Award. He is known to be the fastest recruit on the entire island including the drill instructors. I am throwing a welcome home party for Ryan at my home in Skippack on Sunday June 13 - all day. I would love it if somehow your organization could pay tribute to this fine new dedicated Marine. 

WELCOME HOME
SERGEANT KRISTIN ZAMICHIELI KATONA, U.S.M.C.

Date: SATURDAY JUNE 12, 2010
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Rally Point: TBA
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA

We will escort Kristin from the Washington Fire Dept to her home on Butler Pike in Plymouth, PA.

Bio supplied by Kristin’s Mom, MaryJo:

Sgt. Kristin Zamichieli Katona attended Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Ursinus College and Temple University, where she studied Anthropology with an emphasis on Human Biology before entering the United States Marine Corps in 2007. Kristin is a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operator with VMU-3 Phantoms stationed in 29 Palms, CA. She has just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan where she served as the Scan Eagle mission commander. She and her brother Cpl. James Katona, U.S.M.C. have followed in the steps of their grandfather, John Zamichieli, as US Marines and proudly serve our country. We love and support Kristin and so grateful to have her home safely! We pray that our other service men and women return to their families safe and soon. 

Contact Maria Hyland 610-327-2916

WELCOME HOME
SPECIALIST JOSEPH BARRIOS, U.S. Army

Date: FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2010
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT / TERMINAL TBA
RALLY TIME: TBA
RALLY POINT #2: 3200 BLOCK OF WELLINGTON STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA

Welcome Home

ANNUAL GORGAS PARK COMMUNITY EVENT

Location: Flag line at Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 North Main Ave., Scranton, PA.

We will go in as a group to pay our respects at 6:00 PM, as per family request. Meet at Funeral Home at 4:40 PM for briefing. Mission Captain Kim Atkinson
Thurs., May 20; motorcycle escort to the Church & Cemetery- Meet at FH 8:45am - Mass: Holy Rosary 9:30 Escort to Cathedral Cemetary to follow - as per family request.
Road/Ride Captains: George Atkinson, Donnie Knight
8:45 AM - 11:45 AM May 20, 2010
John Colarossi, U.S. Army Veteran

Current Obituaries

The NJ MISSION OF HONOR

Date: May 19
http://www.njsmissionofhonor.org/

The remains of 17 American Veterans will be interred after sitting on Funeral Homes shelves for decades.
A Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 19th at 43 Fort Lee Road, Overpeck Park in Leonia, New Jersey at 10:00AM to eulogize 17 American Veterans who served our country. Following this ceremony a motorcade will deliver these remains to the BG William C Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, New Jersey where they will be ceremoniously interred. A 21 Gun salute will finally give peace and closure for the souls of these Veterans.

Tentative schedule

WELCOME HOME
CORPORAL PETER PICCIANO, U.S. ARMY

Memorial Service for Airman
Austin Gates Benson, USA

Friday May 14, 2010 
5:00pm to 8:00pm
At Heintzelman Funeral Home 
326 Main St.
Hellertown, Pa 18055

Warrior Watch family has been requested by the family of Airman Austin Gates Benson to stand Honors at a Memorial being held in his honor 

May 14th, 2010 in the Hellertown area. 

Airmen 1st Class Austin Gates Benson was only 19 yrs old and in Afghanistan for only two months, he paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country proudly.

A Short Bio of Austin Gates Benson:

He Enlisted into the Air Force 28 Sept 2007 under the Delayed Enlistment Program.

While attending high school he was a frequent visitor to the principal’s, but not because was a troublemaker.

“He was always there as the voice of the students, the voice of the class and he would be their champion,” said Assistant Principal David Laboski. He had a “great mind” and was a formidable debater, especially when it came to one of his main causes. Austin Gates Benson was voted most likely to change the world by his graduating class. He was a techie who built his own gaming computer.
After graduating from Saucon Valley High School in 2008, he left for basic training on 7 Jul 2008.

When he completed basic and tech school he was assigned to the 54th Combat Communications Squadron at Werner Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia. He deployed to Afghanistan mid Feb. 2010 to and was assigned to FOB Torkham. 

Please join the Warrior’s Watch Riders as they pay tribute to this fallen HERO. 

The Westboro Baptist Church has posted they will be at this funeral to protest.

Please remember to keep this memorial service a tribute to our Hero and we must respect the family at all times.

Contact Maria Hyland 610-327-2916 with any questions

*************** RALLY POINT ***************

RALLY POINT- McDonalds
14 S Main St
Hellertown Pa 18055
RALLY TIME-1600 HRS
KSU-1620

THE FUNERAL HOME IS 0.6 MILES DOWN MAIN ST

We have been requested by the Warrior’s Watch Rider
to pay honor to a fallen Hero on
Tues. April 27, 2010 for
James P. Phillips.

Warriors' Watch Riders 2nd Annual Birthday Bash!

2ND ANNUAL BLUE MASS

Welcome Home Lance Corporal Connel Parsons,U.S.M.C.

Welcome Home Dominic Evola, U.S.M.C.

Welcome Home Lance Corporal
Duane Longfellow, U. S. M. C

Welcome Home Staff Sergeant Ted Bullock, U.S.A.F.

Welcome Home Sergeant Brian Furtak, U.S. Army

Please join us in welcoming Brian home from Afghanistan!

Welcome Home Master Gunnery Sergeant
Edward Mallas, U.S.M.C.

Welcome Home E-3 Timothy Yates, U.S. Navy

Welcome Home Sergeant Kevin Michael Brackney, U.S. Army

ATTENTION!! NEW DATE

Welcome Home Spc. Jeff rey Woodlin, U.S. Army

Welcome Home Specialist Steve Young

Date: March 27, 2010
Where: Philadelphia International Airport To Brookhaven, PA, Terminal TBA / Rally Time: 12:35

Welcome Home Marines!!!

Please join us to welcome home the Marines from
Bridge Company B,
Engineer Support Battalion

For the Troops,
Charlie Becker

Thank you SSgt. Dunbar for your service to our great nation! 

WELCOME HOME!

Thank you, Maria Hyland / A Hero’s Welcome 

WELCOME HOME SPC. JOSEPH BOOZ

Date: Sunday March 7, 2010
Rally Time: 2:00 p.m.
Rally Location: Golden Eagle Diner RT 13 and Bath Rd, Bristol Pa 19007

We will be escorting our Hero to a local fire hall where there will be a party in Spc. Booz’ Honor!

Please join us in Welcoming Joseph Home! 

Thank you for your service Spc. Booz!!!

Contact for this welcome: Maria 610-327-2916

Hero: SSGT Eric Madsen US Army - Home: Newportville, Pa.

SSGT Eric Madsen US Army, served for the past year in Afghanistan as a combat engineer with the 4th BN 62nd Engineers defusing IED’s. SSGT Madsen also served in Iraq in 2005-2006 on his first tour of duty. Eric graduated in 2001 from Truman HS in Bristol and joined the Army in 2003.

Let’s welcome home this brave Soldier and give him the welcome he deserves.
______________________________________

Date: Sunday March 7th 11AM
Rally Time: 10:45 AM

We, along with Warriors Watch will honor the 228th Engineer Company with a flag line at their deployment ceremony scheduled for 11 AM on Sunday March 7th at Spring Ford High School, 350 South Lewis Rd Royersford PA. This unit is from the Spring City Army National Guard Armory and will be deploying to Afghanistan. So bring your flag and let's send these troops off with the honor and respect they deserve.

Please check or site www.aheros-welcome.orgfor other events scheduled for March.

For The Troops
Charlie Becker
610-631-9457 (H)
484-576-3121 (C)

WELCOME HOME STAFF SERGEANT ERIC MADSEN

Please join A Hero’s Welcome and The Warrior’s Watch Riders in welcoming home our HERO, Staff Sergeant Madsen!

Rally Date: Monday March 1, 2010
Rally Time: 5: 15 p.m.
Rally Point: Philadelphia International Airport / Terminal TBA
WHERE-Rally Point #2: 2811 Ave, E. Newportville, PA. 19056.
Rally Time: approx. 6:15 p.m.

SSgt. Madsen is returning from his second deployment (his first was in Iraq from 05-06)

ERIC is returning from Afghanistan, being there since last Feb. 2009.

Please join us to show Eric how much we appreciate what he has done FOR US!!!

FROM ERICS PARENTS:

Brief Bio by Eric’s family:

My son, SSGT Madsen, is coming home from Afghanistan in Feb. He has been to Iraq in 2005-2006 as his first tour of duty. He has been in Afghanistan since Feb last yr. He will be coming home to PA on March 1st. He is stationed in Fort Carson, CO. We wanted to have the Escort from Philadelphia Int'l airport. We think he deserves the recognition and the thanks that this escort can give.

Let’s give Staff Sergeant Madsen a welcome he won’t forget!!!!

Please bring your American Flags and join in this welcome for our HERO!!!

To All:

The request for an escort and show of support for the Police/Biker's funeral is very painful because it reflects the rise in suicides in stressful jobs. Normally you would find request for Soldiers here, but the only difference is the uniform.

May God bless his family and keep them by His grace!

Yours in Christ,
Florence

From: Maria Hyland <mariahyland@comcast.net>
Subject: Police/Biker Funeral request by Warrior's Watch Riders
Date: Saturday, February 20, 2010, 9:35 PM

This is a request by the Warrior’s Watch Riders, please let me know if you would like join in this honor mission.

Thank you for helping us honor all of our Heroes… be it our Military, Police and Fire or any first responders…

Maria Hyland