Pictures are available.
One day while I was reading the Daily Herald, I came across an article about another soldier’s homecoming and the surprise escort that was provided by a group called the Warriors’ Watch Riders (WWR). As I was reading the story, I was overwhelmed with the emotion of pride for our soldier, and sincere gratitude for a group of American citizens who unselfishly gave of their time to do something so wonderful for our military personnel.
Since the Herald provided the WWR’s website, www.warriorswatch.org, I thought I’d check it out. Then the idea came to me to ask them if they would ever consider being guest speakers at one of our CPAAAS General Meetings. I made contact with Jon Dreymann (“JonD”), the Regional Coordinator for our area. To my delight, JonD was more than happy to attend our March meeting to spread the word of their mission.
The following is a brief synopsis of the wonderful evening we all shared together on March 26th with the WWR.
I decided to arrive early to the Schaumburg Police Department for the CPAAAS General meeting to prepare for our guest speakers’ arrival. As I pulled into the parking lot, I saw a group of about 5 people, and one adorable puppy on a leash, standing around a motorcycle talking to each other. I approached the group smiling and asked if they were the guest speakers. I was greeted with warm smiles by all. Of course, the puppy gave me the warmest greeting of all. His name is Jack and is the youngest member of the group. Soon other members began to arrive.
As we proceeded into the department, more and more WWRs began arriving. I was beginning to worry that there’d be more guests than Alumni! All in all, 21 WWRs attended our meeting that evening in show of support for JonD’s presentation. It looked like we had a biker’s convention going on in the class room. I could tell it was going to be an exciting evening, filled with laughter, joking and emotion. And so it began…
“Coasty”, who informed us that most of them had nicknames, explained just who the WWR is and what they do. Coasty told us that they were mostly Vets, but not all; mostly bikers, but not all and that there are those who still ride in “cages” (meaning regular cars); who are all Americans. The WWR treat our Vets like “rock stars” for an hour or two. Most of them work on their time, on their dime and do not take donations from anyone for any reason. Anyone and everyone are welcome to join the WWR. All you have to do is sign up on their website.
“JonD” told us that the military have our backs over there and they have their backs over here. He explained how our troops upon hearing any negativity from any of us here in the states affect them and brings them down while they’re over there. In the same way, when they hear any positive things from us, it lifts them up in a good way. There are 3,000 WWR in the nation and in Chicago, there are currently 200.
“Pops” explained that family and friends call for an escort, a drive-by a home or a party or both. They post the information on the internet and notify the police and fire departments that are involved who love to flash their lights and blare their sirens for the soldiers, too.
“Big Joe” informed us that the police departments are great to work with, and the fire departments. Moms usually are the ones who call the WWR. He said the “heroes” are always so modest. Big Joe began telling us about “Jimmy the Marine” who they escorted home just last week. WWR welcomed him home with 15 WWR at the Oasis, all with American flags.
To my total surprise “Jimmy the Marine” was in our audience and got up to speak to all of us. It took a few moments for the applause to subside before Jimmy could begin talking. He mentioned that he’s stationed in Hawaii. When some audience members expressed little sympathy, in a joking way of course, I overheard someone say that he’d be going to Afghanistan next year.
Jimmy began to describe how the WWR escorted him westbound on I90 from the Oasis that day last week. At the Randall Road exit there were more WWR that blocked the intersection for the procession, and all the way up Randall Road at every intersection there were members of the WWR there blocking all the traffic. Everyone was lined up on the street holding and waving flags, waiting for his arrival home. I was enthralled just listening to one of our heroes speaking to us of how the WWR, and all the strangers, made him feel welcomed home. I truly felt like I was watching and listening to a rock star as Coasty called them earlier. I just couldn’t believe he was there with us.
Next, Cheryl talked of tokens of appreciation and the Challenge Coin that is to be kept within arm’s length of each soldier. A coin was passed around the audience for hands-on viewing. This coin is given to every soldier that they escort. She explained the mission beads and what the different colors represented. A keychain of the beads was given to all the Alumni present at the meeting. Cheryl is the local WWR’s media contact person.
“Camera Nut” talked about how she is constantly taking pictures and videos of the homecomings and that the families are so emotional and busy hugging their loved ones that they really appreciate someone capturing those precious moments on film. She then played a short video of past escorts. The video was beautifully done and the music that was set to it was very appropriate and moving.
Jon D concluded the presentation by answering a few questions from the Alumni. All the while, Jack the adorable puppy, napped in the back of the classroom like a good little soldier. All the members of the WWR gathered for a group picture, including Jack.
To actually have one of our heroes with us that night was a blessing. Jimmy the Marine’s real name is Jim Richers, by the way. His stepdad, Wally Stevens, was also present. Jim’s mom, Noreen Stevens, couldn’t attend the meeting. There were a few hugs given to our local hero before his departure and plenty of handshakes, back slaps and well wishes to stay safe. It was a definite honor to meet our hometown hero!
I don’t know if I can describe it accurately enough for those of you who were not there that evening, but having the Warriors’ Watch Riders, and Jim, in the classroom that evening was an uplifting experience for me. In fact, so much so, that I wanted to be part of their group right then and there, to begin honoring our heroes as they do. All of them were so warm and friendly. You could honestly see it on all their faces and hear in their voices how much they believe our soldiers to be “heroes” and should be treated as such before they leave for duty and when they come home. I think they are performing a wonderful service to our soldiers. They are true Americans in every sense of the word.
My heartfelt thanks go out to Jon Dreymann and all the WWR who took the time to be our guests that evening. To all the Veterans that were in attendance, you have my deepest gratitude for your service to our country and for watching our backs. You truly are our heroes!
I encourage all of you who are reading this to take a look at their website to learn more about the Warriors’ Watch Riders, www.warriorswatch.org.
Article written by Mary Ghilardi
’98/’08 Alumni & CPAAAS President
March 28, 2009