| On Monday March 26, 2012, President Dowlin met up with members of the Warriors Watch Riders to help welcome home US Army SPC Steven Johnson from a tour in Afghanistan.
Steven Johnson is the son of Past Chief Kevin Johnson of the Coatesville Fire Department. Kevin contacted the Warrior Watch Riders in hope of giving his son a big welcome home.
The day started at the first of two meeting points at the East Brandywine Fire Company in Chester County. From there, riders traveled to Engine 69's house of the Philadelphia Fire Department. At Engine 69, riders met up with Steven's father and grandmother before a pre-ride meeting about the escort.
Around 1130am everyone traveled to the Philadelphia International airport where the convoy of bikes, cars, and trucks pulled into the arrival area and parked. Everyone went inside the terminal and lined-up on the step where the passengers come down from the gates to baggage claim. Steven's family went to the gate to greet him. After an emotional reunion with his family, Steven made his way to baggage claim where we await to greet him with American flags and plenty of handshakes and applause.
A special guest accompanied us to this home coming. Bam from the movie "Jack Ass" came to also welcome Steven home and thank him for his service. Bam gave Steven a t-shirt in thanks.
The escort pulled out of Philadelphia International with a State Police escort and traveled down 95 to 322 to 1 to 202 to 100. The State Police turned over the escort to the East Whiteland Police which took us up Route 30 to Downingtown. While there, the Downingtown Fire Department and Wagontown Fire Company joined the escort into Thorndale where the Thorndale Fire Company also joined in, finishing the escort to Steven's house.
At Steven's home, he was met by his mother and other family and friends. The members of all the fire companies in attendance also got a chance to welcome home Steven. A group picture was taken of all attendees before riders and guest's depart, to allow Steven some time to get settled in.
The officers and Members of the Red Knights Chapter 2 would again like to welcome Steve home and thank you for your service to this great country. |
