Warriors' Watch and Patriot Guard groups greet returning soldiers
At first glance the line of motorcycles might seem like a biker gang, but behind the shiny chrome finishes and hot exhaust pipes lies a group of people just wanting to thank and welcome home those who have served their country.
Rick Loyd and his wife Lynn of Crystal Lake devote countless hours to finding those that are coming home from serving their country through networks and groups such as Warriors' Watch and Patriot Guard Riders.
"It's my mission to welcome home as many kids (soldiers) that I'm able to," said Lynn.
Apart from being thankful for the freedom for which the nation's servicemen and women are fighting, the Loyds also have a son, Robert, who is on his second tour in Iraq.
"I just want everyone of them that comes to feel like a hero," said Lynn, "because they are."
The majority of Warriors Watch and Patriot Guard Riders consist of Vietnam veterans, Rick Loyd said. He said many Vietnam veterans experienced a poor welcome home, and in some cases were spit on or had to disguise themselves to prevent being identified from protesters.
The mission of both groups is to prevent such incidents from happening again and ensure that each veteran receives the respect and appreciation they deserve.
Supporters and members of Warriors' Watch and Patriot Guard Riders spend many hours preparing to make sure that each mission is kept in secrecy from the soldier.
"When we see what these people do (Warriors' Watch and Patriot Guard Riders) it's just amazing," said Rick, "You see soldiers in need of a good welcome home."
The Loyds say they treat each returning soldier as if he or she were their own child.
"(Welcoming them home) It's just the right thing to do," said Rick. "We make the families feel good by doing this and they're just awe-struck by somebody who's going to take the time out of their lives to welcome home (a soldier)."
With the help of Lynn, the Patriot Guard Riders surprised their son, Robert, with a welcome home in 2007 from his first tour in Iraq and say they are looking forward to the day they can finally welcome him home again.