Patriot Guard to surprise Marine

A local Marine who is returning to Palatine on leave will be honored Monday as he pulls into town.

Lance Cpl. Jeff Francis will be surprised at the Des Plaines Oasis off I-90 with an escort home from the Patriot Guard Riders.

About 1 p.m., motorcycles will line up at the oasis and there will be a line of flags as the young soldier drives in. It's a surprise to him.

The ride was organized after Francis' mother Liz contacted the group. Patriot Guard riders surprise people only if they are asked.

"We are welcoming back one Marine, but we're doing it for all the Marines that are still over there," said Doug Askren, assistant road captain.

In northern Illinois, at least one such ride is done every week. Half the riders are war veterans themselves. Askren, for example, is a Vietnam vet and has a son who is a deployed Marine.

"We think that everyone should be honored and welcomed back -- whichever way they come back," he said.

After the oasis, the ride will proceed on to Route 53 and back to Francis' home in Palatine. Palatine police officers also will be involved.

The route was not yet determined as of the weekend.