Operation MOMS Cookies Inc., NFP

WELCOME HOMES-SEND-OFFS

WELCOME HOME!

AL Post #294 Commander Terrando Honors SSG Dettmann!

Supporting OUR TROOPS!

WELCOME HOME

FROM Afghanistan!☺

Sgt Joel Bess, U.S. Marine Corps

April 7, 2011

Kaelyn Bess, wife of Sgt Joel Bess, and his parents, Mike and

Connie Bess of St. Anne have their Marine home! 

Sgt Bess has returned from Marjah, Afghanistan, serving with the Expeditionary Psychological Operations Detachment for the past 7 months.  His wife Kaelyn was at Quantico, Virginia on Friday, March 25, 2011 as he returned home to the U.S.!  The community was there to honor Sgt Bess and let him know his Service and Sacrifice for each of our freedoms and our America is appreciated! 

A prayer costs nothing but sends much...A small effort of heart, faith and time for all each Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine gives for you and I.  Please remember those whom we have lost, our wounded and each whom wear the uniform today in your daily thoughts and prayers. MOMS extends our support and prayers to our families and to each who serve, PAST ~ PRESENT~FUTURE!

PFC Adam Seidler, U.S. Marine Corps returned home on leave as he prepares to deploy to Afghanistan with 3rd Marines, Golf Company.  A family party was held to spend time with friends before his departure along with a community standing in support!  Operation MOMS extends its great appreciation to each who donated in a Collection of "Wish List" items which will be forwarded to deployed Service Members along with Adam and his Unit in Afghanistan.  It is the Morris Police and Fire, Grundy Sheriff, Warriors Watch, American Legion and Patriot Guard Riders, Soldiers Guardian Angels and like communities whom provide undaunted support of America's Military Men and Women here on the home front!  THANK YOU!

The Blue Star Banner is presented to Father, Jeff Seidler by Operation MOMS Cookies for the family home, signifying the active duty Military Service of his Son, as PFC Adam Seidler looks on.

	The Joliet E 2/14 Marine Corps League... Welcome CPL Home!

SGM Marotta with his Brothers! Welcome Home! WELCOME HOME SGM Thomas Marotta Saturday, June 5, 2010   After a year long deployment in Iraq, U.S. Army SGM Marotta returned home to Honor and Respect from many!  At O'Hare, he was greeted by Ride Coordinator Tom Tallman and Warriors Watch Riders and Barb Fitzpatrick and Will County A.B.A.T.E. Riders with a Welcome that brought tears to the eyes of our Hero, serving our country for more than 30 years!  They then began his final journey home with an escort ALL the WAY to Wilmington, Illinois where they were met by American Legion Riders and the Police and Fire Departments of Wilmington, sirens wailing as they escorted him to his final destination at VFW POST #5422, whom hosted a party to celebrate the safe return and Service of SGM and that of his family, our unspoken heroes. THANK YOU for your Service, Sacrifice and Dedication of more than 30 years for each of our freedoms, SGM Thomas Marotta!  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! WELCOME HOME!

	Over 57 Bikes and 12 Vehicles from Warriors Watch and A.B.A.T.E. Will County escorted Cpl from Home Depot to Zelmo's!  HONOR & RESPECT! Thank You Cpl for all you gave on behalf of each of our freedoms!  God Bless!
	THANK YOU Barb Fitzpatrick A.B.A.T.E. Will County Warriors Watch Zelmo's "Ground Control" "Righteous Hillbillies"   Our great appreciation for raising FUNds and  your outreach and generous support to the Mission of MOMS!   Awesome Welcome Home and Benefit Event!

MOMS Joe Trippiedi offers the support of MOMS...

To Kirissa and her Family at the Wilmington VFW!

*****     *****     ***** WELCOME HOME SPC Joshua Sheppard, U.S. Army FROM IRAQ! FRIDAY, October 9, 2009 The rain and cold did not detour family and friends as they awaited the arrival of SPC Sheppard!  His plane was delayed due to weather conditions, traffic was backed up from O'Hare to Joliet...and a 3PM expected arrival time was long delayed.  At 6:15PM, all anxiously awaited their Hero's return at the Pontiac, Illinois Courhouse Grounds... Thank You SPC Sheppard for your Service, Dedication, and Sacrifice for each of our Freedoms...From All at MOMS! *****     *****     ***** WELCOME HOME PFC Robert Schwiesow, U.S. Army FROM IRAQ! Friday, October 9,2009 PVT Schwiesow arrived with the Escort of Morris Police and Fire, Grundy County Sheriffs and surrounded by the American Legion Riders to a Flag Line stretching down the block at Clayton's in Morris...the Honor Guard of the American Legion and VFW greeted him with their Salute as ALR Commander Jerry Terrando Welcomed their Hero home! THANK YOU PVT SCHWIESOW!  WELCOME HOME!  *****     *****     *****

	The Patriot Guard Riders on a Mission for our FALLEN HERO'S!  Their dignified show of respect and honor is one which will remain in hearts and memories for years to come!

ILLINOIS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS RETURN FROM AFGHANISTAN to Sullivan, Illinois...   The town of Sullivan was dressed with yellow ribbons, American Flags, families, friends and MOMS awaiting the arrival of the 634th BSB.  Since their mobilization in September of 2008, these Soldiers were part of the largest overseas deployment of the Illinois National Guard since World War II, forming Task Force Phoenix VIII.  The deployment included approximately 30 Units throughout the state.   In a News Release, Governor Pat Quinn said "It is important that we honor our Service Members, not only as thy arrive home to their families and loved ones, but everyday.  These Soldiers have served our country proudly and we must never forget their selfless courage".     THANK YOU!  WELCOME HOME!

	LCPL Glen Probus, U.S. Marine Corp Wilmington, IL After serving in Kuwait, Iraq and Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan's Helmand province for the past 7 months, Wilmington Marine, Lcpl Glen Probus arrived home with the Escort of the City and the American Legion Riders of Morris, Coal City and Yorkville, to a Flag Line of Honor!  Greeted by VFW Post #5422 Color Guard, Joliet Marine Corp League Commander William T. Welch, and Mayor Marty Orr of Wilmington, Lcpl Probus was overwhelmed and oh so happy to be home as he arrived with his mother, Robbin Probus!  A comunity of caring and support...   THANK YOU MARINE LCPL GLEN PROBUS!

SGT Rick Johnson of Coal City clutches the American Flag as he is brought home on the Motorcyle of the American Legion Riders, Morris Post 294!  Many Riders joined in with an Escort that seemed unending, always giving of their hearts for a Soldier!	Coal City Fire, Police and Emergency Vehicles are there to escort the National Guard Soldiers as they return from Afghanistan to their family and friends!  Thank You, Coal City for your awesome Welcome!
To the right...Family, Friends and the Community form a Flag Line to show their respect, honor and appreciation for the Service of the returning Soldiers!  The children awaiting the return of each of their Fathers, insisted on holding a Flag four times their size!  It was a day of joyous tears after a long year of Service for the Soldiers and their families!
Handmade Posters and Greetings fill the Garage Door, awaiting the return of the three Soldiers.  Yellow ribbons and American Flags filled the block and hands of soooo very many!	Honorable Mayor Nelson leaves his busy schedule to be there to greet each Soldier with a token of Coal City's appreciation for their Service!

Co E - 634th Brigade Support Illinois Army National Guard   August 20, 2009 Joliet, Illinois	A Special Thanks to the Hamption Inns, Biggby, and the Girl Scouts of your Donations for the Members of Task Force Phoenix upon their return from Afghanistan! OPERATION: MOMS Cookies Inc., NFP

"TASK FORCE - THANKFUL" (Is the name for the Organization whom have worked on the C Co Welcome Home!) Click on the picture above to Link To: www.taskforcethankful.com The Official Website of the Return of: Company C 1st Battalion 178th Infantry Returned SUNDAY, August 2, 2009! Almost one year ago, the Soldiers of "Charlie Company" departed from the Illinois National Guard Armory in Joliet for Afghanistan... WELCOME HOME!!! Please link to the Website to upload your pictures and see the Homecoming of our Heroes! Honor & Respect   WELCOME HOME FROM Afghanistan!   THANK YOU!     SFC Edward Perry Jr. of Wilmington has arrived HOME after serving in Afghanistan with the 106th Cav, Illinois National Guard based out of Pontiac, Illinois for the past year!  Wife, Becky Perry and his children brought him home after his arrival to the Kewanee Illinois National Guard Armory via Fort McCoy!  An American Hero, giving in Service, 24/7, for each of our Freedoms is Home!     SFC Perry was met at 113 & Stripmine Road, Snookers AGAIN extending the courtesy for waiting Escorts to use their lot.  Wilmington Police were there along with Morris Post 294 American Legion Riders to bring him HOME!  What a surprise that was...he thought our Police Officer had pulled our Honor Escort over...little did he know!  Great Job, Perry family! SFC Perry was escorted to his home in Wilmington, where Honorable Mayor Marty Orr, Alderman John Persic and Alderwoman Darla Neisis Welcomed him along with Family and Friends!  We extend a BIG THANKS to the City of Wilmington for their constant caring and support of their Military Men and Women and to the American Legion Riders of Morris Post 294 for your constant Escorts of Honor and Respect along with your many works of heart for each returning! HONOR & RESPECT for SFC Edward Perry Jr. as returns home to smiles, handshakes and hugs...as we each honor his Service, Dedication and Sacrifice on behalf of each of our Freedoms!    THANK YOU SFC Edward Perry Jr.!!!

GODS SPEED   IN YOUR MISSION US MARINE Chad of Wilmington! As you deploy to Afghanistan...please know you are held in many hearts, thoughts and prayers! Thank You for your Service & Dedication For each of our freedoms! A community filled with support will glow bright for you to see across the miles as you work in your Mission and we await your safe return home!

MOMS Honor & Respect   WELCOME HOME SGT ROBERT K. LAUSCH U.S. ARMY, 173rd AIRBORNE

MONDAY, JULY 13, 2009 Army SGT Robert Lausch of Wilmington has returned after 18 months of Overseas Duty to include Afghanistan and Italy! An American Hero, giving in Service, 24/7, for each of our Freedoms!   The Riders of Warriors Watch greeted SGT Lausch upon his arrival at O'Hare, providing him with an Escort of Honor and Respect as he began his journey home to Wilmington...THANK YOU RC Bob Smith and all the Riders of Warriors Watch!!!  Assembling at Snookers at Route 129, SGT Lausch was met by the City of Wilmington Fire and Police, flanked with respect by the American Legion Riders of Morris Post 294, as he was brought to a Flag Line Greeting of Family and Friends as Wilmington Post #5422 VFW Color Guard honored him along with American Legion Lester Smith #191 Commander, Joseph Trippiedi, American Legion Riders Post #294, Comunity and MOMS!   HONOR & RESPECT for SGT Lausch as he returned home to smiles, handshakes and hugs...as we each honored his daily Service, Dedication and Sacrifice on behalf of each of our Freedoms!  THANK YOU SGT LAUSCH! Add your content here

WELCOME HOME RYAN RUMLER...U.S. ARMY! THANK YOU ! MOMS Volunteer, Nancy Rumbler, after packing at MOMS center, made the trip to the airport and to Texas, awaiting the return of her son Ryan, from Afghanistan...wating for the call for verification that her Son would be on a plane to the Texas Army Base made days seem like years!  At 11PM, not having talked to him on the phone since Christmas, he phoned having landed in the United States!  At 6:30AM, the Welcome Home Ceremony and she was able to finally see her Son!  Nancy is pictured with Ryan and their family at right!  Ryan in Afghanistan... A picture which remains in many hearts! The Girls Scout Cookies were fought over as each Box was shared...Thank you Girl Scouts of America for your support of Ryan and his Soldiers! THANK YOU, Ryan! For your Service, Dedication and Sacrifice on behalf of each of us!!! WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME Marine Cpl Joshua Edgeworth! THANK YOU ! 2009June Warriors Watch Riders welcome Corporal at the O'Hare Oasis as he arrived home at 11PM...escorting him with honor, pride and respect to his Home! A Community prepares to Welcome Cpl Edgeworth home to Wilmington...a Flag line begins to stage as they await his arrival! The crowd has gathered at Memorial Park in Wilmington for the Community Band Patriotic Concert...and the arrival of their Marine! Wilmington Mayor Marty Orr Welcomes Cpl Edgeworth Home, expressing the communities deep respect, honor and gratitude for his Service! An evening in the park...in small town America... the Heart of America! All-State Commander William Kiley, VFW Post #5422, presents Cpl Edgeworth a Plaque of Appreciation as he thanks him for his Service! Jerry Terrando, American Legion Post #294 Escort Rider and Gold Star Father, leads the Community Band to the delight of the crowd and Cpl Edgeworth! Cpl Joshua is presented his Welcome Home Banner at the close of the evening...filled with heartfelt messages of gratitude and appreciation for his Service!  THANK YOU, Cpl Edgeworth!!! U.S. MARINE Answering the Call... PROUD TO SERVE! 2009May   God Bless & Gods Speed Pvt Lucas Kaplan of Diamond, Illinois As you leave for Advanced Training!   All at OPERATION: MOMS Cookies United Sates AIR FORCE...   I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN. I AM A WARRIOR. I HAVE ANSWERED MY NATION'S CALL!   CONGRATULATIONS Airman Andrew E. Ryan of Kankakee, Illinois ON YOUR GRADUATION! God Bless & Gods Speed!   All at OPERATION: MOMS Cookies

WELCOME HOME From AFGHANISTAN SGT Ian Walker of Braceville, IL and The 61st Cavalry/101st Airborne TO FORT CAMPBELL! Watch for his Welcome Home to Illinois from MOMS and  J.K. Harrison's Pub and Grill in Braceville!

Michael Blaha and Andy Ryan... GOOD LUCK! Our pride & prayers are with you as you make the sacrifice, To Defend our Country's Freedom with Honor & Your Life! Your are on your way as American Airmen: Wingmen, Leaders, Warriors! Our communities said Good-By to Two of our Own Saturday! An overwhelming outpouring of Support, Caring & Respect For Our Own Air Force Trainee's!

	Marine Cpl Adam Henderson Hometown:  Morris, IL 12/2008 WELCOME HOME CPL ADAM HENDERSON USMC February 21, 2009   It is with much respect and honor we Welcome Home Cpl Adam Henderson to Morris, Illinois after 5 years of Service and his final Tour of Duty in Fallujah, Iraq!  Cpl Henderson is pictured at right at the American Legion Post 294 in Morris at his Welcome Home Party!  Below, his smile touches each of us as does his Service, while he is escorted from his home, through Morris to the Post! Thank you Adam for your dedication, sacrifice and service on behalf of each of our Freedoms!  You are OUR HERO!

	WELCOME HOME USS KEARSARGE TO NORFOLK! The Kearsarge returns from its humanitarian mission dubbed Continuing Promise! During its deployment, the Crew provided vetinary, medical, dental and civil engineering help to six partner nations in Central and South America and the Carribean!   A special WELCOME for a special MOMS Volunteer, Dorothy Tjelle, as her Grandson returns home!

GODS SPEED PFC Kyle R. Eilers! Wilmington Resident...US Marine Corps!  He enlisted in the Corp right out of High School as it was "What he always wanted to do"!  He departed for final training on TUESDAY, November 18th and for deployment directly to a destination not yet determined, without a return leave home!   4:30AM...Freezing cold, PFC Eilers stands with his father, best friend, Ron Armstrong, and friends and supporters gathering as he prepares to leave! He was escorted through Wilmington to the City Limits at I55 led by his hometown Wilmington ESDA, Fire and Police along with Will County Escort vehicles.  Early wake-up...freezing cold...sending off a local HERO! Thank You PFC Eilers for your Service and the Gift of Freedom you bring to each of us!  You are in our hearts and prayers! GODS SPEED!

USAF Trainee, Stephen Matthew Folk, Jr. Departs for 6 years of Service to Our Country!   Pictured left is Stephen, with parents Steve and Michelle Folk in their Wilmington home, moments before his departure!  The residence was filled, the rain began, But detoured no one in bidding their Farewell!       The small streets began to fill with Wilmington Police, ESDA, Fire and Will County Sheriff's vehicles to escort Stephen through his hometown as his journey began to take his Oath at MEPS and on to Basic Training in Texas, in Military Service to our country.  As the escort began, it filled to over 5 blocks long, with a community of caring, respect and support for their American Hero! 11Nov2008 OMC Inc., NFP

PFC Christopher McSpadden, U.S. Army WELCOME HOME!   Thank You to ANN GILL at the Free Press Newspapers for a  Beautiful Tribute with "A HERO'S WELCOME"!       PFC Christopher McSpadden, U.S. Army, returned to an entire community "WELCOME HOME" Honor Greeting!  PFC McSpadden arrived for a short leave from Camp Liberty, IRAQ.  He was escorted by the American Legion Riders, Soldiers Guardian Angels, Warriors Watch Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, Coal City Fire and Police to the home of his Grandmother, Shirley, where he was honored by the Coal City American Legion Color Guard, greeted by MOMS, Coal City President, Neal E. Nelson and our community.   25Oct2008

CPT Raymond M. Simons holds MOMS Banner filled with hundreds of Messages to deploy with the Men of Alpha Company!  They will be reminded daily of the caring and support here on the homefront!

SSG Jay P. Lawson, works to distribute MOMS "Box of Home" as he supports his fellow Soldiers, relaying the thanks and appreciation of OPERATION: MOMS and our communities!

WELCOME HOME SPC GREG HIGGINS! THANK YOU from a grateful Community! Morris, ILL 3 Oct 2008

SPC Higgins arrives on the bike of American Legion Rider, Scott Henderson at the Morris VFW!  What an honor to be present!

	Deploying Troops from the Joliet Army National Guard ...supported with MOMS "Box of Home"!    GODS SPEED IN YOUR MISSION! September 2008

	WELCOME Home AFC Sean Barnett VFW Post #6049, 309 McKinley St. in Morris   Airman First Class Sean Barnett, United States Air Force and a 2006 Graduate of Morris High School returned home after serving a 6 month Tour of Duty in Baghdad, Iraq!  Family, Friends, Mayor Kpoczick, Grundy County, Morris Police and Fire, Motorcylce Escort by Members of American Legion and Patriot Guard Riders, OPERATION: MOMS and the Morris VFW Post #6049 Color Guard honored AFC Barnett for his Service! MOMS extends its appreciation to VFW Post #6049 for the use of its venue, Mayor Kpoczik, Grundy County, Morris Police and Fire, ALR, PGR and to each who Welcomed Home our local Hero!     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A WOUNDED WARRIOR RETURNS HOME... PVT Frank Pierson, Purple Heart Recipient THE TOWN OF CICERO Honors Frank Pierson, US ARMY For his Bravery, Service and Commitment for our Country!   Frank wanted to serve his Country...Deployed to Iraq, his Vehicle was hit by an IED on March 4, 2008...he battled for life and won...his spirit, selflessness and inner strength are always shining, as he is challenged each day with his injuries and the loss of his legs...an inspiration to so very many!  His family and community are there for Frank and for ALL Military Men and Women!   THANK YOU Warriors Watch for your guiding "Honor Escort" of PVT Pierson...your Organization providing your Bike and Cage escort left everyone in awe!  Cicero streets were lined with people and waving American Flags AND...the Town Street Sweepers, each PAINTED for each of the Military Branches presented an overwhelming display of patriotism and honor!  GODS SPEED PVT Pierson as you return to Walter Reed! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

	After serving a 16 Month Deployment in Afghanistan with a short leave here at home...   SPC Lausch was escorted from the Wilmington Fire Department by City Fire, Police and ESDA along with MOMS, Soldiers Guardian Angels, family and friends.. to return to his Airborne Unit in Italy.                                      30August2008
	GODS SPEED! YOU ARE IN MANY HEARTS, THOUGHTS and PRAYERS!

SSG Dettmann and Family...

Honor and Respect for an American Hero!

The Patriot Guard and American Legion Riders...

lead the way for a Morris Hero!

Morris Police, Fire and Rescue along with...

the Grundy County Sheriff greet SSG Dettman!

The Morris, IL Courhouse lawn is lined with many..

in their Salute of SSG Dettman!

SFC John W. Jennings in Afghanistan...

Returning HOME!

Joshua with his Send-Off Banner!

Lcpl receives an Honor Escort by the City as he leaves!

SFC TOM...We Missed You!

WELCOME HOME!

Cpl Tibble arrives home from Iraq!

Daddy's HOME!