Surprise 
escorts 
welcome 
soldiers

DeKALB – Angela Cano wanted her son, Justin Cano, to know how much his friends and family appreciated and missed him.

To do so, she arranged a surprise motorcycle escort to pick him up at his home and take him to a welcome home party.

Justin Cano, a member of the Navy, was wrapping up a two-week stay in his hometown of DeKalb when the Warriors’ Watch Riders showed up Saturday. He’s heading back to where he’s stationed in California today. His two-week stay was the first time he had seen his friends, family and girlfriend in about a year.

“It’s actually a big relief, to be honest,” he said about finally being home. “It’s a stress relief.”

Cano, 25, has served in the Navy for seven years. The 2005 DeKalb High School graduate has about a year and a half of service left. After his service is up, he plans to pursue a career as a DeKalb police officer.

He was one of two local soldiers who got a warm welcome Saturday from the Warriors’ Watch Riders, who surprised them with motorcycle, police and fire vehicle escorts.

Army Spc. Kurtis Frerichs, 22, of Cortland has served with the Army for more than two years. He returned home Saturday for a monthlong stay, and he was surprised by the motorcycle escort.

“I had no idea that my mother would be so awesome to welcome me home like this,” he said. “I didn’t expect it. I had no idea. It’s fun.”

While home, Frerichs enjoys spending time with family members he hasn’t seen since November.

Both soldiers have spent time overseas. Frerichs did a yearlong tour in Afghanistan with the Army Infantry. He’s now stationed in Hawaii.

In 2009, Cano spent six months in Afghanistan. He most recently returned from Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, where he spent nine months.

“I have a lot of respect for everyone serving overseas or who will serve overseas,” Frerichs said. “It’s not an easy job and not everyone can do it, so I really appreciate it.”

John Azoo, who organizes escorts with the Warriors’ Watch Riders, said the group’s main purpose is to show support for the troops. Motorcycles and cars draped in American flags escort soldiers while honking horns, and emergency vehicles flash their lights and sound their sirens.

“I support our troops, and it’s a good way to show support,” Azoo said. “Show America cares.”

Bob Abrams, assistant state coordinator for the Illinois Warriors’ Watch Riders, said soldiers spend so much time away from their families that a surprise escort is the least the group can do.

“We think it’s really important to say thank you to someone who does so much for us,” he said. “I don’t know if we make a difference. But they sign a blank check to their country that could cost as much as their lives.”

Paul Rutkowski and his family stood on Lincoln Highway to watch the escort take Cano to a local restaurant. He had never met Cano or the other soldiers in the dozen escorts they’ve stopped by to watch, but he felt it was important that his family was there.

“... I don’t think they get enough recognition,” he said, adding that soldiers should be able “to come back knowing that people support them, to know we appreciate what they’re doing for us, and be honored for the job they do.”

“I’m just glad he’s home and safe,” said Jamie Cano, Justin’s father. “I’m just very proud of him. He chose to do this on his own.”