Some of the bikers

The day promised to be warm as the bikers arrived at the designated staging area. Mainly older and grayer, the earlier arrivals found places in the shade on this Saturday morning. Parking their bikes (the majority of which were Harleys), the riders dismounted and made the rounds, shaking hands with one another. Some were affiliated with the American Legion Riders, some with the Patriot Guard Riders, and others unaffiliated.

Corporal Gomez

Greeting old friends and introducing themselves to new ones, the group continued to grow, coming together for a special purpose. They would be escorting wounded warrior Corporal Carlos Gomez, U. S. Marine Corps, to the ceremony at which he would receive the key to a mortgage-free, custom-built, specially adapted home in El Cajon.

Corporal Gomez is a double amputee, having been severely injured during combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Through the efforts of the nonprofit Homes for Our Troops, he would receive the keys to his new home at a small but well-attended ceremony.

The majority of the gathered bikers were veterans, their collective service spanning multiple decades. From the patches on their leathers, one could detect heavy Navy and Marine Corps representation. As the small talk before the escort mission continued, two sheriff’s vehicles arrived. They would provide the lead and trail vehicles for the procession.

Raising of the flag

Young Marines Color Guard

Then Gomez arrived, noticeable due to the prosthetics. Each one of the bikers went over to shake his hand. Gomez thanked each one of the bikers. Each of the bikers said no expression of thanks was deserved, that it was their honor to be there.

Shortly, the mandatory mission briefing was given, heads were bowed in prayer, and the bikers returned to their rides and mounted up. The procession lined up with front sheriff’s car leading the way, followed by two bikes flying large American flags, Corporal Gomez, with the remaining bikers and final sheriff’s car bringing up the rear. It was not a long ride, but as the procession rolled along the surface streets, drivers coming from the opposite direction stopped, maybe just to get a better look at the procession.

Leading the way, the escort arrived at the house and peeled off, leaving Gomez to drive up and receive an enthusiastic greeting from the crowd. After the national colors were presented by a Young Marines Color Guard from Miramar and the national anthem was sung, those assembled listened to a variety of speeches from a variety of dignitaries. One speaker’s comment stood out. Retired Brigadier General J. W. Bullard, U. S. Marine Corps said of Corporal Gomez, “Although he lost his legs, he never lost his spirit.”

Then the “speechifying” finished, Corporal Gomez helped raise the National Colors for the first time just outside the front door, the ribbon was cut, and he was given the keys to his home.

Their part completed, the bikers returned to their motorcycles, mounted up, and departed. Their mission for the day was completed.