Print
Nov 29, 2008 8:28 pm US/Central
Soldier Gets Surprise Welcome Home
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
-
-
Army Specialist Alexander Vicha gets surprise welcome home from the Soldier's Guardian Angels and the Warriors' Watch Riders.
CBS
He was happy to be home, but a suburban soldier was all smiles, thanks to a surprise show of support Saturday, as CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports.
Army Specialist Alexander Vicha was greeted with cheers and applause. Close to 100 veterans from near and far, along with everyday citizens and parents, with loved ones in the military, surprised Vicha. He just completed his first tour of duty in Iraq.
When asked what he thought about the welcome, Vicha said, "At first, I really didn't want to step out because I didn't know anything about this. But you know, sometimes, you got to just go for it – so there you go."
Through a military program, Vicha ordered a Harley Davidson, a year ago, while he was serving in Iraq. When he came home Saturday to Wild Fire Harley Davidson in Villa Park to pick it up, her had no idea that he was going to get the greeting that he did.
"It's a big deal to me," Vicha said. "It really is and I'm sure I'll never forget this in my entire life."
Two groups, the Soldier's Guardian Angels and the Warriors' Watch Riders, organized it.
"When they come back from overseas, they're always wondering: are they going to be accepted back socially; are they going to be scorned upon and we want to make sure that they know we're behind them 100 percent," said Andrew Regal of the Warriors' Watch Riders.
Spc. Vicha's parents knew all about the clandestine operation.
"He's the master of surprises," said his mother Jessie Vicha. "He surprised us coming home. Knowing this all along, it was a lot of fun to know. This huge thing was happening for him. It's very honoring to him. We really appreciate it."
"Thank you everyone…like, a lot," Vicha said.
The infantryman will be home for the holidays, but he won't be riding his new motorcycle. Vicha still doesn't have his license yet. He's taking classes and hopes to take the test, and be riding his Harley in five months.
After the holidays, Spc. Vicha heads to Germany. He'll complete his service in the Army in August 2009.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Video: CBS 2's Picks To Click
