Harley Davidson motorcycles and leather-clad Warriors' Watch Riders bearing American flags flanked a Jewel parking lot in Huntley on July 24 in anticipation of the arrival of decorated Lt. Colonel Edward Wood, who returned home after doing another active tour of duty at Fort Lewis where he trained military personnel preparing for deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The surprise escort was summoned by Wood’s sister Kirsten Hill, who said his homecoming was long overdue.

Throughout Wood’s nearly 20-year military career, he received a plethora of honors including the Bronze Star Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal (M-Device). His overseas service included a year in Korea as a platoon leader, and he was also called up for active service in Iraq in April 2006. He returned home to his wife, Amanda, now 5-year-old daughter Aria and 6-year-old son Alexander in June 2007.

Among Wood’s many accolades, returning home was his most significant reward, his wife said.

After the preliminary greeting Warriors' Watch Riders and war veterans, Wood was escorted by a parade of motorcycles from the Huntley grocery store to Emerson Park in Woodstock. The procession was led by Woodstock firefighters and police officers, while warriors stopped traffic to ensure the line of cars and motorcycles following Wood’s vehicle would remain intact.

While maneuvering highways and side streets, passers-by honked their horns, pulled over to pay their respects or saluted the procession in support.

At Emerson Park, a crowd of nearly 60 friends, family and supporters welcomed the war hero home, including Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager and Wood’s kindergarten teacher Mary Ellen Howard.

Shaken by the overwhelming support, Wood expressed his gratitude and sincerely stated that the men who died while serving their country were the true heroes; not he.

A choked up Wood, also took a moment to commend the warriors watch rider war veterans and reminded everyone that receiving support for service never gets old.

For more photos from the event, click here.