Patriot Guard Duty: Welcome Home

Posted 6/21/2007

Petty Officer Derek Piatt shakes Tony "Pan" Sanfelipo's hand as he is welcomed home

Hupy and Abraham, S.C. investigator, Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo, volunteered time to work at the campaign booth for Tommy Thompson at the Little Sturgis on the River event in Davenport, Iowa.  Pan is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, and some other members recognized him by his Patriot Guard hat. They invited him to a welcome home mission on Saturday, June 16th, at the Quad City Airport in Moline, Illinois.  Pan has served on several missions for the Patriot Guard, but never a welcome home mission, so this was very special.

PO 3 Derek Piatt was returning from Iraq and his mother and girlfriend contacted the Patriot Guard and asked that they conduct this mission, without Derek’s knowledge.  There was a large group of Patriot Guard Riders who formed a flag line to greet Piatt as he headed for the baggage area. His mother and girlfriend emerged from among the ranks to Piatt’s surprise. It was an emotional reunion that he will never forget. From the airport, the riders escorted Derek to his grandmother’s house in Bettendorf, Iowa, for another surprise. His grandmother had just undergone knee surgery and did not know he was coming over to her house. After attending flag lines of fallen heroes, Pan was grateful to have had the opportunity to shake the hand of a real hero and welcome him home. Welcome home Petty Officer Derek Piatt.

back to top