Blog: Sgt. Tom Fillippo, Army Ranger, Gets a Surprise Upon His Return Home

Tom Fillippo came home to his family and friends from his third tour in Afghanistan. A stretch limo picked him up at the airport but he had no idea of the greetings that awaited him.

His first surprise occurred as the limo approached the WAWA on Route 29 near the 202 entrance, it was met by The Warriors Watch Riders, a group of motorcyclists dedicated to honoring our fighting troops, along with fire and rescue trucks of East Whiteland Township. Forming a motorcade, they travelled up 29 to Whitehorse, and then on to Tom’s family home, a horse farm nestled in a secluded valley between Malvern and Phoenixville.

Then came Tom’s second surprise: perhaps sixty or so of us were gathered at the farm, and  as the motorcade wound up the long drive, we unfurled our flags and broke into cheers.

There were many special moments, especially as his mom and dad and friends gave him hugs they’d been saving up. Part way through the reception, a young woman stood on a low wall and sang, simply and beautifully, “The Star Spangled Banner”, followed by “America The Beautiful”. It must be the pollen season for there were tears in many eyes including mine.

Rich Davis of the West Chester Sheepdogs, along with A Hero’s Welcome, had helped organize this,  and he had words of greeting and thanks for Tom. Numerous Sheepdogs were in attendance. Then Rich led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance More moist eyes.

I’ll let the photos give you a sense of the affair. I was honored to represent The General Wayne Tea Party, and I wish you could have been there. It was truly a joyous and inspiring window into what’s so wonderful about our country.

Welcome home Tom!