BIG ROCK – Army Pfc. Craig Everhart expected to go straight home for rest and relaxation when his family picked him up from O’Hare International Airport.

Instead, the ride Saturday took a detour through Sugar Grove, where police officers and firefighters from surrounding counties – along with members and military veterans of Warriors’ Watch Riders – greeted him with American flags, cheers, handshakes and salutes.

“It feels very good to be home,” Everhart said. “I wasn’t expecting all this. It was a big surprise.”