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“You guys came all the way out here? This blows my mind,” said a very surprised Kevin Schafer as he was greeted by hundreds of thankful citizens, reporters, police officers, firefighters and VFW members upon his recent return to Batavia, Ill. Schafer was returning from his second 15-month tour of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army’s 4th ID, where he was instrumental in capturing the number two most wanted al-Qaeda suspect.
The idea of a neighborhood homecoming event for Schafer, first proposed at a Batavia City Council meeting, evolved into “one of the biggest events to hit Batavia since JFK came through in 1960,” according to Ralph Gebes, VFW Department of Illinois.
It wasn’t difficult to garner support for the event. The city of Batavia is a very patriotic city; the school district ensures that students are educated about the U.S. flag, veterans and all aspects that make America a great place to live, and patriotic holidays are always a celebration for its citizens.
Upon hearing of Schafer’s pending return, Mike Bryne, senior vice commander of VFW Post 1197 went to work. He contacted local VFW Posts and VFW Department of Illinois officers, resulting in a huge VFW presence at the event.
Schafer had no idea what his community had planned until he and his mother were greeted by the Patriot Guard Riders as they reached the outskirts of Batavia. Then, poised on the backseat of a candy apple-red, Mustang convertible, he grinned from ear to ear as an Illinois VFW Color Guard led him up his driveway. “I can’t believe all of the support out here, it’s just mind blowing!” said Schafer. “I know it’s for all of the soldiers and I’m just the lucky guy who happens to be that representational figure for all of the soldiers over there.” | 
