Having officially finished his tour of duty with the U.S. Navy in December, 22-year-old Jim Kapp was quite surprised when a motorcade of patriots pulled up at 9 a.m. in front of his home.
A motorcade and escort organized by Operation Welcome You Home greeted Kapp and his family at their Delaney Road house. With lights flashing and horns blowing, Kapp was given a royal escort to Country Charm Restaurant, a favorite family eatery, where he was met by a restaurant full of well-wishers.
A 2008 graduate of Lincoln-Way Central High School, Kapp stood quietly in the midst of the crowd that gathered out front of the restaurant. Flanked by his parents, Julie and Jason Kapp, along with his sister Jillian, he humbly accepted the warm accolades offered by the likes of Operation Welcome You Home, the Warriors Watch Riders and Soldiers Guardian Angels.
Find out what's happening in New Lenoxfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"This a big surprise," he said. "I didn't know this was going to happen. I thought I was going to work, to help somebody out fixing a door. I heard (the motorcade drive past,) but I didn't know (it) was stopping for me."
Readers might like:
Find out what's happening in New Lenoxfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Welcome Home to New Lenox: U.S. Marine Cpl. Thomas Lohnes
- Welcome Home Daddy: Sgt. Robert John Bick is Home for Christmas
- New Lenox Marine Gets a Royal Welcome Home from Afghanistan
Kapp's experience in the U.S. Navy was a bit unique. Last year he participated in a nine-month-long cross-military Individual Augmentation program with the U.S. Army. Julie Kapp, Jim's mother, said he voluntarily left the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii to serve in Afghanistan.
During his four years in the military, Kapp received several medals: Army Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense, Afghanistan Campaign, Global War on Terrorism, NATO Ribbon, Expert Rifleman and Expert Pistol.
Already Jim has landed a job. A member of the Chicago-based Carpenters Union Local #1, he's set to begin work in a couple weeks.
"I'm truly proud of him," said Julie. Speaking of the escort and the standing ovation her son received upon entering the restaurant, she added, "It was a very moving today. I'm very blessed that he came home healthy."
Two ways to stay connected:
- Sign up for a free New Lenox Patch newsletter.
Like what you see? "Like" New Lenox Patch on Facebook.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
