Stryker Brigade News

October 15, 2004

Greetings everyone,

Well, we are working on the logistics and hope to be on our way to DC in a few days. If anyone watched [edit] Prime time live [edit] last night, you know the situation we are in as a family of an injured soldier. I am so greatful to God and everyone who has prayed for our family that words can not express it properly. I have received so many messages I can not keep up with it all. Due to Army regulations, which soon may change due to the Dateline exposure. It breaks my heart that many of our injured soldiers and their families are treated that way. Unfortunately, we are in the same situation as many others. But for the grace of God and some very generous people do many families find ways to be with their son's and daughter's during their recovery. You can bet your bottom dollar that I will become one of our wounded soldier's best advocates once our son is no longer in need of our constant attention. Anyway, enough with the negative, on to the positive. Michael should be out of surgery by now and we are awaiting word from the Army about how he did. (If I do not get a call shortly, I will call them. My patience is not what it used to be) I know in my heart that the couragous deeds of his fellow soldiers to get my son back to base to receive medical care and the attention my son gave to his health and well being, both with PT and emotional support from his family and friends, allowed his to attain a status of injury that is no longer life threatening. For this, I am eternally greatful. I know he will receive excellent care at Walter Reed due to the many reports I have received from others who have been there.

I want to personally thank everyone again and know that I am so thankful to all who have offered help to me and my family. You have no idea what it is like to not have the means to travel when an emergency happens. I am a very proud man and I seldom ask for anyone's help but I always ask God to guide me. Well, this time I guess the Lord said you will be touched by others and their generosity will lift you and your family. He is truly great and my Stryker Family is one I will always hold dear to my heart. (That is a pretty heavy statement coming from a Navy guy ya know?) May God bless our soldiers and those that love them, for they keep us free. I pray for those that have been lost and for their families to find peace. I know their burden is many times more than what I am experiencing now. You will forever be in my prayers.

I will try to keep everyone updated as time goes on. Please know that if I am unable to connect, my thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Take care and God bless.
Respecfully yours,
Michael, Georganna and Andrea Oreskovic
The Proud Family of Specialist Michael J. Oreskovic, 3-2 INF., SBCT, B-Troop, 1-14th Cav. Suivez Moi
HOOAH!!!

October 18, 2004

Greetings everyone,

Well, we made it to DC and saw Michael for a few hours. It was so great to finally see and touch my son. It was a long day, 12 hours to get to him and we finally went to bed at 0500. He goes in for more surgery this morning and we hope to see him again this afternoon.

Thanks to everyone for all their help and prayers. It definately has made a difference and I will write more later.

Everyone here has been very helpful and with God's help, I know we will do fine. Small glitch in the room setup, but we are working that out today. Needless to say, today will be a busy day and I will let you all know how it goes later.

Michael was amazed at all the letters, emails and well wishes that we have received on his condition. In his typical low tone hooah voice he said to say thanks.

God bless, take care, and know that you are all in our prayers.
Regards,
Mike

October 19, 2004

Hello everyone,

Today was a wirlwind adventure of people and places. As Barbara has said earlier, Walter Reed is HUGE. It is also laid out somewhat confusing so getting your bearings after coming out of an elevator can be a bit overwhelming. (Note to self, get a compass) Anyway, Michael had many visitors today and his mother and I were there for the most part bending a few ears and gathering business cards as we went. I will have to digest most of it this evening and start laying out my matrix of who does what. I am amazed at the level of expertise in this place, it is truly a blessing to have such fine people and facilities available for our wounded soldiers. They deserve the best and from what i have seen, they get it here.

Michael is doing well, more surgery is scheduled for Thurs. and if all goes well, that will be the last one he needs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your soldiers, keep us all in yours, it will be a long time recovering but from what I have seen, these Stryker soldiers will do just fine. They are true warriors and heros that will attain greatness in their own way. God has changed their paths for some unknown reason that will be shared to all someday.

Please know that I am greatful to all for your kind words and prayers and I will write more later when I have time. There is a soldier here that needs the computer and his time online to family is paramount.

God bless and take care,
Mike and Family

October 19, 2004

(From a subsequent email I received from Mike)

Hi Todd,

We got the word today that Michael will be at WR for about a year. We were hoping for Madigan at ft lewis, but they said the best care is here and that is where he will be for the most part. The doctor said Michael may be able to head back to ft lewis for a few days to attend the brigade ceremony but no promises. I guess they do convalescent leaves for the soldiers as part of their rehab to give them a boost in morale. I know Michael would like that.

It is amazing the people I have met that have had to do the same thing as we have to get to our son. Fund raisers, community bake sales, you name it, I have seen people that have had whole small town communities come to their aid. As sad as that may sound, it sure does my heart good to know there are so many good people in this country who care about our soldiers and their families.

ttfn
Mike O