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We made it home

Dec-17-2004 » Filed Under: Michael Oreskovic

Greetings everyone. Wow, what a long couple of days it was but we finally made it home, safe and sound. Michael did pretty good on the flight home except the rules have changed since he last flew and having military orders doesn't mean spit at the TSA security points. Standing in those long lines with so many people real close was a bit unnerving for him but he handled it ok. He did get his Gerber multitool confiscated, which really upset him. He carried that thing the whole time he was in Iraq and forgot it was in the bottom compartment of what he ended up with as a carry on. We already had to pay extra for some bag weight and were at the limit of checked items. Bummer. If we could have had more time, I could have sent it in the mail but the other plane was getting ready to take off and he did not want to miss it. I sure hope the TSA manager puts the tool to good use as I doubt they just throw them away. (evil grin) Done venting now....

It sure was good to sit in the ol easy chair again. Michael loved the paint job his sister did to his room. She made his bed and got everything ready for him when he arrived. Two different shades of slate blue really made the room look good.

The last two days of prep and the flight to the west coast took a lot out of us so we are resting and trying to uppack. The accumulation of stuff is amazing. Next time I am going to ship most of it back. LOL.

My wife is still not feeling well but I am sure the local docs will get her up and running soon. Michael ate a bunch of his favorite meal last night and today. I even made another batch so he would have plenty for later today and tonight. You should have seen the smile on his face. Nothing like Dad's home cooking after being gone so long.

Nothing definate yet, but we plan on making the trip to Fort Lewis after the new year. Michael is hoping to catch a few of his friends up there that have not transferred out already. I sure hope it goes well. I know the bond that the guys make is pretty strong and I am sure it is weighing heaving on him that he can not be there. Lots of adjustments to make for sure. time and prayers should do well for him and his mental well being. I can tell he changes a bit from time to time especially when watching anything about the Iraq war or the military.

Well, that is about it for now. I am working on uploading some more pics to the gallery later tonight and plan on adding more about our time at home when I get the chance. Take care all, God bless and thanks for all the support. We really appreciate it.

Respectfully yours,
Michael S Oreskovic
Proud Parent of a Stryker Soldier


Comments For "We made it home":

I support our soldiers through Operation Military Pride and have adopted a "stryker" soldier to support with letters and goodies among others. Therefore, I read this webpage at least 2x a day.

Would a petition to the airlines or flooding the e-mail in box make any difference in getting the Gerber multitool back? I'm sure the guys and gals at OMP would be happy to assist me in this effort!!

Just wondering! - Becky

Posted by: Rebecca Hoffman | December 17, 2004 5:04 PM

Ok, I need to apologize. This entry got posted twice and when I went to clean them up I accidentally deleted the one with the comments. Sorry about that.

Posted by: Todd | December 17, 2004 5:37 PM

Mike - call the airport. Call TSA!! Tell them you want that tool BACK! We'll ALL call if that's what it takes!!

I'm really sorry. Maybe Santa will bring him another one? Certainly not with the sentimental value of that one - but the beginning of a NEW adventure good luck piece.

Have a wonderful HO HO!!! Know you're all glad to be home!

Posted by: Yvonne | December 17, 2004 5:47 PM

Glad you are now home and maybe they will have a change of heart and mail the gerber tool to Mike. Welcome home and Merry Christmas to you and a big hug and thanks for a job well done you are a hero in my eyes. God bless enjoy your stay at home.

Posted by: Florence | December 17, 2004 8:20 PM

Welcome Home to the Oreskovic family.

Posted by: Janie | December 17, 2004 9:21 PM

Hey Oreo,
I hope your doing well, i can't tell you how much we miss our john j. You don't realise how much You miss a person until there gone. Me and my family have you in our prayers and as you already know I have a football team worth of prayers.

Your Little Mijo

Posted by: Sgt Luis Roldanneris | December 17, 2004 9:24 PM

What great news!! So glad you got to be home for Christmas! We will continue to remember all of you in our prayers... Mike, it sounds as if you have two wonderful children! Your daughter is a gem, and your son...well, hero and fighter come to mind. You must be so proud! Relax, enjoy the holidays and I hope you get the Gerber tool back...I will add my name/phone call/ email or whatever if we decide to do that! WOOHOO!!!!

Posted by: Susan in TN | December 17, 2004 11:47 PM

Glad you made it home! My sister inlaw works here for TSA, I will ask her what they do with those things. If she can help, I'll let you know.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: SBAunt | December 18, 2004 1:46 AM

Mike, so glad you made it home with the whole family. Tell your son we are so proud of him and then go beat down the door of "taken possessions" or maybe lets hope SBAunt sister can help. Letters to airport in support of your son would be great. We want him to have back his gerner tools!! Have a very Merry Christmas.

Posted by: okstrykermom | December 18, 2004 5:51 AM

So glad to hear that you are home, together for the holidays. I'm sure Santa can arrange for another Gerber tool - but maybe the one he had with him will be returned to him somehow. Happy to hear things are moving along. Best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season.

Posted by: Kathleen A | December 18, 2004 6:23 AM

I am happy to read that you are back here on the West Coast for the holidays. You all have a very Merry Christmas and wonderful time with family and friends.

P.S. Okay, I too am just a little miffed if there cannot be some accomodating made by TSA to get the gerber back where it truly belongs. SBaunt, I hope you are able to help out!!

Posted by: Annette | December 18, 2004 12:29 PM

Thanks to all for your replies. We are starting to settle in now and just had some family over for a visit. Michael did well and we got a call from a friend that said Santa will take care of the Gerber multitool. I doubt if there is anything that can be done about the one confiscated in Seattle, but you never know I guess. Michael is past that now and has not mentioned it since. He is stronger than I am for sure. :-) Anyway, thanks again for all the kind words. It is truly appreciated.

Regards,
Mike

Posted by: Mike Oreo | December 18, 2004 8:16 PM

I am so glad you're all home. There is nothing like your own bed, and your own kitchen! Have a joyous Christmas,and thank you for letting us know how all of you are doing.

Posted by: jRosemary | December 19, 2004 8:18 AM

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you! You'll be missed here in DC over the holidays but I'm so happy that you get to at home with friends and family. That's the best medicine.
Best wishes.
Kathleen (Soldier's Angels)

Posted by: Kathleen | December 19, 2004 9:28 AM

Welcome back to the GREAT PACIFIC NORTHWEST. Prayers that you and your family will have a blessed Christmas and that the new year will be filled with love, peace and joy.

Posted by: Debbie | December 19, 2004 10:18 PM

Mr. Oreskovic, I am so glad and relieved to hear that Mike got to be home for the holidays. I could think of nothing more healing for the soul, then to be around family and friends. Tell Mike that my mother and my family have him in our prayers.

Posted by: Dustin Rinehart | December 23, 2004 1:21 AM

This is to Dustin Rinehart, I am so glad to see that you really have made it home. I was worried that I would never know. I hope that someday you will remember your friend Carady from Oregon. I am always here.

Posted by: Carady | July 3, 2005 9:37 PM

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