Stryker Brigade News

We drove to the front gate and got all checked in. The security guys, not military, were pretty thorough and let Michael know that the ID that he had issued in Germany was not up to standards. Seeing how his picture was taken when he was laying in a hospital bed in Germany all swollen I thought they were worried about if it was really him. LOL. They were worried about the missing magnetic strip so we pulled out the old ID card and all was good to go. sheesh...

Off to the squadron area and it was packed. I mean there were cars and trucks parked all over the place. We ended up parking in the barracks parking lot and walking back to the troop area. Needless to say it didn't take long for someone to spot us and we were off to the races, so to speak. From that point on, it was hugs, high fives and handshakes for the better part of the day. I got to meet most of the people Michael worked with and found them all to be fine young men. I can see now why Michael feels down at times, not being with his buds. God bless them all.

I have some pictures, but was unable to load more than one today. (note to self, turn down resolution and pic size in camera) The pics I took were huge and my dialup at home is not the best connection. I promise to get them all up in the gallery once we get back to DC and I get to the highspeed connection.

We spent most of the morning meeting everyone. I let Michael go his own way and I just roamed around a bit. Chatting with everyone I could and answering questions about how Michael was doing. I was really surprised at the number of times I was thanked for my part in the web site that Todd started. I know this site was a blessing to all of us at home, but I had no idea the affect it had on our troops. I feel humbled by the experience and proud that I contributed to the morale of many.

As the morning wore on, 1stSgt Gano introduced himself to me and said that they were going to have the troop meet at 1600 hours to welcome Michael back, and some other things. I said that would be fine, we were here for the entire day. It was great to finally put a face to a name with all of the troop's members. It was also great to see some of the guys I had met prior to their deployment over a year ago. It did my heart good to see Bidwell and Herring surrounded by my son once again. They were the two I knew best when Michael first got to Lewis. God bless them all, they are good buds and I pray I meet them all again, sooner than later.

Being an ol navy guy, I had never seen so many sgt's in one area in my life. I found them all to be very generous in their time with me and I will never forget our time together. (Kathy, I finally met your son. Shook his hand and thought of the hug I was supposed to give him for you, but decided not to embarrass him in front of his guys) :-) More on that later.

Anyway, Sgt.H. and the rest of the guys invited us to lunch and we were on our way to the tacoma mall for some chow. (Pic of that too later) We had a great time.

Finally it came time to head off to the ceremony. Thankfully, it was changed to inside because I was not dressed for the weather. Silly me, I took a light coat for the ride up, but a heavier one would have been better. LOL. It was the beginning of the ceremony and I had the pleasure and honor to meet Mrs. Stover and Mrs. Brubank. SSgt. Burbank's widow presented Michael with some special things she had for him. I gave her a big hug and we talked a while before the ceremony began. God bless her and may we always remember those lost.

After all the troop was assembled it was time. Michael was presented with his purple heart, the one that LTC. Buddy Carmen presented to him in Iraq after the first explosion. This time there was paperwork to make it legal. ;-) The first set was lost somewhere in transit after the second explosion. Michael received a couple more ribbons and then I about dropped my jaw to the floor... Michael was promoted laterally to corporal and for that I am truly greatful. I know he worked real hard at his job for these past few years and it did my heart good to see him recognized for such. (I have pics of that too) (Momma said I better get pics, she was too ill to attend so I did my best with the camera)

Anyway, I will post a followup after we get back to DC. I apologize for not writing sooner, but it has been a long week. Many thanks to all the men of B troop and their leaders for making our stay a memorable one. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers no matter where life takes us. It was an honor to meet you all.

Respecfully yours,
Mike "Oreo" Oreskovic
Proud Parent of a Stryker Soldier
Suivez Moi