Stryker Brigade News

Michael is on his way back to DC from Gettysburg, as described in the previous entry, and from what I have heard he, Cindy McGrew and Harold Peckenpaugh had a great time. Being from Oregon it was quite a site to see Michael in a confederate uniform. I can't wait to see all the pictures. (I will post a few on the gallery when I can)

The medboard paperwork has been started for Michael and it takes up to 90 days in a lot of cases. He is almost finished with all his testing and the VA paperwork needs only one more ammendment to complete. Unless something changes in the next few weeks, he should be medically retired from the Army by Sept.

I am in the process of informing the people I have met that I will be leaving and to keep an eye on Michael for me when I am gone. Cindy McGrew from Operationsecondchance.org is always there for us and Peggy Baker from operationfirstresponse.org has come to our rescue on many occassions. These two ladies and their organizations are the grassroots of support for family members and their soldiers here at Walter Reed. They provide a personal touch and constant contact without the big business bureaucratic paperwork hassles. All you have to do with these ladies is ask and they find a way to get it done. God bless them and those like them.

Michael made a trip to Chicago a few weeks back with some soldiers and Marines for a special event. They got police escorts, treated to a Sox game, ate some great food and saw the sights. They presented Michael with a sword and stetson which looked real good with his class A's. (first time he had worn them since graduation from basic at fort benning) :-) The last report I heard the event helped raise twenty thousand dollars for the support of our troops. It amazes me how these guys and girls, with all their injuries, still want to help their fellow service members. It makes me proud to see the patriotism and compassion they all have.

Michael got to demonstrate the new FATS system at the grand opening of the area at Walter Reed. It is the new training system that helps the soldiers get back in the groove by shooting weapons that are hooked up to sound and compressed air to simulate live fire on the range and in an urban environment. Pretty slick program for sure. The generals and colonels in attendance also took turns using the new system. (I won't mention any names of the brass that needed to find the mag release button on the M-16 but just say it was educational)

Michael finally got off all the medications that they had him on and he seems to be back to his old self again. It amazes me how drugs can change a person. (Not that he was the easiest person to live with before he went to war) ha ha.

We took a trip to Arlington National Cemetary and watche the changing of the guard the the Tomb of the Unknowns. Very moving time for us all. In the new women's memorial building they have portraits of many of the fallen soldiers from OIF/OEF and we spent some time remembering Sgt's Demand's and Burbank's pictures. Arlington is a place that makes you feel so humble and proud and sad at the same time. It is a sight I will never forget.

Well, that is enough rambling for now. If all goes well and I get my orders for travel, I should be back in Oregon by Thursday. That will give me a few days to prepare for the trip to Tacoma for the Ride for the Troops and Rally down I-5 from Destinations' harley davidson. (explaining that to the wife was tricky since I haven't been home since January) :-) By the way, I forgot to mention that I love you honey, happy 25th Wedding Anniversary. Can you believe it?

Since this will be my last posting from DC, I will probably make future entries from Oregon from info I gleen from my less than talkative son while he processes out. MANY THANKS to everyone who have been so supportive of us during these trying times. There are no words that can express my gratitude to everyone fully so I will just say thank you and God bless. I had no idea how tough it is on the family members of wounded soldiers until I have lived it. It changed my life and my future. I have become quite the advocate for righting some of the wrongs with the system and I plan on continuing so that future family members will hopefully have it better when their time comes. Take care everyone, I hope to see a few of you at the rally in Tacoma.

Sincerely yours,
Michael Oreskovic
A Proud Parent of a Stryker Soldier