Sgt. Dan Vrtiska wasn't around for many of his boy's football games.
The 45-year-old from Hooper, Neb., couldn't always be there when his son, Christopher, 16, needed someone to listen.
“I try to be there as much as I can,” Vrtiska said. “If he has a problem, he knows he can talk to me.”
Vrtiska was one of about 145 soldiers from the 402nd Military Police Battalion who received an official welcome home Saturday during a ceremony at the Hilton Omaha.
“I was really excited and glad to be home,” Vrtiska said.
The soldiers had returned late the night before Thanksgiving, so there wasn't time then for a ceremony.
The difference Saturday was that the family members knew their loved ones were safe, and everyone had enjoyed the holidays.
Military and Nebraska officials celebrated the success of the Nebraska Army National Guard during its soldiers' yearlong service in Afghanistan.
“As much as we wanted to thank you that night,” Gov. Dave Heineman said, “it was more important for you to be there for your families.”
Also greeting the troops were Sens. Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns and Rep. Lee Terry.
Welcome back ceremonies tend to be more emotional for young children and soldiers returning from their first tours, said Staff Sgt. Jeff Wagner, 26, of Lincoln, who has been overseas more than once.
The ceremony was followed by breakout sessions to learn about the National Guard's numerous health and benefit programs.
Sometimes having a parent away from home can be difficult, Christopher Vrtiska said.
“I try to block it out,” he said. “It used to bother me a lot.”
His dad, a Guard member for eight years, has missed about three years of Christopher's life.
“I'm glad to be with him and at least be a part of his life,” the sergeant said.
The father-son duo have plenty to catch up on, but for now they're taking it slowly.
“We play it day by day,” Sgt. Vrtiska said.
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