Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus is back in the U.S., after serving our country overseas in the Navy. 

He's been running county government while working overseas, holding meetings and even his state of the county address by teleconference. 

He says he surprised his kids at their school with his return and thanked people who sent him care packages during his deployment. 

Neuahus put out a statement on his facebook, which read in part: "The outpouring of support for me and my family was moving and greatly appreciated.

Throughout my deployment, I met many Orange County residents who are serving and doing dangerous work.

Some are also home now, but many are still completing their tours. I ask the public to join me in keeping them and their families in thought and prayer."

Neuhaus was deployed as part of a special warfare unit with the Navy in the Middle East.