Proud of My Dad
Stephanie (Grade 03 / Schoolcraft) Originally published May 2004I am really proud of my daddy. He is a Master Sergeant in the National Guard. He has been sent to Bosnia to serve our country. This is an interview I had with him.
- Q: Why are you in Bosnia?
A: Our mission is to stabilize and consolidate the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and create conditions for the growth of civil authority. We were sent by the President of the United States. - Q: What do you do to serve the people there?
A: We provide Security and Humanitarian Aid. - Q: How is Bosnia the same or different than here?
A: It has a lot more mountains, warmer winters, but it is basically the same longitude as Minnesota. Bosnia is about ¼ the size of Minnesota. - Q: Is Bosnia a safe place?
A: There is a lot of crime in Bosnia. It is not as safe as the U.S. - Q: What are the kids like in Bosnia?
A: The kids are great. Most of the kids don’t have much. For example, they have to go sledding with cardboard. They have bad teeth because they don’t have a toothbrush. They may live in house with just a blanket for a door, no electricity, and just one coal or wood stove to keep the house warm. - Q: What is the weather like?
A: The weather has been outstanding. We have had some snow but it is all gone. It is warmer than Minnesota, today, January 14, it is raining and will be about 45 degrees. - Q: What and where do you eat?
A: I eat very well; buffet every night. It is just like Bonanza or Old Country Buffet every night. - Q: Do you get a break? If you do, what do you do during your break?
A: I get Sundays off. Everybody here gets one day off a week. I take a nap, wash clothes, clean my room, and work out during my day off. - Q: What is your room like?
A: My room is about 12 feet by 12 feet and I share it with one other soldier. - Q: What’s the best part about being in Bosnia?
A: You get to see how other people live. Americans are very lucky. - Q: What’s the worst part about being in Bosnia?
A: Being away from my family. - Q: What do you look forward to when you get home?
A: Spending time with my family, going fishing, and walking somewhere without a weapon.
I am excited for my dad to come home. I miss him a lot. He left home in June [2003] and will come back at the end of February [2004]. I can’t wait to give him a great big hug and tell him I love him!