Shepherds in pastures stand with hands in their pockets, only glancing at the U.S. Army convoy. Women walking home from the stores with shopping bags in each hand never turn as the diesel engines rumble by. From inside the Humvee, all looks peaceful. The forests appear lush and green, a lot like north Georgia or east Tennessee. Children walk to school with books in their arms.
Adults work on building houses.
In Tuzla, people root for the Freedom, the city's professional basketball team. But this image of normal life exists because the Humvees roll along. Last week, seven men from Hinesville and Savannah traveled to Bosnia as guests of the 3rd Infantry Division, toured Army camps, went on patrols with soldiers and visited refugee camps, schools and historic sites. The guests learned that the soldiers know the history and politics of Bosnia. They watched the troops drive their Humvees safely and deal with the local population politely but firmly.