Dec 31, 2002 By Patty Shultz 4 min read

When Sgt. Shane Pulig of Smithfield joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard several years ago, it never entered his mind that some day he would be part of a peacekeeping force thousands of miles away from his hometown. Like many of his counterparts from Company D, 1st Battalion, 103rd Armor Division based in Connellsville, he has exchanged his everyday civilian attire for a uniform and an M-16 rifle.

Instead of traveling every day to his counseling job at Adelphoi Village, the Albert Gallatin High School graduate travels through war-torn regions as part of international peacekeeping force helping to provide security for the residents.

“It has been an experience,” said Pulig. “I have learned I have it very good back home.”

Pulig was deployed to Bosnia in August for a six-month tour of duty.

Each day, he departs Eagle Base, where he is stationed, with liaison officers who meet with various Bosnian military personnel and other members of the NATO forces stationed in the country.

The multinational force was stationed in Bosnia following the signing of a peace agreement in 1995. Pennsylvania’s 28th Division of the Army National Guard oversees the operation of Multinational Division North (MNDN), based within the region now known as Bosnia/Herzegovina.

Pulig said his tenure has allowed him to interact with a number of the local residents.

“Most of them love us being here, especially the kids,” he said. “When we go out, we take candy and stuffed animals to hand out, and they’re very appreciative.”

Pulig said he has tried to learn some of the basics of the native language, but relies on the interpreters to intercede during conversations.

He has also found time to visit the homes of some of the locals.

“Some have it a lot better than others,” he said, pointing to the high unemployment rate and the low wages of those who are fortunate in finding work.

Nurses, for instance, make approximately $175 per month.

“Many have a hard time paying their electric and water bills or putting food on the table,” he said.

Pulig said the opportunities have provided many life lessons.

“They are so different from us,” he said. “We’re always in a hurry to do everything; they enjoy sitting down and talking…about everything.

“Their mealtimes are an event, not something they rush through in order to get finished.”

Since his arrival, Pulig has received the Army Achievement Award, for assisting at an accident scene.

“As we were coming back from the British sector, we came on this accident and a little girl was lying in the road,” said Pulig.

Although he was not able to determine the cause of the traffic accident, the child suffered a gash in the back of her head and was unconscious on their arrival.

Pulig said he and the soldiers with him were able to give some basic first aid in order for those with the child to transport her to the local hospital.

When he is not on the road, Pulig said he spends much of his time at the base gymnasium or movie theater.

Occasionally, performers visit the base. Most recently, comedian Drew Carey spent an evening at Eagle Base entertaining the troops with a modified version of his show, Who’s Line Is It Anyway?

“He was great,” said Pulig.

Pulig’s activities and responsibilities were somewhat curtailed several weeks ago after it was discovered he had broken a bone in his foot.

He said he’d be confined to desk duty as it heals.

Pulig does look forward to coming home in March.

“This has been an experience I will never forget,” he said. “My life will never be the same. I’m looking forward to going back and sharing with those I work with at Adelphoi Village what I have learned here and how lucky we all are.”