JOHN

From humble beginnings, in a small farming and self-sustaining community in Western Bosnia, all the way to Gwinnett County, Georgia. How did it all happen and why?

I was born and raised in a Communist country. Singing songs and celebrating our "great leader" were common teachings in school. This conformity was one-sided and never challenged due to the brainwashing with the awareness of what could happen if the system was challenged. Everything was owned by the government and if one wanted to be appointed to a job (find a job), good political behavior and celebration of the local communist leaders were expected, otherwise, life would be hard.

My father didn't want to be seen with anyone that was a party member --or let alone join the party-- so all of his life (and ours) was a struggle, a struggle for freedom. The only job he was awarded happened to be 400 miles away and therefore his whole life consisted of long trips and being able to see his family once a month. My mother took care of our many acres of crops, fruits, and vegetables, including seven children, and since I was the oldest there was no time in my life that I didn't work, to help ends meet.  

It would have been easy for my father to join the party, he could have been awarded a local job and spend time with his children, which he deeply desired. For him; principles, dignity, and a sense of pride were of the utmost importance, and he never wavered in his decision. My parents were very strict in school attendance with only one exception; to never attend Marxism class.