The Children's Hero

“I remember displaced families and people running across streets as fast as they could run. We had a lot of trouble with snipers at the time.” His face stern as scenes of Bosnia shadow across it. “Also, the absence of color. The villages were shell ridden and dreary. It was a very depressing place. I feel our presence made a difference and I am proud that NATO intervened.”

The Bosnian war was an international armed conflict that started in April of 1992 and was fought to December 1995. Many heinous war crimes were committed during that time that included genocide, mass rape and psychological oppression.

Kevin Stone , now at 36 years of age, and his unit spent eighteen months establishing and then preserving peace during and after the war. He has seen many things that would shatter the spirit of an average human being. “I had never seen death before until Bosnia. I appreciate life more now based on my military experiences.” After seeing what war brings, how would that affect someones life? How would it change them? Kevin's military past would abruptly decide his civilian future for him.

His green eyes are gazing at the photos of family and fellow soldiers on the crimson walls of his office. The 36 year old sitting back in his computer chair, runs his hand through his short dark hair and asks me if I'd like to see some of the stuff he brought back from his time spent overseas. I gather my things from the interview and follow the stocky 5'7” veteran. Kevin leads me back down a flight of carpeted stairs back to the living room area where a glass hutch is proudly displaying various objects from different parts of the world.

“My highest award is the Army Commendation medal, but I am most proud of my Schützenschnur.” He points to a beautifully braided silver cord that is wrapped around the Bundeswehr eagle medal at the top. The Bundeswehr Schützenschnur is awarded to enlisted soldiers for weapons proficiency with a G36 German service rifle, a P8 pistol, and an MG3 machine gun. Quite an accomplishment seeing as it is not often that many American soldiers are offered that opportunity.

Upon finishing his military career, Kevin would join the health services field. His experiences in Honduras and Bosnia would influence this decision. “I did not think so at first, but I believe so now. I remember the children in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I pulled guard on a school for a few weeks and had a great time with the children. They thought all Americans ate MREs. They would beg for "lunch buckets" and pencils. I noticed there was a greater need once NATO pulled out. I assume that is why I went into social work when I left the Army.” His caring nature would serve him well in helping children in need. “Once I started working with children, I loved it. Each kid is so special in their own memorable way.”

Over the course of four years, Kevin would conduct child welfare investigations and certify foster parents as a Child Welfare Specialist. He also built child welfare cases and would testify in court on some occasions. Most cases were difficult but some were worse than others. Kevin recalls all the cases involving child deaths but one case in particular he wishes he could have changed. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made and this one was regarding the placement of an infant with his father. “The father, a Soldier, murdered the child. There was no reason to deny the placement, but hindsight is 20/20.”

Wanting to raise a family, Kevin left the health services field and now works for the department of defense. “I knew I could not work in this field and come home to my daughter each night. It is too emotionally draining. You have a tendency to think of your own children while investigating. It's hard not to act on your emotions when interviewing alleged perpetrators. Generally, the work is too hard on a person.”

Kevin agrees that with difficult careers behind him, the health services field guided how he would raise his daughter. “I feel it has made me a better father. I have more patience and enjoy the time I have with my Isabella.” This soldier's story may or may not be unique but there is something to be said for someone who has seen war and continued on to not only lead a normal life, but help others to live normal lives as well.

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