The Story of Adnan Secic

Adnan Secic was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and like many others, witnessed his homeland fall into turmoil during the early 1990s. As a veteran of the Bosnian War and later a professional with the United Nations in Sarajevo, Adnan found himself working closely with U.S. forces. In the heart of the conflict, amid the siege and suffering, bonds were formed—ones built not on shared nationality but on shared mission and mutual respect.

Adnan later moved to the United States, where he became a citizen in 1999 and built a successful life as an engineer, consultant, educator, and family man. With over three decades of experience across fields including aerospace, consumer products, and education, he never lost sight of those moments in Sarajevo when partnerships across uniforms saved lives and shaped futures.

Out of his lived experience came AAVS - a bridge between those who served and supported U.S. missions abroad and the American communities they now call home.

Through AAVS, Adnan invites others to tell their story. Every member has a journey that deserves recognition, from translators in Afghanistan and mechanics in Iraq to allied NATO soldiers who now live in the United States. This is where their voices can be heard and honored.

Adnan, born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, survived the Bosnian War before moving to the US.and before immigrating to the U.S. with his family in 1995. Now an engineer in Cincinnati with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Project Manager career at GE Aerospace, he’s built a new life rooted in resilience and opportunity.

Click on the photo to hear Adnan's story as told to PBS.