Andrej Misko-Špilecki

This chapter presents the story of Andrej Misko-Špilecki, who spent twenty-one months in Afghanistan. When Misko-Špilecki returned home, Vilnius was very different. Socially and politically, the climate of the nation was shifting as the USSR was on the brink of dissolution. It took some time for Misko-Špilecki to feel comfortable again in this uncertain environment. In reflecting on his war experiences, he claims that his service was “normal” for the time. Overall, the most significant lasting impact of Misko-Špilecki's service has been a new outlook. He learned that there are things one cannot avoid and things one cannot stop. He also became more sensitive.