What It Was Like to Be Interviewed By Jennings

Aug. 15, 2005 — -- "World News Tonight" recently caught up with Eki Foco, the 13-year old boy whose family was brought to America after he was interviewed by Peter Jennings during the war in Bosnia in 1994. What was it like for Eki, as a young teen when he moved to America? What did he think of Jennings and his TV crew when they approached him in Sarajevo? Here is a selection of his answers to your questions.

Note: These answers have not been edited by ABC News.

Michael in New York City asks: What do you remember most about your time with Peter when you were 13? Did you think of him as a typical Westerner, or something more special?

Eki Foco: Peter was everything but a typical Westerner. He showed so much enthusiasm, so many emotions. You could see in his eyes that he cared -- his words and his expressions. To this date I have yet to meet a man such as him. Peter was a mentor to me, someone I have always looked up to and tried to do just as much good as he did during his life. There are no words to describe him and his kindness and will to help.

Matt in Virginia asks: It must have been cool to be interviewed by Peter Jennings. Did he make you feel comfortable when he interviewed you? I know I would've been nervous, but I bet Peter made it good. Also, did you feel surprised when Peter showed up to your house that day? Thank you for your time.

Eki Foco: When the interview took place I felt more as I was having a conversation with a friend of mine, some one I can trust and express my problems and worries to. I was amazed at the way he presented himself and what he does. Even today it makes me want to become a person who can make a difference in other people's lives the way Peter did to me. When Peter showed up at my house I was speechless, and for the first time in my life I felt like someone actually cared for us and someone wants the world to know what is going on in the city that hosted Olympic Games. At that moment Peter was like a father to me.

Susan in Washington asks: What do you like the best about the United States? And do you still have family in Sarajevo?

Eki Foco: There are many things that I love about the United States so I will name just few. The fact that I can sleep at night without worrying about a bomb hitting my house or sniper shooting at me while riding my bike; the opportunity that lies in United States for anyone who has will and dedicates themselves to achievement.

I do still have a lot of family in Sarajevo including my uncle, aunt and grandfather. Most of my friends that I grew up with are scattered around the globe but many of them still live in Sarajevo.

Steve in Washington asks: When you recently appeared on "World News Tonight," they showed you keep a stop watch from Jennings near a photograph of the journalist in your home. What was the stop watch used for and does it still work?

Eki Foco: The stop watch was used for the preparation of the reports done by journalists and it is used to this day by all news agencies. Each second means difference between a great report and a failure. The watch has stopped working and I decided not to touch the batteries because I want to remember Peter the way he was in a way like the watch that has been unchanged.

Tama in Texas asks: I have heard you credit Peter Jennings for saving your life, but what about the couple who contacted Peter Jennings to get his help on getting you and your family out of Bosnia? Does your family have any contact with the American family?

Eki Foco: Yes. The family in California has become part of our family. We visit as often as possible. They were here in Michigan the second week of our arrival. They have visited me during my high school graduation and visited me while I was in the military.

Joann in New York asks: Have you decided what will be your major while in college and why? (I wish you all the best!)

Eki Foco: Right now I have decided for business management. It is difficult since I have always loved the cameras and lights and the scene around it. Even as a little kid I used to act out in front of entire family, the stand up comedy and plays. I was always intrigued by the three words: LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION. One day I hope that part of my dream becomes true. Until then business management is something that I do right now and I am very good at it. It is tough to decide.

Judith in Tennessee asks: Now that you have had time to live in America and experience the freedom that we enjoy in this country, how do you feel you will make a difference for your own people while here? Is there something, in particular, that Americans can do for those left to live with the conflicts in your country?

Eki Foco: It has been a privilege to come here and to live the dream. The way I try to help is by educating people in United States not only about Bosnia and Herzegovina but about other parts of the world. The best way to help is by investing in the economy of the war torn country which suffers right now as any other country in post war years. American people are mostly afraid of visiting Bosnia for their safety reasons and just as they are so are the people from other parts of the world. Tourism was one of the largest percentages of Bosnian economy prior to war time. Bringing tourists back will definitely help the economy. Who knows maybe one day we might have Winter Olympics in Sarajevo again.

Michelle in Florida writes: It is so nice to see what a wonderful young man you have become and I am sure Peter Jennings was very proud of you. I am curious what made you decide to join the U.S. Navy and serve for Operation Iraqi Freedom? How long were you there? Did you ever doubt your decision? My own father was in the Navy as well. I'm very proud of him that he was.

Eki Foco: While I served there was one question that we were never allowed to ask each other. Why did you serve? It is very difficult to answer that question with simplicity. My self personally felt that I owed something to give back to the country where I live and enjoy all the freedoms. Navy always intrigued me because of the traveling and going to different countries, meeting new cultures and helping out people in need. I believe that Peter's will to help others had shaped me into person that I am today.

Diana in Maryland writes: I'm a year older than you and served in the Navy as well. What was your rate while you were in?

Eki Foco: Hello shipmate :) I was Petty Officer 3rd class. I was a personellman but on board USS TR CVN71 I was serving as Master at Arms and as a part of Anti Terrorism Force Protection Team.

Michael in Austin, Texas, writes: How easy or difficult was it when you first had to adjust to the culture here in America?

Eki Foco: At first it was very difficult. Everything and I mean everything was different. Starting from language to culture and customs.

I spoke some English but my parents did not speak any. It was tough, very tough.

Patty in Dallas, Texas, asks: Will you ever return to Sarajevo or are you permanently in America?

Eki Foco: I visited Sarajevo in a weird twist of events. The ship I served on pulled into a port in Slovenia, which was 42 minute flight away from Sarajevo and luckily I had a chance to go and visit for four days. As far as moving back permanently I have not decided. It is a very difficult decision to make.

Tracy in Wisconsin writes: I am the same age as you, so I first heard about your story after Peter J's death. I watched it, and to no surprise Peter pulled through again. I was just wondering if you and Peter ever saw each other again after you were able to come to America?

Eki Foco: No unfortunately I was unable to meet with him again. Peter being the person he was, was always all around the world making reports and helping people out. And then I enlisted which made it even more difficult since I never knew where I was going to be for a longer time. I feel this emptiness inside because I have never had a chance to see him in person and to thank him for everything he has done. I wish I could have had that chance and that is one wound that will never heal on my heart.