By RACHEL HARRIS

A St. Rose native and fifth generation serviceman returned to the United States last month after a seven-month peace-keeping mission in Kosovo.

Army Sgt. Jack Zogg, a 1996 graduate of Destrehan High School, served in Operation Joint Guardian, which conducted patrols along the Macedonian and Serbian borders to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling activities in Kosovo. Zogg joined the Army in 1997 and is stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga. He belongs to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry.

“I actually enjoy being in the service because it lets the rest of America know we are here for something. Now that it (Sept. 11 terrorist attacks) has happened, I think people have more respect for the military,” Zogg said. “It gives them an idea of what we do daily.”

Zogg said he appreciates the support of the American people. There were even schools that sent cookies to the soldiers in Kosovo.

While in Kosovo, soldiers helped the communities, sent soldiers into schools, taught English to students, and tried to improve relations between the two countries. It was important to show “who we are and what we do,” Zogg said.

The U.S. military also set up check points to prevent the smuggling of drugs and weapons. The prevention of fights between the different factions was a major focus in the mission, according to Zogg.

“We were there to make sure there were no fights, no weapons, and make sure it wasn’t out of control,” he said.

There was an additional challenge on the mission to Kosovo. Less than two weeks before the unit left, there was an earthquake in the Balkans. The U.S. military, along with the United Nations peacekeepers, helped the local community by assuring safety, sending inspectors to evaluate buildings, and providing shelters for the people of Kosovo.

Zogg was only able to contact his family while in Kosovo through the Red Cross and by mail.

Hugh Zogg, fourth generation U.S. Marine and Jack’s father, said he is very proud of his son for making a career out of the military.

In fact, the elder Zogg, a “service brat” as he calls himself, said he thinks everyone should serve some time in the military.

Hugh Zogg and his wife, Roxanna, are also proud of their daughter who recently completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

The former residents of St. Rose currently reside in Ponchatoula.

Hugh Zogg said he has had no change of opinion regarding military service since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Virginia. He is proud of Jack and his service to the country, but Hugh Zogg said he is always glad to see his son come home.

Upon his return, Jack Zogg received the Kosovo Campaign Medal and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal.

Each solider returning from Kosovo was awarded the two medals, he said.

Jack Zogg and his wife, Mary, have two daughters, Amber, 2, and Alexis, 1.