American Lieutenant Colonel in Belgrade on the Military, People, and Unusual Challenges – A Quiet but Strong Partnership

One of them is Lieutenant Colonel Daniel O'Connor, head of the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade. In an interview with Newsmax Balkans, he reveals what daily diplomatic-military cooperation between the two countries looks like and shares personal stories from Iraq, Afghanistan, and even barefoot races across seven continents.

"Our goal is to strengthen cooperation between the U.S. military and the host country’s military. In this case, it’s Serbia — and we’re doing a lot," says O'Connor.

His job includes everything — from helping the Serbian Armed Forces with equipment procurement, sending Serbian officers to U.S. military academies, to humanitarian projects in local communities. In just one year, his office organizes over a hundred military and civilian events.

"Soon we’ll be in Prokuplje, opening a school we helped renovate. The next day, we’ll hold a strategic dialogue with the Ministry of Defense. No two days are the same — it’s a mildly controlled chaos," he adds with a smile.

Lieutenant Colonel O'Connor, who has had an extensive career in crisis zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan, highlights two key values that unite American and Serbian soldiers: interoperability and human closeness.

"You can give me a soldier from New Zealand, Congo, or Serbia — after a few hours and maybe a couple of drinks, we’re all telling the same stories. These are the people who make the difference," he explains.

The Serbian Army, he says, is highly professional, well-trained, and efficient.

"Serbs think very similarly to Americans — about the world, security, threats — which makes cooperation feel natural," the American officer states.

Leadership Can't Be Learned from a Book

A key part of the conversation focused on his personal leadership experience, especially during his time in Iraq, where he led daily military missions.

"There you realize it’s not about you — it’s about the people around you. You have a huge responsibility to bring them home alive and well. That changes you," O'Connor says.

When asked if he ever felt fear, he responds simply:

"No. It’s more of a heightened awareness, maybe slight nervousness. But not fear."

Barefoot Around the World: From Inspiration to Personal Philosophy

O'Connor is not just a military leader — he's also a marathon runner, paratrooper, polyglot, and enthusiast of extreme challenges. His hobby? Running barefoot in the snow — all around the world.

"It started when I saw an older man running barefoot. I thought — if he can do it, so can I. First in all 50 U.S. states, then on all seven continents. Now it’s become a personal philosophy," he explains.

For him, physical challenges are a form of resistance to routine.

"I don’t want to live a boring life. The military gave me a chance to try something different — and I embraced it," says O'Connor.

Diplomat, Soldier, Linguist

In addition to speaking fluent Russian and French, O'Connor is learning Serbian — two lessons a week, despite occasional mistakes that make him revert to Russian expressions.

"My instructor constantly corrects me — ‘Danny, no! That’s not Serbian!’ But I’m trying. Language is a key tool for understanding culture and people," he says with a laugh.

His academic background includes studies in ancient Mediterranean civilizations, which he says provided a good foundation for understanding diplomacy and international relations.

Attached to the People of Serbia

When asked what he’ll take with him from Serbia back to America, he answers without hesitation — the people.

"Of course, there’s the history, food, culture — but what makes a mission truly great are the people. Serbs and Americans have more in common than we think. That’s the message I’ll take home," he shares.

As a message to young people considering a military or diplomatic career, O'Connor says:

"At first, everyone wants to see the world, have an adventure. But the true meaning of service is sacrifice. Putting others before yourself. If you have that value within you — this is the job for you," he concludes.

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