Slowing for the Rough Stuff

Book excerpt: The complexities of war are only truly known when you’ve experienced it. From 1992 to 1994, Jonathan Jones, an ex-serviceman of the Gloucestershire Regiment, found himself in the depths of chaos while providing humanitarian aid as a civilian truck driver in the former Yugoslavia. As part of the British Convoy Team, Jones, along with other civilian truck drivers, were able to access areas cut off to the military; allowing much-needed supplies to reach those who were affected by the war the most—the people. With funding from the British Government and support from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the duties of truck driving were clear, but the truth behind it was not. Part history, part memoir, Slowing for the Rough Stuff discusses the economic and political landscape of this volatile war prior to the British Convoy Team’s arrival. Jones delves into the challenging situations faced by the UNHCR Convoy teams of political red tape, the black market, and facing death every day. Slowing for the Rough Stuff will keep you on the edge of your seat while you learn and witness the true events surrounding civilian truck drivers in the warzone of the former Yugoslavia.