Okay, so exactly what, for you, is the "old country?"
Former Yugoslavia. Parts where I lived are now independent states: born in Bosnia-Herzegovina, lived in Croatia and Serbia (I am an ethnic Serb though). I believe that you would have had a chance to visit at least Croatia while you were with the Navy, no?
As my attorney has pointed out previously, I also lived for almost a decade in United Kingdom (I am sure you were there) and sometimes I will still refer to it as "back home" - I don't know why is that.
Chicago is home now and USA is the Country (hence "back in the old country"), as it will take an act of God to get me on a move again.