Admittedly, it has been some months since you've heard from me regarding our Vietnam endeavor. Although homestead projects/chores demanded the majority of my time through the summer/fall, that doesn't mean that the mission in Vietnam has stagnated. With a temp of -30F/-34.4C, lots of snow, and the woodbox filled, this is a good time to fill you in with what's happening.
You may recall that during my last trip a water well for Duong, the 196th Infantry Veteran who lost both legs in the war, was discussed. Well, in June funds were transferred for that project and, shortly thereafter, the mission was accomplished. So, now Duong has water. Thong, my friend & guide, transported the funds to Duong and served as project coordinator. We have improved his house, constructed a cement path, provided a fan, TV, rice cooker, vitamins/meds & a hand-driven cart..and now a well. At this point, his needs are basically an adequate supply of food and vitamins/meds. It is my understanding that a veteran from Michigan continues to send money to him each month for food. So, that leaves us with just provision of vitamins/meds.
Duong with Well Funds Thong Delivering Funds
This summer, several kind folks from Michigan, Ohio, and Maryland contacted me with an interest in supplying ducks and pigs for disabled/needy families. So, Khanh of Hearts for Hue and I worked together to make that happen. Thanks for caring and generosity.
Household of Mr Vo Van Tai
- Address: Group 11, Huong Van Commune, Huong Tra Town
- Family Situation: Mr Tai has 4 school aged children. Doing farm work and animal husbandry only generates a meager income. Thanks to the program, they are very happy to receive piglet.
Household of Ms Nguyen Thi Hoai
- Address: Group 1, Huong Van Commune, Huong Tra Town
- Family situation: This family lives in near poverty with Ms Hoai who has mental illness. Currently, Ms Hoai lives with her older sister’s family. Ms Hoai can raise animals, plant vegetables and do simple housework.
Household of Mrs Ho Thi Sau
- Address: Group 11, Huong Van Commune, Huong Tra Town
- Family situation: The family’s main income is from husbandry and planting.
Household of Mrs Tran Thi Nga
- Address: Group 11, Huong Van Commune, Huong Tra Town
- Family situation: Mrs Nga is living with a disability. The local authority has provided a Disability Living Allowance of 360,000 vnd (16USD) per month for her. Her main income is from the rice field and chickens/ducks raising.
Household of Mrs Tran Thi Sen
- Address: Group 1, Huong Van Commune, Huong Tra Town
- Family situation: Mrs Sen is living with epilepsy. She lives with her younger brother. Planting and raising animals only generate a small income for them.
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When visiting Nhi Ha School during this past trip, the deplorable condition of the kid's personal storage compartments was noted. You probably recall that Nhi Ha is the site of a battle fought during two weeks in May '68 between the the 196th Light Infantry Brigade and North Vietnamese forces. A month or so ago, working with Nhung, who resides in nearby Dong Ha, we provided one set of "cubbies" for the school. Impressed with the quality, I just yesterday transferred funds to Nhung for the purpose of purchasing two more sets. That region was a desolate war-ravaged wasteland when I was there in May '68....memories of that battle are punishing. Being able to now help Nhi Ha provides a very positive feeling.
Nhi Ha School Cubbies
On this year's trip, it was my intent to fund piglets for five families in Nhi Ha. However, I advised Nhung of my plan just a couple days prior to departing Hue for Dong Ha, which was inadequate lead time. It has now been decided to proceed with piglets for these five families. However, with monsoon rain and flooding common for the next couple months, we'll make it happen in February. The families were selected and promised back in April, but we just couldn't make it happen. So, before long that promise will be fulfilled. I'd really like to provide ten piglets and the need is there. But this past trip, coupled with our ongoing humanitarian work, has reduced the Vietnam account to an amount just adequate to cover five piglets. Our work is having a most significant impact on the families fortunate enough to receive our help. To be honest, a depleted fund and the planning/coordination required
So, I will focus on making plans to return in April/May, one month later than usual.
Thong has been in touch with The, Duong, and Thua during the months since my April departure. The, in her 90's, has had stomach surgery and is doing OK. I'm told that the pain meds that we provided this year have come in handy. Contacts with Duong and Thua reveal that all is well. Really, all I need to supply in 2017 is food for Lady The and vitamins/meds for all three.
It is my intent to meet once again with Col.Tha, the North Vietnamese commander with whom my unit fought at Nhi Ha in May '68. There's a chance, however slim, that I'll be able to retrieve items, such as dog tags, taken from our fallen comrades' bodies following the May 6 battle with my company. This is a long shot, but I've already paved the way. Remember, Lt. Kimball's razor was secured this year...a miracle in itself.
That's it in a nutshell, folks. Other than two more sets of cubbies for Nhi Ha School and five piglets for the Nhi Ha area, the focus will be on hopefully rebuilding the depleted fund to the extent that the April/May 2017 trip will be meaningful, rewarding, and successful. Regardless, I'm going.
Thanks to everyone for your support. I make sure that every penny is used wisely.
Neil
Neil Hannan
HC 60 Box 135
Copper Center, AK 99573
neil@alaskaneil.com
