March 25 2150 Vietnam Time Nha Trang

Finally made it to Nha Trang. In lieu of the originally planned formal ceremony, to which I and the Kimball family had objected, Tha quickly reacted and “saved the day” by suggesting an informal meeting at his home.  I am honestly elated. There will be some of Tha’s soldiers present, along with officials and, I’m told, a camera crew.  Unfortunately, Khanh will not be coming down, so we won’t have our own video capabilities. However, Thong has his Samsung tablet, so maybe we can ask someone to video.  Thong will be quite busy in his roll as interpreter. With extensive knowledge of my experiences and details of the Vietnam War, I could not ask for a better person to serve in this critical interpretive position.  The way I get all excited and ramble on, his skill will be tested to the limit. Anyway, the stage is set for an informal meeting, which is certainly a scenario to which I’m looking forward.  Nevertheless, reliving details of the May 6, 1968 meatgrinder battle, which pitted two platoons of Co. A 3/21 196^th Light Infantry against Major Tha’s battalion, will certainly be intensely saturating. Regardless, it’s going to happen.  I plan on leaving this meeting with Lt. William Kimball’s razor.

Adequate funds have been transferred to Khanh for the purpose of getting the ball rolling on ducks, pigs, fence, etc.   $80 covers 50 ducks & water “pond” and $60 a pig. Khanh and I will be delivering the critters in a week to the smiling, grateful recipients. So, if anyone would like to sponsor a pig or ducks, let me know. There’s still time if you act fast. I’ll even have photos and the name of the person that received your gift. How cool is that? The ducks provide meat, eggs, and a steady source of income. The pigs aren’t so great at laying eggs, but they have sizable litters …meat and income. All recipients are disabled and extremely poor. Caring for pigs and ducks creates a feeling of purpose, pride…and income.  I’m talking changing lives here. How often do you get an opportunity to do that for $60-80? 

OK, I must get some rest in order to be ready bright & early tomorrow. I'm really not sure what to expect....

Neil