March 30 0700 Vietnam Time Da Nang

Today will find me leaving Da Nang and traveling to the LZ Colt area, the spot where I first choppered  into my infantry unit as a green arrival in Feb. '68. It was also there that I, days after arrival, carried Son to safety.  Gifts of food have been purchased, vitamins & pain/joint meds ready, and it's off to The, Duong, and Thua in about 1 1/2 hours. Thong and a news reporter, Andy, will join  in. It is Thong who was instrumental in finding Son in 2010 and who has been with me on both return visits in 2011 and 2015. This humanitarian work seems to serve as a healing of sorts between the U.S. and Vietnam, as does the historic event involving the return of Lt. Kimball's razor. To tell you the truth,  I've surprisingly found that U.S. veterans of the Vietnam War are held in high regard here, even by former NVA soldiers. Yesterday, through Thong, I conversed with an NVA veteran who shook my hand, asked to see me '68 photos, and was genuinely interested in my military service. I have seen no animosity. Anyway, this is shaping up to be a full and rewarding day. Although it's sad to see it abandoned, my intent is to visit The and Son's old house. Incense will be lit and placed at her nearby grave.  Time marches on...must make the most it.

Yesterday I found a place to print and laminate two news articles involving the return of Lt. Kimball's razor.  The shop owners recognized me from having already seen the articles.  The map used by our company commander at the Nhi Ha battle May 2-16, 1968, given to me by Bill Karp, our company medic, was also copied and laminated. You know, I'm trying to get Doc Karp to come back over here with me. Maybe it will be necessary to fly to Houston and "docnap" the guy.  Next year...or sooner?

Would you believe 9 pigs and 300 ducks (with "pond") that Khanh and I will be delivering April 4?
This is going to be huge.  Quack. Oink.

OK, time to get my butt in gear. I have added a few photos of my "reunion" with Son in 2010.

Neil