Well, I've returned to the cabin and am making an effort to get back in the groove following a very busy and most memorable four weeks in Vietnam. The beautiful tapestry, presented at the ceremony involving the return of Lt. Kimball's razor, survived the trip from Da Nang and was waiting for me at the post office. The Buddha statue, purchased at Marble Mountain, also made it with flying colors. However, there was concern when I opened the luggage to discover notice of TSA inspection, which had to have taken place at LAX. My carefully packaged statue had been unwrapped and just tossed back into the bag haphazardly...typical. Anyway, now it's perched atop my old oak Gibson icebox.
I knew that my most precious cargo, Lt. Kimball's razor, would make it OK, as it was securely transported in my carry-on daypack. Now the method of getting it back to the family must be determined. It was an honor, after a year of effort, to be able return it to U.S. soil. I was amazed at the universal reception the story of the razor's return received. As mentioned, the event was broadcast on national TV and featured in many newspapers throughout Vietnam. Plus, I carried a copy of one newspaper article with me at all times and wasn't shy about showing it to folks. Young and old alike would shake my hand. A young soldier, who knew of Col. Tha (I think that he's a well-known man in Vietnam), grasped my hand with both of his and bowed. In my experience, American Vietnam War combat veterans are treated with high honor over there. Being showered with respect by the people of Vietnam, including their war veterans, is an honor that's difficult to describe.
Looming is the mission of making a water well for Duong a reality. The dust must settle a bit before I can even think of again surging forth...must recover first. The days following return always seem to be tough. I'll be back....
Neil
I knew that my most precious cargo, Lt. Kimball's razor, would make it OK, as it was securely transported in my carry-on daypack. Now the method of getting it back to the family must be determined. It was an honor, after a year of effort, to be able return it to U.S. soil. I was amazed at the universal reception the story of the razor's return received. As mentioned, the event was broadcast on national TV and featured in many newspapers throughout Vietnam. Plus, I carried a copy of one newspaper article with me at all times and wasn't shy about showing it to folks. Young and old alike would shake my hand. A young soldier, who knew of Col. Tha (I think that he's a well-known man in Vietnam), grasped my hand with both of his and bowed. In my experience, American Vietnam War combat veterans are treated with high honor over there. Being showered with respect by the people of Vietnam, including their war veterans, is an honor that's difficult to describe.
Looming is the mission of making a water well for Duong a reality. The dust must settle a bit before I can even think of again surging forth...must recover first. The days following return always seem to be tough. I'll be back....
Neil































































