Four busy, productive, rewarding, and often challenging weeks are drawing to a close. Having checked out of the hotel room, I'll be hanging out in the hotel lobby awaiting a 1600 departure to the airport for my 1900 flight. This is my fifth trip back to the U. S. from Vietnam, the first being 47 years ago. Leaving now dredges up memories of that February '69 flight, one that I honesty never expected to make....alive, at least.
I'm pleased with what has been accomplished during the course of this trip. Lt. Kimball's razor will soon be back on U. S. soil and returned to his family. If it works out, I will deliver it in person. Khanh of Hearts for Hue is to be given much credit for keeping an open dialogue with Colonel Tha through the last year. And Thong's (damn guide) presence at the ceremony was critical, as he knows my company's military history at Nhi Ha and is an excellent interpreter. I consider both Khanh and Thong to be my loyal, trustworthy, and sincere friends.
The trip to the former LZ Colt area (where I joined my infantry company in Feb '68) involved visits with Thua, Lady The, and Duong. Lady The is set with enough canned milk, vitamins, and joint medication to last one year....about $40 cash, too. Son's grave was visited and incense lighted. Thua, too, now has plenty of joint joint meds, vitamins, and pain relievers for at least a year. Further, I served as deliveryman for a nice gift from a 196th veteran who served with Thua during the war, as well as a 196th t-shirt. Thua and I paused to honor the memory of recently-passed Bill Bacon, who also served closely with him during the war. Duong was provided with pain & joint meds, vitamins, food, 196th t-shirts, a TV, and a little cash. Discussions took place involving drilling a well for this 196th veteran...possibly this summer.
Then there was the hot and challenging ascent of LZ East, located in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade's area of operations. Unlike 2011, the view from the top was hazy. So, I need to try it again on the next trip and hope for clear skies. Thong accompanied us to both the LZ Colt area and LZ East.
Near Hue, visits were made to Thuong, Ms. Hahn. and the one-legged ARVN veteran. In addition to small gifts, Thuong now has a new pig pen and his first-ever fridge. He is one elated camper. Each received either a pig or ducks, as well. In total, 10 pigs and 300 ducks were distributed to disabled individuals in a rural area near Hue. By the way, the banner at the distribution point was supposed to have read "Neil Hannan Donors". In the printing, the word "donors" was somehow omitted....sorry. But, I make sure that everyone knows that our efforts are made possible through all of you and that I'm just the facilitator. We were treated to a fine meal at Thuong's house....very tasty. Khanh and I work together to "make it happen" in the Hue area. The contribution of his time and knowledge of the area are invaluable.
In Nhi Ha, with the guidance and assistance of Nhung of D.O.V. E. Fund, 1,200 writing tablets were distributed to the elementary school. We also toured the kindergarten facility, which is in dire need of repair. Such a project is well beyond our means, but maybe new cubbies would be doable. Mr. Ba, leader of all area VC troops during the war, was given a new rice cooker. He also accompanied us to the local VC/NVA cemetery and to the monument to the May 6, 1968 battle with my infantry company. At the battle site, a memorial was held for Lt. William Kimball, followed by another in honor of all 196th Infantry veterans who died fighting in and near Nhi Ha. As has been my custom, candy was distributed to Nhi Ha's children. Nhung was with us every step of the way, which I appreciate immensely. I feel that future trips to this area will focus on schools and the children of Nhi Ha, a hamlet that was bombed into a pile of rubble during the war. memories abound...
Spending time with Khanh in Hue and Thong in Da Nang was a treat, as always. Without their help, I'd be as effective as boat with no rudder. I can't thank them enough....
The above is an effort to just skim through the highlights of the last four weeks. More detail is available throughout the blog, though. Thanks to all for your interest and support, without which none of this could happen. It has all been amazing. I'll get periodic emails out regarding the status of our effort here in Vietnam. Also, I am open to any comments, suggestions, or criticism. For being "small potatoes", we sure are getting much accomplished...changing lives. We stretch the heck out of a dollar. Well, the currency here is actually dong, but you get the idea.
For now, though, I need to repack my bag and prepare to board the big bird for the flight home. Back to "The World", as we used to say...although it seemed very unlikely that we'd ever get there alive. I'll sign off with a goodbye salute from Duong...
Neil
I'm pleased with what has been accomplished during the course of this trip. Lt. Kimball's razor will soon be back on U. S. soil and returned to his family. If it works out, I will deliver it in person. Khanh of Hearts for Hue is to be given much credit for keeping an open dialogue with Colonel Tha through the last year. And Thong's (damn guide) presence at the ceremony was critical, as he knows my company's military history at Nhi Ha and is an excellent interpreter. I consider both Khanh and Thong to be my loyal, trustworthy, and sincere friends.
The trip to the former LZ Colt area (where I joined my infantry company in Feb '68) involved visits with Thua, Lady The, and Duong. Lady The is set with enough canned milk, vitamins, and joint medication to last one year....about $40 cash, too. Son's grave was visited and incense lighted. Thua, too, now has plenty of joint joint meds, vitamins, and pain relievers for at least a year. Further, I served as deliveryman for a nice gift from a 196th veteran who served with Thua during the war, as well as a 196th t-shirt. Thua and I paused to honor the memory of recently-passed Bill Bacon, who also served closely with him during the war. Duong was provided with pain & joint meds, vitamins, food, 196th t-shirts, a TV, and a little cash. Discussions took place involving drilling a well for this 196th veteran...possibly this summer.
Then there was the hot and challenging ascent of LZ East, located in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade's area of operations. Unlike 2011, the view from the top was hazy. So, I need to try it again on the next trip and hope for clear skies. Thong accompanied us to both the LZ Colt area and LZ East.
Near Hue, visits were made to Thuong, Ms. Hahn. and the one-legged ARVN veteran. In addition to small gifts, Thuong now has a new pig pen and his first-ever fridge. He is one elated camper. Each received either a pig or ducks, as well. In total, 10 pigs and 300 ducks were distributed to disabled individuals in a rural area near Hue. By the way, the banner at the distribution point was supposed to have read "Neil Hannan Donors". In the printing, the word "donors" was somehow omitted....sorry. But, I make sure that everyone knows that our efforts are made possible through all of you and that I'm just the facilitator. We were treated to a fine meal at Thuong's house....very tasty. Khanh and I work together to "make it happen" in the Hue area. The contribution of his time and knowledge of the area are invaluable.
In Nhi Ha, with the guidance and assistance of Nhung of D.O.V. E. Fund, 1,200 writing tablets were distributed to the elementary school. We also toured the kindergarten facility, which is in dire need of repair. Such a project is well beyond our means, but maybe new cubbies would be doable. Mr. Ba, leader of all area VC troops during the war, was given a new rice cooker. He also accompanied us to the local VC/NVA cemetery and to the monument to the May 6, 1968 battle with my infantry company. At the battle site, a memorial was held for Lt. William Kimball, followed by another in honor of all 196th Infantry veterans who died fighting in and near Nhi Ha. As has been my custom, candy was distributed to Nhi Ha's children. Nhung was with us every step of the way, which I appreciate immensely. I feel that future trips to this area will focus on schools and the children of Nhi Ha, a hamlet that was bombed into a pile of rubble during the war. memories abound...
Spending time with Khanh in Hue and Thong in Da Nang was a treat, as always. Without their help, I'd be as effective as boat with no rudder. I can't thank them enough....
The above is an effort to just skim through the highlights of the last four weeks. More detail is available throughout the blog, though. Thanks to all for your interest and support, without which none of this could happen. It has all been amazing. I'll get periodic emails out regarding the status of our effort here in Vietnam. Also, I am open to any comments, suggestions, or criticism. For being "small potatoes", we sure are getting much accomplished...changing lives. We stretch the heck out of a dollar. Well, the currency here is actually dong, but you get the idea.
For now, though, I need to repack my bag and prepare to board the big bird for the flight home. Back to "The World", as we used to say...although it seemed very unlikely that we'd ever get there alive. I'll sign off with a goodbye salute from Duong...
Neil
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| Duong, Scout- 2nd Platoon, Company A, 3/21Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade |
Neil, the next time you get back to Versailles, let me know. I would love to drive over and visit you. I wonder if we went to Vietnam at the same time? After AIT, I came back to Sidney and got married (almost didn't make it in time). I reported for Fort Lewis on January 3, 1968 thinking I'm heading to Vietnam. I ended up staying there until February 5 when 3 C141 plane loads of us left Fort Lewis/McChord Air Force Base with stops in Hawaii, Wake Island, & Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, then landing right in Chu Lai. We went directly to the beach and the combat center for a few days or orientation, then went to our companies. Were we together at Fort Lewis in January 1968 and didn't know it? Take care and WELCOME HOME, again.
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