April 20, 2017 1740 Vietnam Time Dong Ha

CHICKEN DISTRIBUTION TUESDAY APRIL 18

Scheduled for 0800, the chicken distribution ceremony was delayed 1½ hours due to a faulty battery in Khanh’s car. After replacement at the Hyundai dealership, we were on our way.

On arrival in Vinh Phu Commune, the 20 recipients (or designated representatives) were waiting patiently in the stifling heat. 1,000 chicks, 21 days of age, were corralled in a makeshift fenced area. Fortunately, watering devices had been provided to make the recently- feathered critters more comfortable during the distribution process. Immediately prior to getting started, I gave a brief description of the program, to include intent and funding source.  Credit was bestowed upon generous and caring contributors from the United States, plus some friends from Norway. Reference was also made to my 196^th Light Infantry comrades that served in Vietnam during the “American War”. Note the 196^th patch on the banner.  I further mentioned that Khanh of Hearts for Hue is instrumental in the success of my humanitarian program. Khanh coordinates purchases, is involved in recipient selection, makes banners, and more. Without him, I’d be up doo-doo creek without a paddle.  Really, it's a partnership.

Then came the task of loading the little peepers into a variety of both store-bought and homemade cages, one recipient at a time. It was quite the task catching and caging the scurrying, sun-drenched little things, with 50 going into each cage.  As each cage was loaded, it was strapped onto a motorbike or bicycle and taken home.  Even with our late arrival, coupled with extreme heat, the procedure went fine with zero chick fatalities.  With the cement dotted with chick droppings and remnant feathers lofting about in the breeze, we packed up the banner and headed back to Hue.

A special thank you goes out to Vy of Hearts for Hue, who rushed around feverishly on such a hot day with camcorder and camera, capturing this grand event. 

Here is a hot-of-the press article from Hearts for Hue's newsletter regarding this 1,000-chicken distribution:

Hearts for Hue Newsletter