An 8-hour train journey transported Thong and I from Saigon to Nha Trang yesterday. Following check-in at the hotel, we taxied to a restaurant owned and operated by Thong's niece for a visit and something to eat. Very tasty dinner and great company.
It's way too early to be up, but I've been wide awake for a couple hours. That's unfortunate, as today is my third meeting with Col. Tha in as many trips....should be sharp and on my toes. Unlike last year's event, published in all newspapers and broadcast on both local and national TV, today should be somewhat casual. You'll remember Col. Tha as the commander of the NVA forced with whom my unit fought at Nhi Ha (DMZ) May 6, 1968. Here are a couple articles from last year's meeting with my former foe:
Lt. Kimball Razor Retrieval
Copper River Record May 2016 ( I think that that it will download, then you can access from there)
Any way you cut it, meeting with Col. Tha is a sobering experience for me. The feeling derived from sitting with the man who led his battalion in battle against my infantry company, with numerous casualties on both sides, is impossible to describe. I find Tha to be a humble, sincere, and honorable man.
It's my understanding that this afternoon the government's veteran's council wishes to meet with me. I am very fortunate to have my good friend and interpreter, Thong (aka Damn Guide), by my side through all of this. It was Thong who, during my 'Nam return trip in 2010, was instrumental in helping me find Son, the "little girl" who was the embryo for this humanitarian program. Son lives on through our efforts....
I will post again to advise as to the events of the day.
Neil
It's way too early to be up, but I've been wide awake for a couple hours. That's unfortunate, as today is my third meeting with Col. Tha in as many trips....should be sharp and on my toes. Unlike last year's event, published in all newspapers and broadcast on both local and national TV, today should be somewhat casual. You'll remember Col. Tha as the commander of the NVA forced with whom my unit fought at Nhi Ha (DMZ) May 6, 1968. Here are a couple articles from last year's meeting with my former foe:
Lt. Kimball Razor Retrieval
Copper River Record May 2016 ( I think that that it will download, then you can access from there)
Any way you cut it, meeting with Col. Tha is a sobering experience for me. The feeling derived from sitting with the man who led his battalion in battle against my infantry company, with numerous casualties on both sides, is impossible to describe. I find Tha to be a humble, sincere, and honorable man.
It's my understanding that this afternoon the government's veteran's council wishes to meet with me. I am very fortunate to have my good friend and interpreter, Thong (aka Damn Guide), by my side through all of this. It was Thong who, during my 'Nam return trip in 2010, was instrumental in helping me find Son, the "little girl" who was the embryo for this humanitarian program. Son lives on through our efforts....
I will post again to advise as to the events of the day.
Neil
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